The updated Volkswagen Polo has been penciled in for a local launch in January 2022. The new model picks up where the current generation left off with a total sales figure of almost 80 000 units since its introduction in 2018.
The updated Volkswagen Polo now sports a new exterior design with a new bumper and tailgate. The front has a distinctive day time and night time light signature which includes a new LED light strip along the radiator grille in conjunction with the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps. The hatch has taken this design cue from the ID models as well as the Golf. These were the first Volkswagens to have an LED crossbar in the front.
The updated Volkswagen Polo will be available in eight exterior colours. This includes Ascot Grey, Smoky Grey Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, Vibrant Violet Metallic, Pure White, Reflex Silver Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect.
The interior of the updated Volkswagen Polo now boasts a digital cockpit, a re-designed multi-function steering wheel, new-generation infotainment systems and wireless App-Connect (optional feature). The dashboard is characterised by a horizontal design.
All modules except the air conditioning are integrated into the dashboard’s upper crossbar with the infotainment system screen located in the centre. In the R-Line and Polo GTI derivatives, the dual-zone climatronic air conditioner now has touch panels and sliders which replace the knobs and buttons in the previous generation.
The Polo range is available with a choice of three infotainment systems. These being the Composition Colour with a 6,5-inch display (standard in the 70 kW and 85 kW Polo and Life), Composition Media with an 8,0-inch display (standard in the 85 kW R-Line and Polo GTI) and an 8,0-inch Discover Media system with navigation, wireless App-Connect, Voice Control, inductive mobile charging and a multi-colour Digital Cockpit Pro (optional feature on the Life, R-Line and GTI models).
An optional IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist feature is optional for the updated Volkswagen Polo range. This includes the new predictive Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist to create a new system which enables semi-automated driving.
Optional driver assistance systems in the Polo include Front Assist and Pedestrian Monitoring. In its class, the new Polo is a leader when it comes to the innovative spectrum of driver assistance systems on offer.
The Volkswagen Polo has also moved to the brand’s new naming convention. Previously, it was available in the Trendline (base model), Comfortline (mid-level) and Highline (premium) versions. The new naming convention features the Polo version (base model), Polo Life (mid-level) and R-Line (premium). The new Polo will also be available in a GTI derivative.
The entry-level Volkswagen Polo boasts a set of LED headlamps and taillamps and a new multifunction steering wheel. In this trim there is a range of features which come standard such as App-Connect, Composition Colour system, 14-inch steel wheels, a Bluetooth mobile phone interface, electronically adjusted and heated exterior mirrors, electric windows, door handles and exterior mirror caps in the vehicle colour as well as a high quality dashboard panel. The seat covers in the entry-level Polo are in a ‘Basket’ style fabric with a dark Liquorice Black dashboard trim. The entry level Polo can be customised with 15-inch Essex alloy wheels and a smoker’s package.
The Volkswagen Polo Life includes additional standard features such as 15-inch Essex alloy wheels, a centre armrest with an additional USB-C port in the middle of the passenger compartment and leather trim on the steering wheel and gear knob. The seats in the Polo Life are upholstered in the high-quality ‘Slash’ fabric with matching interior Lava Stone Black décor.
Optional features in the Polo Life are the panoramic sunroof, IQ. Light LED matrix headlights, 16-inch Torsby alloy wheels, Composition Media system with inductive mobile charging, Discover Media system (with navigation, wireless App-Connect, Voice Control, inductive mobile charging and the multi-colour Digital Cockpit Pro), Rear view Camera, Comfort Park Package (keyless entry, Park Assist and Rear view camera), Safety Package for Manual (Travel Assist consisting of Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed Limiter and Lane Assist, multi-function Camera, Pedestrian Monitoring and Front Assist), Safety Package for DSG (Travel Assist consisting of Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed Limiter and Lane Assist, multi-function Camera, Pedestrian Monitoring and Front Assist), NCAP Package (Power adjustable, folding and heated exterior mirrors, Lane Assist, multi-function Camera and Front Assist), keyless entry and a smoker’s package.
The Volkswagen Polo R-Line’s bumpers are distinguished from all other Polo versions by their R design cues. In the front bumper, the gloss black cross and longitudinal bars of the air intakes convey a unique and dynamic character. A diffuser with chrome integrated exhaust panels in the lower part of the rear also distinguishes this model from the Polo and Life equipment versions.
Standard features in the R-Line include 16-inch Valencia alloy wheels, dual-zone climatronic air conditioner and the Composition Media system with inductive mobile charging. The dashboard trim is a Grey Anodised Matte with ‘R-Line’ fabric seats.
Optional features in the Polo R-Line are the panoramic sunroof, 17-inch Bergamo alloy wheels, IQ. Light LED matrix headlights, Discover Media System (with navigation, wireless App-Connect, Voice Control, inductive mobile charging and the multi-colour Digital Cockpit Pro), ‘beats’ sound system, Rear view Camera, Comfort Park Package (keyless entry, Park Assist and Rear view camera), Safety Package (Travel Assist consisting Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed Limiter and Lane Assist, multi-function Camera, Pedestrian Monitoring and Front Assist), NCAP Package (Power adjustable, folding and heated exterior mirrors, Lane Assist, multi-function Camera and Front Assist), keyless entry and a smoker’s package.
The Volkswagen Polo GTI remains the range-topper in terms of power, technology and sportiness. The iconic design features legendary GTI insignia, such as the red strip in the radiator grille, the honeycomb structure of the air intake grille, red brake callipers and GTI lettering on the radiator grille.
The Polo GTI is equipped with sports suspension that is specially tuned for the vehicle. This lowers the body by 15 mm and combines solid driving dynamics, reliable neutrality and very good driving comfort typical for GTI models.
Driving profile selection is standard in the new Polo GTI and offers four driving modes of Eco, Individual, Normal and Sport. Within defined limits, the modes allow the driver to make individual settings that have a direct effect on vehicle handling. The Polo GTI is only available in four exterior colours such as Pure White, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Kings Red Metallic and Reef Blue Metallic.
The interior of the updated Volkswagen Polo GTI is just as unmistakable as its exterior. The dominating colours in the interior are black, red, grey and chrome. As typical for GTI models, the roof pillars and headliner are Titanium Black. The trim on the dash panel is now finished in a striking Kings Red glossy colour.
Standard features in the Polo GTI are the dual-zone climatronic air conditioning, IQ. Light LED matrix headlights, 17-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels and the Composition Media system with inductive mobile charging.
Optional features in the updated Volkswagen Polo GTI include the panoramic sunroof, Deep Iron Grey dashboard trim, 18-inch Faro alloy wheels, Discover Media System (with navigation, wireless App-Connect, Voice Control, inductive mobile charging and the multi-colour Digital Cockpit Pro), ‘beats’ sound system, leather seat package, Rear view Camera, Comfort Park Package (keyless entry, Park Assist and Rear view camera), Safety Package (Travel Assist consisting of Adaptive Cruise Control, ‘stop-and-go’ Speed Limiter and Lane Assist, Pedestrian Monitoring and Front Assist), NCAP Package (Power adjustable, folding and heated exterior mirrors, Lane Assist, and Front Assist), keyless entry and a smoker’s package.
In South Africa, the updated Volkswagen Polo will be available in three turbo-charged petrol engines. The 1,0 TSI 70 kW engine will be available in the Polo and Polo Life specifications. The three-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, delivers 70 kW of power and maximum torque of 175 N.m. It takes 10,8 seconds to complete the zero to 100 km/h sprint.
The 1,0 TSI 85 kW DSG engine is only available in the Polo Life and Polo R-Line specifications. The three-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a seven-speed DSG transmission, delivers 85 kW of power and maximum torque of 200 N.m. It takes 11,3 seconds to complete the zero to 100 km/h sprint.
Like all its predecessors, the updated Volkswagen Polo GTI is a front-wheel drive. The 2,0 TSI turbocharged engine delivers a power output of 147 kW. The maximum torque is 320 N.m at 1 500 to 4 500 r/min. It completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 6,7 seconds.
Pricing for the new Polo range in South Africa will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
