PoloDriver

Following Europe, Brazil, and South Africa, the new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo lands in Australia next month. Priced from $17,990, the more accomodating MQB-A0-based car is largely the same as the European and South African versions which have already been launched.

Available to order now, the new Polo for Australia is available in Trendline and Comfortline trims, with a special Launch Edition model also offered. Engines are limited to two three-cylinder petrol units – both turbocharged TSIs, with outputs of 70kW / 94bhp (Trendline) and 85kW / 113bhp (Comfortline). The Launch Edition is exclusively available with the 85kW engine. Polo Beats and Polo GTI models will arrive mid-year.

‘Most significant generational change’
Volkswagen Australia states that the Polo represents ‘the most significant generational change to a Volkswagen since the arrival of the class-leading Tiguan SUV two years ago’. ‘Even the entry-level manual Polo 6 features the Golf’s elegant, flat bottomed leather steering wheel with multimedia controls,’ said Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia’s General Manager of Product and Marketing.

‘That literal touchpoint is emblematic of the Polo having graduated from its class not only in terms of physical growth, but in sophistication. The Polo 6 is obviously more upmarket than rival cars. We’re talking less than $18,000 for fixtures such as a soft-touch dash top, wide touch screen and dual USB charging ports.

‘Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard. In terms of safety there’s autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, stability control, fatigue monitoring and a reversing camera as standard,’ he continued.

Trendline, Comfortline and Launch Edition
The entry Polo Trendline features 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a rear view camera, and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth / USB / Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Standard safety kit includes front assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, driver fatigue detection, and a low tyre pressure indicator. Five-speed manual and seven-speed DSG transmissions are available.

The Polo Comfortline builds on the Trendline’s comprehensive specification and adds 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights / rear view mirror / wipers, a front centre armrest, and ‘Comfort’ cloth upholstery. Launch Edition cars offer 16-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint rear window glass, front fog lights, inductive wireless charging, and tinted tail lights. These ‘85 TSI’ models gain an extra ratio for the manual gearbox.

An optional $1,400 Driver Assistance package can be added to Comfortline and Launch Edition cars and includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and park assist systems, and electrically-folding door mirrors. Five colours – Pure White, Energetic Orange, Limestone Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver and Deep Black Pearl Effect – can be chosen on Trendline and Comfortline models, while all bar Pure White cost an additional $500. Launch Edition new Polos lose the Reflex Silver and Deep Black Pearl Effect options.

Find out more details about the Australian-market new Polo by visiting the Volkswagen Australia website, where ‘runout’ deals on the outgoing fifth-generation Polo can also be found.

2018 VOLKSWAGEN AUSTRALIA NEW POLO: RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICES

Trendline
1.0 TSI 70kW, five-speed manual, 5dr: $17,990
1.0 TSI 70kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $20,490

Comfortline
1.0 TSI 85kW, six-speed manual, 5dr: $19,490
1.0 TSI 85kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $21,990

Launch Edition
1.0 TSI 85kW, six-speed manual, 5dr: $20,490
1.0 TSI 85kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $22,990

Following in the tyre tracks of the European, UK and South American launches, the new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo has debuted in South Africa. Specifications and prices have also been announced, the range starting with the R235,000 Trendline, rising to the Highline DSG at R302,200.

Identical to the European-market cars – therefore not featuring the revised front bumper seen on South American new Polos – the new MQB-based South African Polos see the same 92mm / 81mm increase in wheelbase / length, as well as evolutionary but sharper lines, including the distinctive shoulder ‘Tornado Line’ which runs down the length of the car when viewed in profile.

There’s also the same larger 351-litre boot, afforded by the overall larger size (Polo VI is close to a Mk 4 Golf in dimensions), plus the raft of standard-setting safety systems including blind spot monitor, park assist, and multi-collision technologies. There’s also the same Active Info Display digital instrument pack as sixth-generation Polo models in other territories.

2018 Volkswagen Polo (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo (South Africa)

Three trim lines
The new Polo will be available in the three trim lines Trendline, Comfortline and Highline and also as a special Beats version (with a 300-watt Beats sound system). The 197bhp new Polo GTI will be launched in 
South Africa in the second quarter, and exposure for the car will gain traction with the new sportster providing a base for the new Engen Volkswagen Cup Polo racer for the 2018 season.

Personalisation takes a step up with the new Polo, and the sixth-generation model can be customised to create a car that is almost one-of-a-kind by way of many different trim lines, colours, interiors, wheels and options. The dashpad for example can be had in Limestone grey Metallic on Trendline and Comfortline models, while in Highline specification, a Deep Iron Metallic version is offered. A Velvet Red dashpad is fitted to models with the extra cost Beats package, while Reef Blue also brightens up the new, digital-focused interior.

Ten exterior colours are offered: Dark Petrol, Flash Red, Pure White, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Energetic Orange, Limestone Grey Metallic, Pale Copper, Reef Blue Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, and White Silver Metallic. Included in the options list are ‘big car’ features such as high-intensity full-LED headlights, LED tail light clusters and a panoramic sunroof. The digital Active Info Display instrument pack is available from launch as an option on Comfortline and Highline models.

New Polo Trendline
The entry-level new Polo Trendline features front electric windows, front / rear curtain airbags, LED daytime running lights, and the 6.5-inch Composition Colour touchscreen infotainment system with four speakers and USB / Bluetooth connectivity. It can be distinguished by its lack of brightwork around the front grille, and its 14-inch steel wheels, complete with full-sized trims.

New Polo Comfortline
Moving up the range, the Comfortline adds a driver alert system, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a ‘Plus’ multi-function display, rear electric windows, and an additional two speakers. External features include a chrome grille strip which connects the headlights, as well as colour-coded door handles and mirror caps, and 15-inch alloy wheels with ‘Salou’ wheel trims (15-inch ‘Sassari’ alloy wheels are a no cost option).

New Polo Highline
Drivers who opt for the range-topping Highline gain an 8.0-inch, glass-encased ‘Composition Media’ touchscreen infotainment system with ‘App-Connect’ (Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connectivity options), cruise control, front sports seats, white LED interior ambient lighting, as well as voice control. Polo Highlines can be seen by their additional chrome strips in the lower ventilation grille and their 16-inch ‘Las Minas’ alloy wheels.

Highline-specification cars also feature a driving profile selection option as standard. Four driving modes can be selected: ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Individual’. When in ‘Eco’ mode, the air conditioning, engine control, and other auxiliary systems are regulated for optimal fuel efficiency. In vehicles fitted with DSG transmission, a coasting function can also be used with the Eco mode.

Beats and R-Line packages
The Comfortline and Highline models can be further enhanced by choosing either the Beats or R-Line packages. Beats-trimmed South African new Polos appear the same as their European counterparts, with black mirror caps, special bonnet and roof decal stripes, and ‘Beats’ badges on the B-pillars. Sixteen-inch ‘Torsby’ alloy wheels complete the striking look.

Inside, there’s a 300W Beats audio system with amplifier and subwoofer mounted in the boot, and perhaps the most colourful Polo interior this side of a Mk 3 ‘6N’ or ‘6N2’ Colour Concept model, with a ‘Velvet Red’ dashpad, Beats-branded door sill trims, and a distinctive three-colour (Aqua Graphite, Ceramique and Velvet Red) seat design.

2018 Volkswagen Polo Beats (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo Beats (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo Beats (South Africa)

R-Line package cars meanwhile get a new sports front bumper similar to the Polo GTI, with gloss black C-shaped air curtains. There are also gloss black side sills extensions, a gloss black rear spoiler and diffuser, and 17-inch ‘Bonneville’ alloy wheels. Available from the second quarter in South Africa, the new Polo R-Line provides GTI-style looks in a less expensive package.

Two engines, three transmissions
Two engines power the new Polo for South Africa. Both are turbocharged three-cylinder units, with 70kW / 93bhp or 85kW / 113bhp, and have been seen in new Polo models in other global markets.

The 70kW unit has 175Nm / 129lb ft of torque and can do the 0 to 100km/h / 62mph dash in 10.8 seconds, while the high-powered 85kW engine has 200Nm / 147lb ft. Top speed of the 70kW car is 187km/h / 116mph. The lower-powered car can be ordered with a five-speed manual transmission, while the higher-powered model gains an extra ratio. Both can also be allied to the optional seven-speed DSG gearbox.

2018 VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH AFRICA NEW POLO: RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICES

Trendline
1.0 TSI 70kW, 103g/km, five-speed manual, 5dr: R235,900

Comfortline
1.0 TSI 70kW, 103g/km, five-speed manual, 5dr: R264,700
1.0 TSI 70kW, 107g/km, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: R280,700

Highline
1.0 TSI 85kW, 107g/km, six-speed manual, 5dr: R286,200
1.0 TSI 85kW, 109g/km, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: R302,200

All prices include VAT and emissions tax. The new Volkswagen South Africa Polo models come with a 3-year / 45,000km Service Plan, 
3-year / 120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15,000km.

> Read More

2017 was yet another busy year for the Volkswagen Polo. The launch and introduction of the all-new sixth-generation model has been the major news, and although there has been no Polo rally action in 2017, the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTI has dominated the World Rallycross Championship in the hands of Johan Kristoffersson.

But, with a debut for the new Polo GTI R5 later in 2018, the stages look set for a Polo return to asphalt and gravel action. The Engen Volkswagen Cup in South Africa is due to run new-generation Polo GTIs, too, in 2018, so next year’s Polo motorsport activity is shaping up very nicely.

Right now, though, we round up the Polo’s biggest achievements in 2017. (Bold entries are illustrated by the picture above that particular month’s list of events.)

January

• Al-Attiyah confirms no Polo R WRC in 2017 FIA World Rally Championship
• PSRX and Volkswagen Sweden rallycross team confirmed
• Polo Sound special edition launched in Germany
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins Autocar India’s Performance Hatchback of the Year award
• Polo is the tenth best-selling car in Europe (JATO).

February

• FIA prohibits complete homologation of 2017 Volkswagen Polo R WRC
• Polo GTI 230 special edition for Switzerland
• Guy Wilks confirmed for Polo RX in 2017 World Rallycross Championship
• Polo-based VW Ameo wins Car India and Bike India’s ’Compact Sedan Of The Year’ award
• Polo is the seventh best-selling car in the UK.

March

• Citi Vivo special edition launched in South Africa
• 1,250,000th Polo production jubilee celebrated by Volkswagen South Africa
• Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line launched in South Africa
• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden reveals 2017 World Rallycross Polo GTI Supercar
• Volkswagen Motorsport announces new Polo R5 rally car testing plans
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins the Thrill of Driving Award at the Times Auto Awards
• Polo-based VW Ameo wins the Compact Sedan of the Year at the Times Auto Awards
• Polo is the seventh best-selling car in the UK.

April


• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTIs show pace at World RX of Barcelona
• Kristoffersson drives Polo GTI Supercar to World RX of Portugal podium
• Volkswagen India launches limited edition Polo GT Sport
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins Flywheel Auto Awards’ 2017 Performance Hatchback of the Year award
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins BBC Top Gear Awards’ 2017 Hot Hatch of the Year award
• Polo is the ninth best-selling car in the UK.

May

• Fifth-generation Polo-based Volkswagen Vento Allstar and GT launched in Malaysia
• World RX of Hockenheim podium place for Kristoffersson and Polo GTI
• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTIs dominate World RX of Belgium with double podium
• Sixth-generation Polo prototype drives and ‘sneak peek’ video published
• Solberg and Kristoffersson do the double at World RX of Great Britain
• Polo is the fifth best-selling car in the UK.

June

• Volkswagen launches sixth-generation Polo ‘teaser’ video campaign
• Johan Kristoffersson takes second 2017 World RX victory in Norway
• First images of new Polo revealed ahead of 16 June world premiere
• New sixth-generation Polo unveiled at Berlin world premiere event on 16 June
• Polo is the eighth best-selling car in the UK.

> Read More

With the sixth-generation Polo about to hit UK roads, Falken Tyres has been selected as an official tyre supplier for the new car. The German manufacturer will supply VW factories with its premium Azenis FK453, Sincera 832A Ecorun, and Ziex ZE914A Ecorun offerings, as well as its winter Eurowinter HS449 fitment.

The high-performance Azenis FK453 has particularly impressed in independent testing, with motoring magazine Auto Zeitung praising the 225/50 size. The tyre was ‘Highly Recommended’ by the publication for its top performance in agility, braking and high speed in wet conditions on the test circuit.

Cutting-edge technology
The Sincera 832A Ecorun meanwhile was developed using the latest cutting-edge technology (the 4D-Nano Design simulation system was used in developing the tread compound) and was also highly praised by independent testers. The Ziex ZE914A Ecorun is also a multiple award-winner, rated ‘Good’ for size 185/60R15 84H from testers at Auto Bild magazine and ‘Recommended’ for size 215/60′ from the Auto Motor und Sport title.

Finally, the Eurowinter HS449 has received three ‘Recommended’ ratings. The Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) and the Swiss Touring Club (TCS) tested the 165/70R14 81T tyre and praised its handling in dry and icy conditions as well as its fuel economy. A further ‘Recommended’ commendation was also awarded by the testers at Auto Bild.

All of the tyres are produced at the SRI plant in Thailand, one of the largest and most modern tyre plants in the world, and Falken will supply the following sizes: Azenis FK453 – 215/45′ 91Wn; Sincera 832A Ecorun – 185/70R14 88H, 185/65R15 88H and 185/65R15 88H; Ziex ZE914A Ecorun – 195/55R16 91V; and Eurowinter HS449 – 185/65R15 88T.

Christian Stolting, Key Account Manager OE at Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, said: ‘The range and attributes of our tyres complement the broad requirements of the VW Polo. From tyres for drivers seeking a sporting ride through to tyres for drivers whose priorities are energy efficiency and mileage, we will deliver tyres to suit every application.’

‘Consistent high performance’
‘We offer an extensive portfolio of tyres that regularly convince independent testing organisations as well as being praised by drivers themselves and we are delighted to hear that this has been underlined by Volkswagen. We see the decision as confirmation of our consistent high performance in both development and production,’ he continued.

We previously reported that the UK order books for the brand-new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo opened on 3 October, with a limited range of three trim and two 1.0-litre engine options. Today, Volkswagen UK announced a further two engine choices, in addition to a further, range-topping SEL trim level.

The new options start at £15,060 for the normally-aspirated 1.0-litre 74bhp SE, while the same model in Beats trim is priced at £16,110 ‘on the road’ (OTR). The most powerful 1.0-litre petrol unit with 113bhp is available in SEL trim starting at £18,180 OTR with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £19,530 with a seven-speed automatic DSG transmission.

Polo SELs sit at the top of the ‘non-sporting’ new Polo family tree and offer 16-inch ‘Las Minas’ alloy wheels, chrome interior accents and LED lighting, front fog lights with static cornering function, front sports seats, and an eight-inch Discover Navigation colour infotainment system over SE models.

Seven-model Polo family
The sixth-generation Polo is available from £13,855 OTR, and the range will eventually expand to feature a seven-model family, including a 197bhp GTI and an enhanced-specification GTI+ trim. Prices and availability for the R-Line, GTI, GTI+ and the 1.6-litre TDI cars have yet to be released.

Entry-level S cars include air conditioning, auto headlights with LED daytime running lights, eight-inch ‘Composition Media’ infotainment system and Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring system. SE cars gain 15-inch ‘Sassari’ alloy wheels, the ‘Car-Net App Connect’ smartphone connectivity system, and a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel.

Similar to its fifth-generation predecessor, the new Polo Beats gets a 300-watt sound system as standard, as well as ‘Beats’ bonnet and roof decals, 16-inch ‘Torsby’ alloy wheels, front fog lights, front and rear carpet mats, a ‘Red Velvet’ dash pad, and 65 per cent-tinted windows from the B-pillar back. Sporty R-Line Polos are fitted with 16-inch ‘Sebring’ alloy wheels, LED rear lights, an R-Line body kit (front and rear bumpers with gloss black rear spoiler), and stainless steel pedals.

GTI models meanwhile boast 17-inch ‘Parker’ alloy wheels (the same design as the latest Golf GTI), red brake calipers, 15mm lower sports suspension, and Volkswagen’s XDS electronic differential. Finally, GTI+ models gain the Active Info Display digital instruments (optional on other new Polos), adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, Light & Sight pack, and keyless entry with start-stop button.

Standard-setting trends
The new Polo continues the standard-setting trends of its predecessors. Class firsts include the debut of Volkswagen’s second-generation ‘Active Info Display’ digital instruments, as well as a new level of assistance systems in the small car sector. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, City Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Monitoring technologies.

All new Polos also have a stop-start system and regenerative braking, while cars with an output of 94bhp or more can be ordered with a six or seven-speed DSG gearbox as an option to the standard five or six-speed manual gearbox. For more details on the all-new Polo, together with brochures and pricing of the versions available – and to use Volkswagen’s online configurator – visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

NEW VOLKSWAGEN POLO PRICES (UK, RRP OTR)

S
1.0 64bhp, 110g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £13,855

SE
1.0 64bhp, 108g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £14,630
1.0 74bhp, 108g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £15,060
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 101g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £15,930
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 105g/km*, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: £17,280

Beats
1.0 64bhp, 110g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £15,680
1.0 74bhp, 110g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £16,110
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 103g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £16,980
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 107g/km*, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: £18,330

SEL
1.0 TSI 113bhp, 107g/km*, six-speed manual, 5dr: £18,180
1.0 TSI 113bhp, 109g/km*, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: £19,530

*Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (Directive 93/116/EEC). This allows a direct comparison between different manufacturer models but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in ‘real world’ driving conditions. More information is available on the Volkswagen website at www.volkswagen.co.uk and at www.dft.gov.uk/vca