The confident look: New Volkswagen Polo heads to South Africa
The New Polo market roll-out continues. South Africa is the latest country to take the refreshed Polo 6R under its wing. A consistent strong sales tool for Volkswagen South Africa (23,501 found new homes in 2013), the Polo hatchback is built in Uitenhage for both local and export markets.
Along with Europe, new South African Polos come with visual and technical enhancements. Driver assistance and infotainment systems are, as with other markets, the big news. The 1.2-litre 66kW/89bhp TSI engine is the sweet spot of the range according to Volkswagen South Africa – just as well, as that is the only engine which will be offered intially.
Sharper looks
Externally, as with European models, new head and tail lights contribute to sharper looks, while chrome trim around the fog lights widens the frontal apsect. At the rear, a wider numberplate recess, reprofiled bumper and embedded rear reflectors are the main changes.
In profile, new 15-inch and 16-inch alloy wheels offer visual differentiation, while the ‘Rivazza’ rim featured on European ‘Fresh’ and UK ‘SE Design’ models can be added to the mid-range Comfortline specification.
Base colours are Black, Flash Red and Pure White, but, as with other markets, the new – and favoured in these parts – Cornflower (read ‘Mayan’ in the UK) Blue can be chosen to really brighten up your choice of New Polo. The stand-out colour in the CrossPolo range is Honey Orange Metallic.
1.2-litre TSI engines
Two 1.2-litre engines of 66kW (89bhp) and 81kW (108bhp) will be available at launch. Both offer low emissions (117 and 120g/km CO2 respectively) and good fuel consumption (4.9l/km, 58mpg and 5.1l/km, 55mpg respectively), along with nippy performance with 160Nm of torque available from 1400-3500rpm.
Trendline and Comfortline cars will have the lower output engine and a five-speed gearbox, while Highline models have the choice of the higher-output unit, a six-speed gearbox or a seven-speed DSG. CrossPolo models also feature the 108bhp engine. Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESC), ABS, Hill-Hold, engine drag torque regulation (MSR) and Electronic Differential Locks (EDS) are fitted to ensure safety at all times.
As with European models, the South African New Polo offers the most driver assistance systems in its class. These include the standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Driver Alert System (visit our ‘Polo 6R (F)’ pages for full description of these systems).
Three trim levels are available: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Entry-level Trendline cars have 14-inch steel wheels, remote central locking, ‘Grip’ upholstery, a full complement of airbags, front electric windows, and manual air-conditioning.
Moving up the range, Comfortline models feature 15-inch ‘Torsa’ alloy wheels are an option), leather multifunction steering wheel, and multifunction display. Chrome accents on the exterior and body-coloured door handles are outside signifiers, while standard equipment includes electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors, under-seat sliding drawers, and ‘Rail’ fabric.
The range-topping Highline has 16-inch ‘Portago’ alloy wheels, gloss black grille trim, graphite grey centre console trim, centre armrest, and sport seats trimmed in ‘Cell’ fabric upholstery.
All South African New Polos have three-spoke steering wheels, instruments housed in ‘tubes’ and the new centre console controls already seen in Europe. Two touchscreens are available for the infotainment system: ‘Composition Touch’ is five inches in size and has SD card and AUX-IN ports and a monochrome display for all standard entry-level Trendline models.
A five-inch ‘Composition Colour’ system is standard on mid-range Comfortline and top-end Highline models, and boats SD card, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional chrome highlights on the door panels and air vents and gearshift surround lend an additional air of sophistication.
The design-led CrossPolo can also be chosen by buyers wanting something a little more rugged. It offers unique ‘off-road’ styling including a silver underbody protection panel front and rear, black wheel arch cladding, silver finish door mirrors and roof rails, 17-inch ‘Canyon’ alloy wheels, and unique ‘Link’ interior trim.
Optional extras
High-specification optional extras include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (only available with CrossPolo at launch), panoramic sunroof, removable towbar, climatronic air-conditioning, light and vision package (includes auto-dimming interior mirror, rain sensor wipers and low beam assist), Park Distance Control, ‘Rear Assist’ rear view camera and cruise control.
For more information on the South African New Polo, click here.
2014 VOLKSWAGEN POLO (ZA) PRICES
(VAT and CO2 emissions tax included)
1.2 TSI 66kW Trendline, R188,300
1.2 TSI 66kW Comfortline, R209,700
1.2 TSI 81kW Highline, R233,300
1.2 TSI 81kW Highline DSG, R247,800
1.2 TSI 81kW CrossPolo, R241,000
South African New Polos come with a standard 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.
