PoloDriver

Just before we went ‘to press’ with our story of the new Polo Sedan for South Africa, Volkswagen South Africa sent out an official press release, which we didn’t have time to include in our original post. Completing the range of South African new Polo models, the notchback joins the mainstream Polo range, Polo GTI and CrossPolo variants, making South Africa one of the only markets in the world – in our knowledge – to receive all three bodystyles. As we noted previously, the new Polo Sedan for South Africa comes in Trendline and Comfortline trims, powered by 84 and 104bhp petrol engines, and a 104bhp diesel unit. Prices start at R159,900 and rise to R218,000. The full Volkswagen South Africa press release and gallery follows.

The new Polo Sedan
Introduction
Volkswagen has launched the new Polo Sedan to complete the model range of the Polo family. Since the launch of the new Polo hatch in January 2010, Volkswagen has introduced the CrossPolo, Polo BlueMotion and recently the Polo GTI.

The new Polo Sedan with its distinctive new Volkswagen family face is bigger, more spacious and offers high level of quality and safety that sets new standards in its class. Its design is defined by sharp, precise lines that make it timeless. ‘La Semplicita – the simplicity’ is the credo that was followed for the design of the new Polo Sedan. Inside, the improved legroom allows five adults to seat comfortable and the bootspace of 454 litres provides sufficient space for luggage during long journeys.

Front end
The front end of the new Polo Sedan sports a flat grille with two chrome louvers and band of headlights which is integrated into the body-coloured bumpers beneath the grille. Below this, there is an air inlet that supplies the engine and brakes with ample air. At its sides, are the foglights with chrome trim surround (only available in Comfortline derivatives). Volkswagen offers the new Polo Sedan with two different headlights, the Trendline is fitted with single headlights and Comfortline is offered with twin headlights. Also integrated in the headlights are the turn signal lights.

Rear end
The rear of the new Polo Sedan is characterised by striking taillights that blend with the design which highlights stylish contours. A chrome trim strip at the bottom of the boot lid adds sportiness to the rear (only in Comfortline). The boot lid opens automatically at the touch of the button on the driver’s side.

Engines and transmissions
The new Polo Sedan engine line-up comprises of the multi-valve 1.4 63kW and 1.6 77kW petrol engines as well as the new 1.6-litre 77kW common rail turbodiesel. They are all paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A six-speed Tiptronic transmission is offered as an option in the 1.6 Comfortline.

1.4 with 63kW
The entry engine in the new Polo Sedan line-up is the four-cylinder 1.4, which produces 63kW at 5000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 132Nm is available at 3600rpm. Besides offering good comfort and dynamic performance, the 1.4 engine offers excellent fuel economy. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This puts its CO2 emissions value at 139g/km. When it comes to dynamic performance, the new Polo Sedan 1.4 has a top speed of 178km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 12.8 seconds.

1.6 with 77kW
The 1.6 engine delivers maximum power with minimal fuel consumption. It only consumes 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and its CO2 emissions value is 143g/km. The 1.6 reaches its peak power at 5250rpm. The maximum torque of 155Nm is available at 3500rpm.

1.6 TDI with 77kW
The 1.6 TDI offers commendable low fuel consumption and emissions. Its 250Nm of torque is available between 1500rpm to 2500rpm. It accelerates to 100km/h in 10.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187 km/h. Average fuel consumption is 4.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and its CO2 emission value is 120g/km.

Safety
The new Polo Sedan is one of the safest compact sedans in its class. The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) is offered as standard in the 1.6 TDI Comfortline and as an option in the 1.6 Comfortline. Other standard safety features that are available across the range include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). In addition, the new Polo Sedan features airbag system with four airbags (driver and front passenger airbag as well as two side airbags). The head restraints of the front seats are whiplash-optimised to provide comfort as well as to ensure effective support for the head and spine in the event of a collision.

Key features
Trendline
Trendline offers extensive safety and convenience features. Active safety features such as ABS with EBD are standard. Passive safety features include front airbags and side airbags (front passenger airbag can be deactivated). The Trendline trim will also be offered with two head restraints, five three-point harnesses (height-adjustable in front), and ISOFIX-compatible child seat preparation (at the outer seating positions on the rear bench seat).

Standard convenience features in the Trendline will include Climatic semi-auto air-conditioner, electro-hydraulic power steering, power windows in front and rear, central locking, warning buzzer if lights are left on, height adjustment for driver’s seat, vanity mirrors in the sun visors for driver and passenger, remote control central locking, storage pockets on front seatbacks, asymmetrical split and folding rear bench seat and seatbacks and green tinted windows.

Comfortline
The new Polo Sedan Comfortline trim includes body-coloured outside mirror housings and door handles, dual headlights and 15-inch ‘Riverside’ alloy wheels. On the convenience side, the range of standard equipment is complemented by features such as electrically-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, additional height adjustment on front passenger’s seat, various accents in chrome look (instruments, air vents, rotary light switch, radio and climate system controls). Inside, the Polo Sedan Comfortline has Titan Black Livon fabric seat covers.

Overview of key features
The new Polo Sedan comes standard with a number of safety and comfort features.

Trendline

• Climatic semi-auto air-conditioner
• Airbags – front and side
• High-level brakelight
• Three-spoke steering wheel
• ISOFIX child-seat mountings
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Rear seat split/folding 60:40
• Two front reading lights and one rear
• 12V power socket in centre console
• Three rear head restraints
• Remote central locking
• Alarm, door activated with back-up
• Lights warning buzzer
• Luggage compartment lighting
• Headlight range adjustment
• Radio preparation including bee-sting antenna
• 14-inch steel wheels with175/70 tyres
• Full size steel spare wheel
• Front and rear electric windows
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Dual tone horn
• Cup holders, two integrated into front centre console
• Rear disc brakes (1.6 Trendline only).

Comfortline
As per Trendline with the following additional features:

• Electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors
• 15-inch ‘Riverside’ alloy wheels with185/60 tyres
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Radio/CD/MP3 with four loudspeakers
• Auxiliary input for external audio
• Cruise control
• Front foglights
• Multi-function display
• Height-adjustable passenger seat
• Colour-coded mirrors.

Optional features
These are optional features that available in the new Polo Sedan model range:

• MP3 Radio/CD
• Cruise Control
• Multifunction steering wheel
• ESP (standard on 1.6 TDI).

Exterior colours
Volkswagen will offer the new Polo Sedan in six colours:

• Candy White
• Flash Red
• Reflex Silver
• Shadow Blue
• Terra Beige
• Deep Black.

Retail price (VAT and Emissions Tax included)
Petrol
1.4 63kW Trendline: R159,900
1.4 63kW Comfortline: R177,000
1.6 77kW Trendline: R182,200
1.6 77kW Comfortline: R195,000
1.6 77kW Comfortline Tiptronic: R209,000

Diesel
1.6 77kW TDI Comfortline: R218,000

Service and warranty
The new Volkswagen Polo Sedan range comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. A five-year/60,000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a five-year/60,000 km Service Plan are available as options. The service interval is 15,000 km.