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Following last year’s Polo hatchback refresh, Volkswagen Russia and India have unveiled new versions of their respective Polo Sedan and Vento saloon models. Based on the fifth-generation Polo hatchback, both cars are effectively the same and feature exterior and interior enhancements.

More presence
A new Passat-esque front grille makes more of an impression at the front of the car, while reprofiled headlamps (bi-xenon and LED on the Russian car) and a more muscular-looking bumper with chrome flourishes add more presence.

The rear receives a new bumper, too, while the tail lamps also undergo minor surgery with LED inserts. New alloy wheel designs finish off the exterior revamp, while inside a new three-spoke steering wheel, centre console and upholstery mark out the new models.

The Polo Sedan’s engine range is unchanged, with a 1.6-litre engine in 84bhp and 103bhp states of tune providing the motive power. Five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes (the Vento has one more ratio) are once again available.

Increased fuel efficiency
The Indian-made Vento meanwhile gets a choice of 103bhp 1.2-litre TSI and 1.6-litre petrol engines, as well as a locally-assembled 103bhp 1.5 TDI unit. Fuel consumption is said to be increased by 7.5 per cent.

Russian and Indian cars come in the traditional Volkswagen European Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trim levels. Standard kit includes air-conditioning, electric windows, central locking and front airbags. Indian cars receive a chilled glovebox, cruise control, as well as electrically-folding mirrors.

On sale later this month, the Polo Sedan will be built at VW’s Kaluga factory for the local market. The refreshed Vento will be manufactured at Volkswagen India’s Pune plant for domestic consumption. We assume the similar South African Polo Saloon will undergo the same raft of changes very soon.

[Source: Indian Autos Blog]

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The Volkswagen Polo Vivo once again claimed its best-selling car in South Africa crown last month. A total of 4263 Polo Vivos found new homes in September 2014, no doubt buoyed by the launch of a refreshed model.

The recently revamped fifth-generation Polo (6R) was in the top three, too, sitting in third place with 2152 units sold. A total of 5726 Polo 6Rs were also exported from Volkswagen South Africa’s Uitenhage factory.

Sandwiched in-between the Polo Vivo and Polo was the Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest, selling 2320 examples, according to the figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA).

The Polo Vivo was launched in March 2010 as an entry-level model for the South African market, replacing the Series 1 Golf-based CitiGolf, and is available as a three or five-door hatchback and four-door booted saloon with 74bhp/84bhp 1.4-litre and 103bhp 1.6-litre petrol engines.

Costing from R142,700 for the base-model 1.4 Conceptline hatchback to R180,900 for the top 1.6 Polo Maxx, the 2014 Polo Vivo is based on the revised version of the Series 4 Polo (9N3), built from 2005 to 2009.

A new version of the fifth-generation Polo (6R) is now available as a three and five-door hatch, in addition to the four-door Polo Sedan.

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In an unsurprising move, Volkswagen India unwrapped the latest version of the Polo 6R-based Vento this week. A refreshed model in a similar vein to the updated Polo which recently went on sale, the updated three-box saloon now includes a 1.5 TDI model available with a seven-speed DSG gearbox – a first in the class.

Standard features on all models include twin front airbags, dual-beam headlamps, an upgraded instrument panel, redesigned alloy wheels, footwell lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, as seen on the refreshed Polo. Following the Indian trend for brown-coloured saloons, new colours include Toffee Brown (pictured) and Night Blue.

The new 1.5-litre engine also sees service in the New Polo. Producing 103bhp and 183lb ft (250Nm) of torque, the TDI unit joins the 1.2-litre TSI and 1.6 MPI engines already in use. Volkswagen India states that all of the New Vento powerplants offer ‘an excellent blend of power, performance and fuel economy’.

The seven-speed double-clutch DSG gearbox can be coupled to both the 1.2 TSI and 1.5-litre TDI, and offers improved fuel economy and lower tailipipe emissions. The 1.2 TSI produces 103bhp as before, while the 1.6-litre petrol engine has the same power output but less torque (112lb ft vs 129lb ft).

Overall, the changes echo those of the Indian-market New Polo and bring the three-box Vento into line with the hatchback range. Available in three trim levels, the New Vento is on sale now priced from Rs 7.44 to Rs 10.94 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). Visit www.volkswagen.co.in for further information.

2014 VOLKSWAGEN VENTO PRICES
1.6 MPI: Rs 7.44 – Rs 8.87 lakh
1.2 TSI DSG: Rs 9.35 – Rs 9.92 lakh
1.5 TDI: Rs 8.57 – Rs 9.90 lakh
1.5 TDI DSG: Rs 10.49 – Rs 10.94 lakh

2014 VOLKSWAGEN VENTO MODELS
1.6 MPI: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline
1.2 TSI DSG: Comortline, Highline
1.5 TDI: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline
1.5 TDI DSG: Comortline, Highline

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In a repeat of June, the Polo was the best-selling vehicle during July 2014 in South Africa, according to the most recent tally of sales figures announced by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA).

Beating the Toyota Hilux once again, 3330 South African Polo 6Rs were sold last month. And, once again, the Polo perched atop the best-selling passenger car tables, too, outselling its cheaper Polo Vivo sibling by 443 units.

The latter is still selling remarkably well considering it is based on the facelifted version of the Mk 4 Polo, first launched in 2002.

The Polo Vivo was launched in March 2010 as an entry-level model for the South African market, replacing the Series 1 Golf-based CitiGolf, and is available as a three or five-door hatchback and four-door booted saloon with 74bhp/84bhp 1.4-litre and 103bhp 1.6-litre petrol engines.

Costing from R138,200 for the base-model 1.4 hatchback to R178,800 for the top 1.6 Polo Maxx, the 2013 Polo Vivo is based on the revised version of the Series 4 Polo (9N3), built from 2005 to 2009.

A new version of the fifth-generation Polo (6R) is now available as a three and five-door hatch, in addition to the four-door Polo Sedan.

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The Polo Sedan range has recently been revised in Russia, with a new 1.6-litre engine added to the line-up. A new entry-level model called Conceptline has been introduced at 469,900 Roubles, and new option packages have also been made available.

The new 1598cc engine develops 83bhp and joins the more powerful and long-serving 103bhp unit already on sale. It is allied to a five-speed manual gearbox. The new petrol engine is available in Conceptline, Trendline and Comfortline models. The higher-output unit is available from Trendline specification upwards.

All-encompassing range revisions include new instrument panel graphics which have been added to all versions and even the most basic model now comes with air-conditioning. Separate packages for Conceptline and Trendline cars include ‘Comfort’ (heated and electric mirrors), and ‘Design’ (tinted rear windows and alloy wheels). The ‘Security’ package includes side-curtain airbags, an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and heated front seats.

Comfortline models can be chosen with a six-speed automatic gearbox on 103bhp models, while the ‘Comfort’ package adds an electrically-heated windscreen, leather trim, climate control and a central armrest. The ‘Multimedia’ package includes an RCD 320 CD/AUX/USB and Bluetooth sound system, while ‘Security’ package-equipped cars have ESP and rear parking sensors.

Finally, the ‘Comfort’ package for Highline models includes rear parking sensors, and automatic rear-view mirror, wipers and lights. Another package for all models benefits from the most popular accessories which are carpet mats and an alarm.

Find out more at www.volkswagen.ru/ru/models/polo_sedan.html.

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