What you need to know about the new Polo GTI and Polo Vivo Maxx

New Volkswagen Polo GTI

Following the launch of the new Polo earlier this year, Volkswagen has now introduced the new top-of-the-range Polo GTI in South Africa.

Key features of the new car include an agile drive system, low unladen weight (1,355kg), firm sports-oriented running gear that is also good for long-distance driving, assured front-wheel drive as well as an ergonomically ideal sitting position.

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This is all packaged in an expressive exterior and interior design and topped off with classic GTI insignia such as the typical red stripe in the radiator grille, the GTI gear knob and Art Velour upholstered sport seats. It is also equipped with a connected and largely digitalised cockpit.

The car gets a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 147kW and 320Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.

VW claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 237km/h. Despite its power output, the Polo GTI can be driven economically thanks to its efficient drive technology. The manufacturer claims a combined fuel consumption of 5.9l/100km.

The Polo GTI is the only model of the series to be delivered with a sport suspension as standard. The configuration includes special tuning of the springs, auxiliary springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars with the body lowered by 15mm.

Safety

With regards to safety, the GTI has a minimum of six airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency braking, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control. Other standard safety features include a driver alert system, automatic post-collision braking system and tyre pressure monitoring system.

The new Polo GTI 2.0 TSI 147kW DSG costs R375,900 and comes standard with a three-year/120,000km warranty, three-year/45,000km Volkswagen Service and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15,000km.

New Polo Vivo Maxx

Volkswagen has added a new derivative to the second-generation Polo Vivo range, the sized-up Maxx derivative - powered by a 1.6 77kW engine that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Polo Vivo Maxx is only offered in the hatch body version and boasts a number of exterior and interior features. The exterior features include 15mm raised suspension, 17-inch ‘Canyon’ alloy wheels, silver coloured exterior mirrors, Maxx lettering on the tailgate and sides, sporty single-pipe exhaust system with a chrome trim, and aluminium roof rails.

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In the interior, the car has sport pedal clusters, centre console in coloured trim, onboard computer, front electric windows, manual air-conditioner, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with aluminium insert, colour touch radio with SD/USB/Bluetooth/App Connect and six speakers.

Safety

In terms of the safety features, the Polo Vivo Maxx comes standard with driver and front passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitor, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, front fog lights as well as an immobiliser, interior ultrasonic alarm with motion sensor and central locking.

The new Polo Vivo Maxx costs R225,000 and comes standard with three-year/120,000km warranty and six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15,000km.