Polo plays, performs with poise

Since its launch four years ago, Polo has consistently been the second-highest selling car in South Africa, beaten only by its budget-beating Polo Vivo sibling. The newly launched Polo might well have enough appeal to gain ground if not even overtake the Vivo now that it is armed with a first in class automatic Post-Collision Braking System plus an army of new fancy kit such as a Driver Alert system.

The new polo is a bit of a pocket rocket - with excellent protection for the family.

As is the fashion today, specification levels vary depending on which of the three equipment levels you opt for - Trendline, Comfortline or Highline. The new Polo also offers a choice of new TSI engines linked to either a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission or a DSG gearbox. Fancy a more rugged look? Then the CrossPolo is a good alternative.

Feel like a little entertainment?

VW has also stepped up the Polo's infotainment system (which also varies depending on equipment level). Two versions with touchscreens are on offer with even the entry level offering a 5-inch monochrome screen linked to four speakers, SD-card, as well as AUX-IN interfaces. A fancier "Composition Colour" offers a 5-inch colour display, two additional speakers, CD player, MP3 functionality, SD-card input, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Polo's interior and has also been spruced up with a three-spoke steering wheel, a new instrument cluster and a refreshingly new controls layout. The Polo scores good points with surprisingly comfortable seats, rare in this segment.

Fancy a more rugged look? Try the CrossPolo.

The latest Polo also provides excellent passenger protection on all the new models with features such as ABS brakes, an ESC electronic stabilisation programme, airbags, Isofix fittings for child seats, height-adjustable three-point seat belts and seat headrests designed to counteract whiplash.

Aah, the new power pod...

Convenience features include front electric windows, aircon, height-adjustable driver's seat, and tinted heat protection window glazing.

But nice as all these trimmings and features might be, it's the vast improvement in the oily bits under the bonnet that makes the new Polo another pace-setter in its class.

The new Polo look a bit wider from the rear.

Gone are the 1.4 (63kW) and 1.6 (77kW) MPI engines and in their place comes the award-winning smaller but more powerful and leaner 1.2 TSI engines.

At the local Media launch I drove two models fitted with the new leaner (and meaner) engines, one linked to a manual gearbox and the other to a DSG two transmission, starting with the 66kW version linked to a five-speed manual.

Impressed

From take-off, I was impressed by the way it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.8 seconds, fired on by turbocharging that pushes the torque output to 160Nm and on to a top speed of 184km/h. But not only does it move rapidly from standstill, it cruises at pace with remarkably low revs to sip-sip just 4.9-litres/100km while keeping emissions down to only 117g/km. This combination is available in both Trendline and Comfortline.

On the return journey from Dullstroom to Sandton, I piloted the more powerful 81kW/175Nm version equipped with a seven-speed DSG transmission. This model does the zero to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds and VW says it will make a top speed of 196 km/h. Fuel consumption is slightly higher at 5.1-litres/100km and emissions are also up to 122g/km.

It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.8 seconds, fired on by turbocharging that pushes the torque output to 160Nm and on to a top speed of 184km/h.

Both vehicles were fitted with extras and in the case of the more powerful DSG version, metallic paint, cruise control, Climatronic aircon, panoramic sunroof and a Light and Vision package, which pushed up its price up from R247,800 to R266,550.

Not being a fan of DSG, CVT or any form of automatic transmissions I would opt for the less powerful, less-expensive and more frugal model but motorists who regularly have to suffer the strangulation of rush-hour traffic will no doubt fall for the ease of driving the DSG model presents.

Cosmetic, but worth it

In terms of looks, changes have been mainly cosmetic, which, as all VW-owners know, is not a bad thing, particularly when it comes to resale values. The clever coats at VW have given the front end of the Polo a slightly sportier look with extra chrome bits and by integrating the grille into the headlight design.

Viewed from the back the Polo looks a tad wider, helped along by redesigned rear lights and reflectors now embedded in the bumper.

As is the fashion today, specification levels vary depending on which of the three equipment levels you select.

click to enlarge

Stand out features of the Polo's side looks are sporty new alloys that vary in size from 15 inch (Comfortline) to 16 inch (Highline). For the Comfortline an optional extra is a snazzy "Rivazza" wheel design. The CrossPolo rides on 17-inch rubbers.

The latest Polo is available in an exciting range of new colours with Blue Silk, Reflex Silver and Honey Orange being my personal favourites.

With the Polo's fresher, sportier look, additional connectivity equipment, excellent ride and numerous special touches, Volkswagen has saddled up another winner. Few others in this segment can match it for class, visual appeal, maturity and pedigree. It has blossomed into a car that will appeal to old and young, male and female.

Specifications

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