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05 February 2010
VWSA sneaks their new Polo into SA amid a haze of sentimentality evoked by the Good bye Citi campaign. But does the all-new Polo have enough punch to lure Citi loyalists? Hailey Philander finds out The Volkswagen Polo has dominated the small family hatchback market since its introduction (in Polo Classic sedan form) in 1996. Fast forward a few years and Volkswagen have high hopes for their third generation Polo which has just to reach South African shores.
Family DNA
In the metal, the new Polo is a dear to behold, particularly from the front where its linear grille and chiseled headlights dominate. Styling at the rear of the Polo is less conventional, which may polarise general opinion with its strong geometric shapes (showing heavy detailing on the rear cluster) shadowing the car’s more squared-off, structured look. And as manufacturers are inclined to do with new generation models, Volkswagen has tossed in a few firsts, one of the most noticeable being a prominent shoulder line not seen on previous Polo incarnations. It adds an athletic quality to the profile of the newcomer, helped by short front and rear overhangs that, along with several other elements, conspire to make Polo appear less cuddly and more imposing. In terms of its physical presence, the car is larger without appearing it.
Lean and clean, Volkswagen has employed new construction methods to make the 2010 Polo lighter than before, while the structural rigidity has also improved.
Incidentally, this contributed to Polo receiving five stars in the Euro NCAP testing.
The Polo is a prudent purchase rather than one where the only criterion is rollicking good fun, and the rather sensible engine options are indicative of this.
According to VWSA’s Sales and Marketing Director, Mike Glendinning, one of the key objectives when designing the Polo was that its
powerplants produce the lowest possible economy and emissions from the total package. To this end, the local line-up at launch comprises upgraded 16-valve 1.4- and 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines and a revised 1.6-litre turbodiesel. Engines are mated to five-speed manual gearboxes with the sole automatic being a six-speed Tiptronic for the range-topping petrol model.
The turbodiesel model is the only to receive ESP as standard, thanks to its 250 Nm of torque running to the front wheels. The stability programme is an option on certain lesser models.
Other options include rear park distance control, a radio/CD/MP3 compatible audio system allowing auxiliary sources, and cruise control.
Equipment
Two specification grades - Trendline and Comfortline - are offered with an impressive array of “standard” equipment on the base model.
South Africa’s penchant for the German brand is likely to ensure that the residual values of the Polo remain a stronger selling point of the VW over its rivals and for now marginally justifies its higher price tag.
In South Africa, new Polo comes standard with a three-year/120 000 km warranty. A five-year/60 000 km service plan is optional, as is an Automotion Maintainance Plan over the same period for R6 856 and R9 141, respectively.
Prices:
1.4l Trendline R144 900
1.6l Trendline R161 900
1.4l Comfortline R166 900
1.6l Comfortline R183 900
1.6l Comfortline Tiptronic R197 900
1.6l TDI Comfortline R209 900
For more information contact Weiss Toti on 031 903 5301. |
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