Since the launch of the new Polo hatch in January 2010, Volkswagen has introduced the CrossPolo, Polo BlueMotion and recently the Polo GTI. Another derivative has joined the model line up in the form of the four-door Polo Sedan. The new Polo Sedan features all the styling characteristics of its hatchback counterpart, whilst adding more space in the form of a booted rear end. ‘La Semplicita – the simplicity’ is the credo that was followed for the design of the new Polo Sedan.

As such, the front end retains the familiar 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. Not surprisingly, the biggest changes have taken place at the rear, where a new set of wrap-around tail-lights border on the new 454-litre boot. A chrome trim strip at the bottom of the bootlid (on Comfortline derivatives) breaks the rather humdrum rear styling.

The new Polo Sedan engine line-up comprises of the multi-valve 1.4 63 kW and 1.6 77 kW petrol engines, as well as the new 1.6-litre 77 kW common rail turbodiesel. They are all paired with a 5-speed manual transmissions. A 6-speed Tiptronic transmission is offered as an option in the 1.6 Comfortline.

The entry engine in the new Polo Sedan line-up is the four-cylinder 1.4, which produces 63 kW at 5 000 r/min. Its maximum torque of 132 N.m is available at 3 600 r/min. The 1.4 engine offers fuel economy of 5.9 L/100km on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions at 139g/km. The new Polo Sedan 1.4 has a top speed of 178 km/h and a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 12.8 seconds. The more powerful 1.6-litre engine delivers maximum power of 77 kW with minimal fuel consumption. It consumes just 6.4 L/100km and emits 143 g/km of CO2. The 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 77 kW and 250 N.m of torque between 1 500 – 2 500 r/min, with average fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.

Safety equipment is amongst the best in class, with driver and front passenger airbags as well as two side airbags, whiplash-optimised head restraints to limit head and spine injuries in the event of a collision. In addition, the new Polo Sedan features an Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) as standard on the 1.6 TDI Comfortline model and as an option on the 1.6 Comfortline, together with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Standard convenience features in the Trendline trim-level 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.

The Comfortline specification is set apart by 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).

Pricing includes a 3-year/120 000km warranty and 5-year/60 000km service plan.