DRIVEN: 2018 VW Polo breaks cover in SA

If South Africa had to have a national car, it would most likely be the Volkswagen Polo. In fact, Volkswagen SA is so confident in the all-new sixth-generation Polo Hatch that they estimate to sell no less than 23,000 units in 2018. We headed to Port Elizabeth, where the entire RHD Polo Hatch and Vivo range will be produced, to drive their latest product.

DESIGN

The first change that many will notice is the exterior, which is now 7mm lower, 69mm wider and 81mm longer than its predecessor thanks to Volkswagens MQB-platform which underpins the new Polo. The fast C-pillar gives the car a smoother silhouette, and the new lines around the car give it a wider stance. The result is a rather sporty exterior, which is only complemented further by the new LED headlights and taillights.

Practicality has also been addressed by extending the wheelbase by 94mm, providing passengers with impressive legroom as well as an increased boot capacity of 70-litres – a 25% upgrade from the predecessor.

Three trim levels are available, namely Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Customers will also be able to choose from two optional design packages; the Polo Beats and the Polo R-line package. The Beats package includes a unique bonnet stripe, sporty seats and a powerful 300W sound system, while the R-line package adds nicer bumpers, side-sills and 17”-wheels for an extra R17,000. Customers will also be able to order the new Polo GTI when it is launched in May 2018, which will be built in South Africa for the first time.

INTERIOR

The new Polo is now available with the infotainment screen from the Golf, available in 6,5” or 8”. This system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as voice control. The customisable instrument cluster is also available, giving the hatch a premium and refined feel.

The biggest update to the new Polo comes in the form of safety. A new radar, optical and ultrasonic sensor work in unison to provide the driver with driving aids like parallel park assist, front and rear park distance control, blind spot detection, rear traffic alert and a handy reverse camera. Adaptive cruise control was mentioned and will be implemented at a later stage.

PERFORMANCE

The 1,2-litre TSI that we’ve come to love on the previous Polo has been swapped out for a 1,0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine. Displacement may have been reduced, but output has increased. The entry-level Trendline and Comfortline are tuned for 70kW and 175Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the Highline model comes with 85kW and 200Nm of torque, fed through a 6-speed manual gearbox. All engines are available with an optional 7-speed DSG gearbox.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

We spent some time with the 85kW Highline DSG model and one would be hard-pressed to notice that you’re driving a 1.0-litre vehicle once you add some pressure to the right pedal. The turbo lag has been reduced and the drive is a lot smoother compared to its predecessor. The car also feels light and nimble on the road, considering that it’s wider and slightly lower.

The interior strikes a great balance between spacious and cosy, while the infotainment system worked as expected. The overall build quality of the interior is on par with the new Golf.

PRICING

1.0 TSI 70kW Trendline – R235 900

1.0 TSI 70kW Comfortline – R264 700

1.0 TSI 70kW Comfortline DSG – R280 700

1.0 TSI 85kW Highline – R286 200

1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG – R302 200

All Polos are sold with a 3-year/120,000 warranty and 3-year/45,000km service plan.

VERDICT

The new Volkswagen Polo is all grown-up and is worthy of the ‘baby Golf’ title. It’s comfortable, agile and efficient. No surprise as to why its South Africa’s second best-selling passenger car, with the Polo Vivo taking the top spot.