A new range of high-spec Volkswagen Polos, topped by a three-cylinder 1,4-litre TDI, has been launched in South Africa.A new range of high-spec Volkswagen Polos, topped by a three-cylinder 1,4-litre TDI, has been launched in South Africa.

For the first time since the introduction of the Polo in South Africa, the new five-door model is similar to versions sold in Europe. Unlike the previous range, which was a hybrid of a Golf II front end and the rear of the SEAT Cordoba, the new Polo was purposefully built, Volkswagen SA sales and marketing general manager Bill Stephens said.

Stephens added: “It has more space, more safety, more comfort and more quality than before - it will be the benchmark for all other vehicles competing in this market strata” - a bold statement considering the recent addition of the new generation Opel Corsa and Citroën C3 to the sub-compact market

The new range features 1,4 and 1,6-litre petrol engines and a 1,4-litre TDI diesel powerplant. Standard features include: driver’s and front passenger airbags, power steering, central locking, cup holders, immobilisers and ABS braking, full-size spare wheel, high-level brake light, adjustable headlight range, locking fuel cap, front and rear head restraints, dust and pollen filters, cup holders front and rear, and tinted windows. Satellite navigation is available as a factory-fitted option.

"The Polo shows typical Volkswagen hatchback designs with its almost flush fitting side windows, characteristic front, and the typical Volkswagen attention to detail," said Volkswagen product head August Jukel.

"Compared with is predecessor it is noticeably longer (by 69 mm) and taller (40mm) as well as being wider (10 mm). The wheelbase is also longer (17mm) and it has a slightly wider track both front and rear (6mm) and rear (11mm). In the interior it is also larger with 52 mm more rear legroom and an extra 20 mm headroom,” Junkel added.

The four models featured in the range are:

Polo 1,4:

The 1,4 is powered by a 60 kW four-cylinder engine that develops its maximum torque, 125 N.m, at 3 800 r/min. The claimed overall average fuel consumption figures are 8,8 litres per 100 km on the urban cycle and 5,2 litres per 100 km in freeway conditions. VWSA claims the Polo 1,4 will reach a top speed of 172 km/h and accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 12.7 seconds.

The Polo 1,4 is set apart from its stablemates by black insert strips on the colour-coded bumpers and black side-mouldings. It also has 14” steel rims as standard with wheel covers on 165/70 tyres. Options include air-conditioning system, radio/tape, front-loading CD changers, satellite navigation and alloy wheels.

Other standard features include: power steering, immobilisers, bee sting aerial, height adjustable steering columns, rev counter, digital clock and trip recorder, rear wiper and split rear seat (60/40).

Polo 1,6 Standard & Comfortline:

The standard Polo 1,6 has colour-coded mirrors and side mouldings, remote central locking, an alarm system, electric front windows and electrically-adjustable side mirrors, and multi-function onboard computer. Features like alloy wheels, air-conditioner systems, radio/tape, satellite navigation and front-loading CD are optional.

The Polo 1,6 Comfortline features air-conditioner, all-round electric windows, height-adjustable seats with storage trays underneath, radio/tape and 14" alloy wheels shod with 185/60 tyres. Optional enhancements on the Comfortline model are: front-loading CD changer, 15" alloy wheels and satellite navigation system.

This 1,6-litre engine delivers 74 kW at 5 500 r/min and 140 N.m torque at 3 250 r/min. The manufacturer claims a top speed of 184 km/h and zero to 100 km/h time of 10,9 seconds. Its fuel consumption on the urban cycle is 9,2 litres per 100 km and 5,3 litres per 100 km on the open road.

Polo 1.4 TDI:

The top-of-the-range Polo is the second diesel-engined subcompact car to be launched in South Africa in the space of a week.

It is powered by a 1 422 cm3 direct injection three-cylinder TDI that employs pump-injector tech

Original article from Car