Locally produced Volkswagen Polo range updated

What's new?

As one of the most common sights on local roads, the current generation of Volkswagen's Polo is certainly a firm favourite amongst local drivers. Interestingly, during the recent media launch presentation that outlined the changes made to the model, we were exposed to a diagram that shows that the latest Polo is in fact bigger than a third-generation Golf, while offering more luggage and occupant space than a fourth-generation Golf, demonstrating just how much the Polo has grown and indeed, why it appears to suit so many local drivers' needs.

Moving on to the changes made to the range, and we note that they are relatively extensive, let's take a look at what's new. There's a new front bumper that houses refreshed fog lamps, the option of the superb IQ LED lighting system, a reshaped rear bumper and new taillights more reminiscent of the latest Golf. Stepping inside the range now features a digitised instrument cluster and multifunction steering wheel as standard as well as a range of new interior trim and seat materials. 

Related:2022 VW Polo pricing revealed; News about the new Taigo crossover

What are IQ Technologies?

In what Volkswagen described as 'The democratization of technologies...' the brand announced that both its IQ.Light and IQ.Drive systems would be available in the Polo range for the first time. The former is a light with 24 individual LEDs, the Dynamic Light Assist function as well as a light strip that runs along the top of the grille, linking the two headlamps. The IQ.Drive system is the name given to the brand's semi-autonomous driving features, with include adaptive cruise control, lane assist, congestion assist, lane change assist, blind-spot assist, traffic jam assist, park assist, city emergency braking, a proactive passenger assist system and pedestrian detection. 

Model range and grade walk

The Polo range has been simplified and now includes two new 85kW DSG-equipped derivatives, but more on that later. At the start of the range, we have the standard Polo, which gets the aforementioned digitised instrument cluster and multifunction steering wheel, electrically adjustable, heated exterior mirrors, airconditioning, 6 airbags, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, front and rear electric windows as well as remote central locking. The base model features a 5-speed manual gearbox paired with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 70kW and 175Nm of torque, allowing for a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L/100km.

Moving up to the Life specification models, which the brand expect to be the volume seller, there are new 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control front and rear Park Distance Control and folding exterior mirrors in addition to the standard model's features. The Life models are available with two power and gearbox options, the 70kW/175Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or the same engine, just bumped up to 85kW/200Nm, but this time paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The flagship within the Polo range is of course the GTi. The brand was proud to announce that South Africa is now the only market that produces the GTi for global consumers. As to be expected, the GTi comes fully specified, with the same specification as the R-Line, but with the IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, partial leather seats, front assist, Dynamic Chassis Control and Dynamic cornering lights. Powering the Polo GTi is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as before, with 147kW and 320Nm of torque sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Performance is strong, with 100km/h coming up in 6.7 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.4L/100km.

Driving Polo

Upon arrival in the Eastern Cape, we hopped on board a 1.0 TSI manual in Life guise and headed on a short drive to the brand's production facility in Uitenhage where we went on a factory tour. After seeing a Polo go from a body shell into a fully built car, we also had the opportunity to place the iconic 'GTi' badge on a model destined for Australia, which was memorable. The production plant can produce up to 165 000 Polo and Polo Vivo models annually, with a 5-day production week that includes three shifts per day.

Having seen the facility in action it was time to experience some time onboard the product itself. having just stepped out of a Polo rival the day prior, we were in a good position to compare the newcomer, which, as to be expected, impressed on the open road, with a composed ride, good levels of refinement, a reasonable amount of cabin intrusion and a solidity that its MQB platform manages to imbue on all produced on which it is underpinned. We easily managed a combined consumption figure of 5.7L/100km, however, the lack of a sixth ratio was certainly noted, while the prevalence of plastic inside is still something we have not come to expect from Volkswagen.

At the car swap point, we hopped on board the GTi, which immediately felt like a very different proposition, with a firmer ride and the willingness to break traction in the first two gears without much provocation. The GTi feels fast, but at times struggles to get its power to the road, which does provide some pukka grin-inducing hot hatch moments, but can also be irksome. While not the sharpest of tools for carving a mountain pass, like its bigger Golf sibling, the Polo GTi provides a healthy balance of performance car antics with a dollop of real-world usability. The combination of a strong engine, a slick gearbox, a reasonable amount of space and a host of in-car technologies make the Polo GTi the proverbial all-rounder for those looking for a smaller performance hatchback.

Pricing

All models come with a 3-year/120 000km warranty as well as a 3-year/45 000km service plan as standard.

Polo 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R311 800

Polo Life 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R350 000

Polo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG R370 700

Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG R421 900

Polo GTI 2.0 TSI 147kW DSG R489 400