The New Volkswagen Polo – Growing With The Times

By Chad Lückhoff

Things grow. This is a fact of life. As we age, things change both in appearance and in maturity. It is an inescapable truth that we all have to face. Cars grow too, believe it or not. Not in front of our very eyes, but with each and every incarnation of a model, nine times out of ten, they will grow, they will mature. The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo is no exception to this rule.

While we've only seen four of the six generations of VW Polo locally, we have seen it grow and morph into a stout, robust compact hatch with a surprising amount of room. The new sixth-generation Polo, if you will believe it, is now roughly the same size as the Mk3 VW Golf. Overall length of the new VW Polo is 81mm longer, coming in at 4,053mm. This isn't just more overhang, the wheelbase has been increased by 81mm which means there's more interior room and better road-holding. The road-holding is further improved by the increase in track which is now 69mm wider, coming in at 1,751mm. Despite the increase in width and length, the new VW Polo is lower than its predecessor. It's only 8mm lower, but lower is lower.

Is bigger better?

And this helps the appearances. Being wider, but lower, means that the new VW Polo creates the impression of sportiness. New waist lines, sharper and more defined, have the same effect as a set of well-toned calves, or a washboard six-pack – it looks athletic. The C-pillar now hunches forward at more of an angle, lending itself to creating a wedge-like visage when the Polo is viewed from the side. LED headlights and taillights are options and ones that are worth checking.

Despite this sporty impression, the new Polo comes across as a classier, elegant machine with lines that echo that of its larger brother and styling cues that draw parallels with VW's sister brand, Audi. Having said that, the styling doesn't initially appear to be a radical enough departure from the 6R (Mk5) Polo, with just too many similarities to mention. It's a criticism we've raised in the past with VAG products, a lack of innovative styling cues and ideas, but it keeps the model familiar, even if you may feel short-changed with your purchase.

Keeping it classy

The classy approach can be further felt in the cabin and this is where the new Polo is certainly one up on the former version. The interior redesign is refreshing and exciting with a trapezoidal styling element carried through most of the lines in the cockpit. While there were some initial concerns over the quality of the materials used, with some plastics seeming cheaper than before, the fit and finish was of an applaudable standard. This is VW build quality perfectly demonstrated. Not a single rattle, squeak or rumble was to be found and overall NVH levels were more than acceptable.

As the Polo grows and matures, so does the tech onboard. The new VW Polo can be had with three different infotainment systems, ranging from the 6.5-inch Composition Colour system with pressure sensitive touchscreen or the Composition Media with an 8-inch colour display, Bluetooth, USB and 4 x 20w power output. Discover Media expands the Composition Media to include navigation. The special Beats version has a thumping 300w Beats sound system fitted.

VW takes this one step further by offering up the new Active Info Display which, situated in the gauge binnacle, offers an 11.7-inch, high-quality digital display with a host of functions and views, replacing the standard analogue gauges. One has to think Audi Virtual Cockpit here...

Sprightly new engine options

Powering the new Polo is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that either develops 70kW or 85kW, with either 175Nm or 200Nm. The Trendline and Comfortline models are fitted with the 70kW engine as standard, offering a fantastic balance of power, flexibility and managing to maintain respectable fuel economy. The open road saw the 70kW motor drop into the high 5l/100km range with ease when mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Figures on the 85kW Highline model with the DSG gearbox was slightly higher.

Yes, the new Polo Highline is available with a 7-speed DSG gearbox but the good news is that the 1.0 70kW Comfortline is now too available with the DSG option. Manual gearboxes are alternatives, with the 70kW getting a 5-speed and the 85kW getting a 6-speed.

I was most impressed with the 70kW / 5-speed Comfortline model, the engine developing ample torque low down in the rev range with sufficient poke in reserve to make passing and hills a pleasure, without having to drop a gear. The 5-speed gearbox is a gem and VW have nailed the ratios. Fewer gear changes, longer gears and 3-cylinder mid-range torque made the Polo super flexible on the open road. The 80kW DSG option impressed me a little less though, although it was better equipped.

Safer than before

VW has beefed up their driver assistance systems and the new Polo benefits from a host of standard and optional features that would usually be reserved for larger offerings. In this impressive list you will find Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Semi-Automated Park Assist, Keyless Access, Driver Alert System, Multi Collision Braking, Driving Profile Selection, and a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator amongst others.

But it's the drive that is the most impressive. With the increase in wheelbase and track, the new Polo is planted and secure, offering a ride akin to that of the larger Golf or A3. A great steering feel and surefooted road-holding inspires confidence in the car and makes it very enjoyable to drive. I've often criticized the brand for lacking character but the Polo defies that by offering up a stylish, but fun approach to growing up.

Local is lekker

The new VW Polo will be produced here in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape and will cater for the right-hand drive markets with some left-hand drive models being manufactured alongside. Thanks to the shift in the manufacturing process and multi-billion Rand investment in the production line, Volkswagen is able to offer the new Polo at a price not too dissimilar from the outgoing model. An increase of approximately 1% is all you will see at the moment, making the new VW Polo even better value for money.

Pricing

Recommended Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)

1.0 TSI 70kW Trendline	R 235 900
1.0 TSI 70kW Comfortline	R 264 700
1.0 TSI 70kW Comfortline DSG	R 280 700
1.0 TSI 85kW Highline	R 286 200
1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG	R 302 200

The new Volkswagen Polo models come standard with a 3 year/45 000km Service Plan,

3-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Interval is 15 000km.