Volkswagen Polo full range - what you need to know

Martin Pretorius

Volkswagen’s Polo has become a fixture at (or near) the top of local passenger vehicle sales charts, and for good reason, too. There’s a wide range which caters for most budgets and tastes, along with class-leading refinement and high equipment levels, and strong resale values. We’ve looked at the range to tell you everything you need to know about this popular model.

The Polo range may seem complicated at first glance, but it’s actually far more straight-forward than it seems. There are four trim levels, of which three all use some variation of the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which does duty in many Volkswagen Group products. The fourth variant is the hot-shoe GTI, which features a de-tuned Golf GTI engine, and is only available with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG).

Trim levels are broadly defined as Trendline (entry-level), Comfortline (mid-spec) and Highline (high-spec), with a “Beats” package available on the Comfortline, and an “R-Line” package available on both Comfortline and Highline variants. The lower- and mid-spec derivatives both use a 70 kW/175 Nm version of the 1.0TSI engine, coupled with either a 5-speed manual gearbox (in both trim lines) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (in the Comfortline only). Highlines get the same engine, but in 85 kW/200 Nm tune, with the same DSG gearbox or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Standard equipment

Even the basic Trendline is quite well-equipped at R 245 500, with air-con, power steering, ABS, stability control, ISOFIX anchorages in the rear, and 6 airbags as standard across the range. Convenience items include remote central locking, front electric windows, and a touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth/USB capabilities. 

To this list, the Comfortline (from R 276 200) adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, electric side mirrors, pushbutton engine start, and upgrades the audio system to 6 speakers. Highline trim (from 298 700) gets a front centre armrest, cruise control, sports seats, rear power windows, and 16-inch alloy wheels, along with the aforementioned powertrain upgrades.

The “Beats” package adds a further sound system upgrade and special 16-inch alloy wheels, although 17-inch “Bonneville” alloys are actually a no-cost option on Comfortline variants. Ticking the “R-Line” box gives you different bumpers and front foglamps, but it is essentially just an exterior styling kit. Tasty options include full-LED head- and tail lamps, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, navigation and further audio upgrades, a digital dashboard, heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic wiper control.

For the power hungry

The 3-cylinder engines are entirely adequate for most users, but those with a penchant for power will head right to the Polo GTI (R 389 100). 147 kW and 320 Nm ensures that this little hotshot mixes it with the big boys in the performance stakes, especially as the standard DSG transmission maximises efficient transfer of all that power to the tarmac.

It gets everything you’ll find in a Highline Polo, along with an upgrade to 17-inch wheels, sports suspension, and a unique styling package with red grille- and headlight accents. Available options also mirror those of the Highline.

The sweet spot

With such a varied range on offer, it may be tricky to pick the right Polo. Budget-constrained buyers (or those with no need for flash) will be served perfectly well by a basic Trendline, and get a good-value deal as well. However, Comfortline trim presents the best balance between creature comforts and value, and the availability of those sexy 17-inch alloys at no extra cost is the cherry on the cake. 

As for the transmission choice, the DSG automatic is probably a must for traffic-bound drivers, but the manual gearbox perfectly nice to use as well. Personal preference and budget will dictate this choice. On top of all this, you can pick your own options from the extensive list, to personalise your Polo. 

All Polos come standard with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a service plan for 3 years or 45 000 km. Prices accurate at the time of writing, but may change without prior notice.