Despite selling thousands of Polos to the local market on a monthly basis, Volkswagen still exports over 80% of the models produced at its Kariega-based facility in the Eastern Cape, meaning that this humble hatchback is incredibly important for the German automaker and for the country as a whole. The Polo has received a mid-life makeover and we recently attended the national media launch of the newcomer. We were afforded the chance to spend some more time with the refreshed Polo recently, where we spent a week with a press unit finished in a new hue called Vibrant Violet Metallic.
Styling
While there is no mistaking the Polo for anything else, the updated model does look notably different to the model that it replaces. It now sports a reshaped front bumper, and new LED headlights that are joined by an LED crosslight, while at the rear there is a new bumper and new taillamps. The updated exterior now brings the Polo more in line with the latest generation Golf in terms of design and in typical Volkswagen fashion, manages to be both conservative and premium in its execution.
Interior and space
Stepping inside, the Polo now sports a new steering wheel and has an increased emphasis on digitisation, however, we have noted a marked decrease in the quality of materials used inside of newer Volkswagen products, and the Polo is now guilty of this too. From an infotainment perspective, the Life derivative models get a 6.5-inch infotainment system that offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The infotainment extends to the digitised instrument cluster, which is configurable, offering integrated navigation, driving data and media functionality. While the interior of the Polo is no longer the segment leader in terms of out and out quality, it is still brilliant in terms of its functionality and up-to-date technologies.
When it comes to practicality, the Polo offers 351-litres of boot space while the rear quarters also offer a good deal of space, offering seating for three occupants in theory, but more realistically, the second row is better suited for two occupants, where head and leg room is then acceptable.
Performance and driving impression
Powering the Polo press unit is an 85kW and 200Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The engine and gearbox work well together, offering respectable acceleration and effortless progress, however, the DSG gearbox has a tendency to hesitate in low-speed driving scenarios and there is quite a bit of three-cylinder engine sound penetrating the cabin. Once you get past the thrum of the engine, the general refinement and ride quality are excellent.
While one can argue that a vehicle such as the Polo does not need to offer the best driving dynamics, there is no denying that the little Volkswagen is lacking when it comes to the fun factor. What the Polo lacks in driving dynamics, it makes up for everywhere else, coming across as a more polished and refined package than ever before, cementing its place as great overall package and something that is incredibly easy to live with.
Safety
The Polo range was tested by the Euro NCAP assessment programme in 2017 where it achieved the maximum 5-Star rating, scoring 96% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant safety, 76% for pedestrian safety and 59% for its safety assistance systems.
Fuel consumption
The Polo proved to be a frugal companion throughout our week-long test period, registering a combined consumption figure of 5.9 L/100km, not quite the 5.5 L/100km that the brand claims, but certainly acceptable for a product in this segment.
Pricing
The list price for the Polo 1.0TSI 85kW Life at the time of writing was R374 400, with key rivals such as the Peugeot 208, Citroen C3, Suzuki Swift Sport, Honda Fit and the Kia Rio all available at a similar price point. The Polo range comes with a comprehensive 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 3-year/45 000km service plan.
Verdict
The common trope running throughout our analysis of the Polo was that it scores well in all of the areas that matter, something that it shares with its predecessors. Interior quality issues aside, the latest Polo continues to impress, offering what is the best all-round package within its segment. You do have to pay for the privilege of owning a Polo, though, especially for those after an automatic, which at R374 400, is no longer attainable for many consumers.
