Although Volkswagen recently unveiled the new Polo, the current generation still has something rather impressive to offer, something I was reminded of when the 1.0 TSI R-Line version arrived at the office for testing.
Polo popularity
The Polo is a car that’s nomenclature is worth its weight in gold. It is one of the best selling vehicles in South Africa, so when Volkswagen introduces a new variant, especially one with a sporty moniker, the general public and motoring media immediately want to know more.
At a recent Volkswagen media event, we were privy to the fact that South Africa is the biggest market in the world for its R-Line trim line. This means that for some of us, hatchbacks need only look great instead of being full-bore performance cars.
The looks
On first glance, the Polo certainly pulls the whole performance hatchback look off with an R-Line logo on the grille, sporty front and rear bumpers, sill extensions, a rear diffuser with an integrated chrome exhaust tailpipe, a rear spoiler and 17-inch Serron alloy wheels.
Despite its age, the Polo still looks good and retains the same level of sophistication, even in R-Line form, as it had throughout its lifespan.
Inside counts
Expect the same sort of premium Volkswagen interior materials and solid build quality associated with the brand. Standard features are respectable with the brand’s five-inch Composition Colour infotainment system with the connectivity package, including Bluetooth, USB and iPhone/iPod interface, all standard.
The R-Line also boasts fatigue detection, sport front seats with ‘Cell’ interior cloth and door trim, a multi-function steering wheel and front foglights.
However, our test unit was also equipped with a few options, namely cruise control, Climatronic air-conditioner, the smartphone friendly App Connect system, a rear-view camera, front and rear Park Distance Control, the Light & Vision Package as well as a panoramic sunroof. As lovely as the extra kit is, it does drive the price up quite a bit.
Powertrain department
Impressive is perhaps the word to describe the Polo when on the move. In terms of its engine, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol produces a healthy 81kW/160Nm, yet its biggest party trick lies with the sublime seven-speed DSG gearbox.
The gearbox makes all the difference, not in terms of performance as on paper it gets to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds, but in terms of daily driving and ease of use. The tiny three-pot works well with the gearbox, with good low down torque and smooth surge to the redline, while consumption can be as low as 6.4-litres/100km if driven carefully.
Ownership proposition
The Polo gets a three-year /120 000km warranty and a three-year/45 000km service plan. The R-Line comes in at R290 200, although the number of options fitted lifted the sticker price of our tester to well over the R300 000 mark.
Verdict
The Polo will provide a solid, premium and carefree daily driving experience if you’re after something that looks the part, but isn’t expensive to run. You’ll just have to make peace with the fact that it isn’t cheap; in fact, you could get the updated Golf with the same engine bar the DSG gearbox for less than this B-segment brawler.
