As the marque’s second best-selling passenger car, the sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo is earmarked to go through a mid-cycle nip and tuck to keep it fresh in the supermini stable.
Subtle isn’t the correct way to measure the changes because the refreshed Polo boasts a fresh new look in the form of tweaked headlights and taillights that feature standard LED technology across all trims.
The front features a new LED light strip similar to that of the Golf 8 GTI as well as IQ.Lights LED matrix headlights.
Inside, the new Polo has a digital cockpit, reworked multi-function steering wheel plus the latest infotainment system. App-Connect as well as IQ.Drive Travel Assist features are offered as options.
Four models with their new naming conventions will be available; Polo, Polo Life, Polo R-Line and GTI.
The base Polo model is equipped with a new multi-function steering wheel, digital display and App-Connect, 14″ steel wheels that can be upgraded to the optional 15″ Essex alloys and smoker’s package. Powering it is a 1.0-litre three-pot TSI engine with 70 kW and 175 Nm that is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission.
VW’s Polo Life has the same 1.0-litre TSI unit but with more power rated at 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The engine is mated either to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or the aforementioned 5-speed manual box. It also adds a digital dashboard display, Park Distance Control, electric folding mirrors and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. It runs on 16″ Valencia alloy wheels that can be upgraded to 17″ Bergamo alloys. Other optional extras include a panoramic roof, LED headlights, Discover Media, Beats sound system and a rear-view camera.
Sitting on top of the range is the Polo GTI with its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that spurts out 147 kW and 320 Nm that’s good for a 6.7-second sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h. The refreshed Polo GTI is available in just four exterior hues; Pure White, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Kings Red Metallic and Reef Blue Metallic. It comes standard with two-zone climatronic air conditioning, IQ. Light LED matrix headlights, 17″ Milton Keynes alloy wheels plus a Composition Media system with inductive mobile charging. Buyers will be able to fit a panoramic roof, deep iron grey dashboard trim, 18″ Faro alloys, Discover Media System, ‘Beats’ sound system, leather seat package and rear-view camera at an added charge.
The upgraded 70 kW and Polo GTI models are planned to go on sale in Mzansi from January 2022 whereas the 85 kW Polo will join the range from March 2022.
Polo 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R311,800
Polo Life 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R350,000
Polo GTI 2.0 TSI 147kW DSG® R489,400
The new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with a three-year/120,000 km warranty, three-year/ 45,000 km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15,000 km.
