Polo celebrates 40 years of driving pleasure
Polo celebrated its 40th anniversary in April. The first generation Volkswagen Polo was launched in Europe in 1975. South Africa had to wait until October 1996 for its first Polo model, which was launched to plug the gap between Citi Golf and Golf.
The first South African Polo was a sedan, which was based on the Seat Cordoba. The Polo Classic as it was known became an immediate success and in July 1998, it was joined by the hatchback body variant named Polo Playa, which was based on the Seat Ibiza. In October 2002 the all-new Polo, this time based on the German model, was launched in South Africa. In 2003 it became the first Volkswagen to be awarded the South African Car of the Year title. The new Polo Classic was launched in March 2003.
Polo is one of the world’s best-selling compact models with over 14-million units produced and sold worldwide to date. The best-selling passenger car in South Africa since 2010 has been the Polo’s sibling, the Polo Vivo which was also launched in the same year. With the introduction of the Polo TSI BlueMotion, Volkswagen has succeeded in optimising the already economical TSI engine in the new Polo model range. The improvements to the engine-management system have made it possible to reduce fuel consumption by a further 0,7 litres to 4,2 l/100km when compared to the entry level 1.2 TSI 66 kW (4,9l/100km) and emissions to only 97g/km (117g/km) CO2.
Similar to other Polo hatch derivatives available in South Africa, the Polo TSI BlueMotion also complies with the EU4 emissions standard. The new three-cylinder engine with a one-litre displacement delivers 70kW and can reach a top speed of 191km/h. Like all Polo derivatives, the new Polo TSI BlueMotion offers a wide range of standard and optional convenience and safety technologies which are unique in this class. These include standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, (which automatically initiates braking after a collision) and an optional Driver Alert System.
The infotainment choice has also been reconceptualised with the addition of an optional Radio Composition Media with 5,8-inch touchscreen. The standard infotainment system is a Radio Composition Colour with colour touchscreen, CD and MP3 functionality, SD card and six speakers. It also has connectivity package which includes Bluetooth for mobile phone and audio streaming as well as USB port. To achieve efficiency with the new Polo TSI BlueMotion, air drag has been significantly reduced by the modified underbody, burnished radiator-grille insert and the aerodynamically perfected front spoiler.
Low-rolling resistance tyres also contribute to the cutting-edge fuel-consumption values. The Polo TSI BlueMotion is exclusively fitted with
15-inch “Buenos Aires” alloy wheel. For the first time, Volkswagen is offering the Polo BlueMotion with the TSI petrol engine. The previous model was offered with a three-cylinder 1.2 TDI delivering 55kW. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine is completely new. The three-cylinder engine generates a powerful 70kW and has combined a fuel consumption value of 4,2l/100km and CO2 emissions of 97g/km CO2. The Polo TSI BlueMotion comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission.
Driving fun by agility. The engine’s maximum torque of 160Nm, delivered to the front wheels, is available from a low 1 500r/min. Although the three-cylinder sets standards for efficiency, it also enables dynamic driving performance. The Polo TSI BlueMotion reaches 100km/h in 10,5 seconds.
Following the introduction of the new 1.2 TSI engine in June 2014, the diesel turbo direct-injection engines are also new in the refreshed Polo. The three-cylinder TDI engines generate their power from a 1.4-litre displacement (previously 1,6 litres). The power output ranges from 55kW to 77kW (which is identical to the previous model).
Both Polo BlueMotion and Polo TDI engines are offered with an array of optional convenient and functional features which can be ordered to individualise the new Polo. These optional features include Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (only available with CrossPolo and BlueMotion derivatives), panoramic sunroof, removable towbar, climatronic air-conditioning, light and vision package (includes auto-dimming interior mirror, rain-sensor wipers and low-beam assist), park distance control (front and rear), rear-view camera “Rear Assist” and cruise control (standard in BlueMotion).
