Popular Polo peak of perfection

[caption id="attachment_40447" align="alignright" width="405"] SHARP, SHARP: Visually, the new Polo can be identified by a sharper front and rear design. In addition, the new model introduces fresh colours, new interior materials and new specifications[/caption]

THIS week, World of Wheels drives one of the most popular cars sold in South Africa, the new Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI Highline DSG. Launched recently, this Polo sets a new benchmark in the motor industry for vehicles in this segment.

The car is one of the world's best selling compact models, with nearly 14 million units produced and sold worldwide to date.

The Volkswagen factory in Uitenhage is one of the two plants in the Volkswagen production network that assembles the Polo hatch.

In South Africa, the Polo is produced for both the local and export markets.

Since its launch in 2010, Polo hatch has consistently been the second best-selling passenger car in South Africa. Last year, Polo hatch was bought by 23501 customers.

Expect to find one of the best fit and finishes in the Polo and on top of that an award-winning engine range that sets new standards.

The car has been enhanced both visually and technically. The driver assistance and infotainment systems, as well as the new TSI engines now available with either five- or six-speed manual transmissions or the award winning DSG gearbox, has taken the car to another level.

The vehicle offers the widest range of assistance systems in its class.

It is also the first car in this segment that comes equipped with an automatic post-collision braking system as standard.

This system automatically initiates braking of the vehicle after an accident in order to prevent a subsequent collision.

The new Polo is powered by fuel efficient TSI engines which replace the MPI engines. Initially only the four-cylinder 1.2 TSI engines will be available with the power output range of 66kW and 81kW.

The two 1.2 TSI engines replace the 1.4 (63kW) and 1.6 (77kW) MPI engines.

The entry derivative is fitted with the TSI engine that delivers an output of 66kW available at 4 800rpm.

The claimed combined fuel consumption of the 1.2 TSI 66kW engine is as low as 4.9 l/100 km (117g/km of CO2emissions). Turbocharging boosts the torque at this power level to 160Nm (over the range 1 400 to 3, 00 rpm).

The 66kW powered Polo 1.2 TSI has a top speed of 184km/h and accelerates to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The 1.2 TSI 66kW engine is available with the Trendline and Comfortline derivatives.

The 81kW Polo attains a fuel consumption value of 5.1 l/100 km (equivalent to 120g/km CO2). The maximum power of this engine is available at 5000rpm and its maximum torque of 175Nm is delivered between 1500 and 4000rpm. At this power level, the car has a top speed of 196km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds.

The optional features include Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (only available with CrossPolo at launch), 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.

The new Polo, in my opinion, is one the best cars in its class and I expect it to win many awards.

Prices (VAT and CO2emissions tax included)1.2 TSI 66kW Trendline R1883001.2 TSI 66kW Comfortline R2097001.2 TSI 81kW Highline R2333001.2 TSI 81kW Highline DSG R2478001.2 TSI 81kW CrossPolo R241000The vehicle comes standard with a three-year/45000km service plan, three-year/120000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.  -