
VW has updated the Polo sedan for South Africa, introducing a new flagship model with a more powerful engine.
The series now consists of five entries with prices ranging from R360,500 to R454,900.
There are two petrol powertrains available, starting with a 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated unit that produces 81kW and 152Nm.
Alternatively, there is a the option of a new 1.0-litre turbocharged block which pumps out a greater 85kW and 178Nm.
You have a choice of a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, and its fuel consumption works out to an average of 6.3l/100km.
Standard equipment on the sedan includes automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, a chrome grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 15-inch space-saver spare wheel, keyless entry and start, a leather multifunction steering wheel, two-tone fabric seats, a wireless charger, climate control, USB ports, a 10-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and eight speakers.
This is on top of safety features comprising six airbags, ABS, tyre-pressure monitoring, hill assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, cruise control, and electronic stability control.
Picking up the new top-of-the-range Style trim will then add rain-sensing wipers, leatherette upholstery, a sunroof, larger 17-inch alloys, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Each purchase also includes a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.
A shrinking segment
Unfortunately, the sedan market in South Africa has been on the decline for a few years now as consumers shift towards crossovers and SUVs.
Excluding high-end models from the likes of BMW or Mercedes-Benz, there are only a handful of sedans left on the market, including the Polo.
These are the cars from other brands that it is competing with.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Kia Pegas 1.4 EX Auto
- Starting price – R318,995
- Power – 69kW/132Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.0l/100km
Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid Sedan Auto
- Starting price – R323,900
- Power – 61kW/114Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km
Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GLX Auto
- Starting price – R338,900
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.6l/100km
Toyota Corolla Quest 1.8 Exclusive Auto
- Starting price – R414,800
- Power – 103kW/173Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.4l/100km
Honda Ballade 1.5 RS
- Starting price – R460,500
- Power – 89kW/145Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.5/100km
Fiat Tipo sedan 1.6 City Life
- Starting price – R469,900
- Power – 81kW/152Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km
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