What the new VW Polo will take on in South Africa

VW has announced that the facelifted Polo will launch in South Africa in January 2022.

While the company has provided the local specifications of the car, the starting price has unfortunately not been revealed yet.

The current VW Polo is priced competitively, with its entry-level spec costing R298,800.

We also expect the 2022 Polo’s starting price to hover around the R300,000 mark, while the top-of-the-line Polo GTI is expected to be under R500,000 – as is the case with the current model.

Polo specifications

The new VW Polo will be available in Polo, Polo Life, Polo R-Line, and Polo GTI specifications – replacing the Polo Comfortline and Trendline naming scheme of old.

As standard, the range offers front and rear LED lights, a multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, electrically-adjustable and heated wing mirrors, and a 6.5-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The more expensive models receive features such as a leather steering wheel and gear lever, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, parking sensors, and an 8-inch central screen.

An array of additional extras are also available on the hatchback, including matrix LED lights, a rear-view camera, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and three driver-assist and safety system packages.

The standard Polo range is then driven by a 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine connected to either a five-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.

The GTI comes with a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol motor paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The power specifications for the new VW Polo line-up are as follows:

• Polo and Polo Life – 70kW/175Nm
• Polo Life Auto and R-Line – 85kW/200Nm
• Polo GTI – 147kW/320Nm

The market

The VW Polo is currently the best-selling passenger car in South Africa.

This means the new VW Polo has big shoes to fill if it plans to continue its domination in the category.

Below, we list the competitors that aim to dethrone the VW Polo.

Click on the underlined prices to visit TopAuto Car Prices for more information.

Suzuki Swift

• Starting price – R184,900
• Power –  61-103kW/113-230Nm

Hyundai i20

• Starting price – R278,900
• Power – 61-90kW/115-172Nm

Citroen C3

• Starting price – R279,900
• Power – 60-81kW/118-205Nm

Mazda 2

• Starting price – R280,600
• Power – 85kW/148Nm

Kia Rio

• Starting price – R280,995
• Power – 61-73kW/120-135Nm

Opel Corsa

• Starting price – R289,900
• Power – 55-96kW/118-230Nm

Peugeot 208

• Starting price – R295,900
• Power – 55-96kW/118-230Nm

Nissan Micra

• Starting price – R310,900
• Power – 66-84kW/140-180Nm

Ford Fiesta

• Starting price – R322,500
• Power – 92kW/170Nm

Honda Fit

• Starting price – R329,500
• Power – 80-89kW/145-253Nm

Fiat Tipo Hatch

• Starting price – R369,900
• Power – 70-81kW/127-152Nm

Toyota Corolla Hatch

• Starting price – R397,600
• Power – 85kW/185Nm

Abarth 595

• Starting price – R399,900
• Power – 121-132kW/230-250Nm

Mini Hatch

• Starting price – R424,554
• Power – 75-170kW/190-320Nm

Audi A1

• Starting price – R441,000
• Power – 85-147kW/200-320Nm