New VW Polo – Hatchbacks that sell for the same price

The updated VW Polo will go on sale in South Africa in January 2022 at a starting price of R311,800.

This is R13,000 more expensive than the current entry-level Polo hatchback – with the price difference covering much more than just a new set of bumpers and wheels.

At launch, the entry-level Polo and Polo Life Manual (R350,000) will be available alongside the range-topping GTI model.

The Polo Life Automatic and Polo R-Line are joining the line-up in March 2022, with pricing for these variants yet to be announced.

Standard features

The starter models for the new Polo range are fitted with a 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol motor connected to a five-speed manual transmission.

The engine is good for 70kW and 175Nm, sending both hatchbacks to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds and to a top speed of 187km/h.

Combined fuel consumption is then rated at a relatively low 5.3l/100km.

In the features department, the facelifted Polo has stepped up its game considerably.

The range now sports LED lights with daytime running lights, all-round electric windows, air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, and a 6.5-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In the standard Polo, you also get “Basket” style fabric seats and 14-inch steel wheels – while the Polo Life Manual brings “Slash” fabric upholstery and 15-inch “Essex” alloys.

The more expensive Polo Life Manual is also treated to a leather multifunction steering wheel and gear lever, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, and foldable rear seats.

Foldable rear seats are an optional extra in the cheapest 2022 Polo.

Additionally, the updated range offers a host of driver-assist and safety systems, including hill-hold assist, ABS with brake assist, a tyre pressure monitor, driver fatigue alert, and six airbags.

Each purchase of a 2022 VW Polo includes a 3-year/120,00km warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.

The market

The updated VW Polo range has one of the more expensive starting prices in the hatchback market.

However, its two cheapest models will go head-to-head against the hatchbacks below when they go on sale in 2022.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Auto

• Price – R238,900
• Power – 61kW/113Nm
• 0-100km/h – 13.5 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km
• Warranty – 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.

Opel Corsa 1.2 Edition

• Price – R305,900
• Power – 55kW/118Nm
• 0-100km/h – 13.2 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 5.8l/100km
• Warranty – 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.

Ford Fiesta 1.0T Trend

• Price – R322,500
• Power – 92kW/170Nm
• 0-100km/h – 9.9 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 4.3l/100km
• Warranty – 4-year/120,000km warranty and 3-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.

Honda Fit 1.5 Comfort

• Price – R329,500
• Power – 89kW/145Nm
• 0-100km/h – 10.5 seconds (estimate)
• Fuel consumption – 5.5l/100km
• Warranty – 5-year/200,000km warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and 3-year/unlimited kilometre AA roadside assistance.

Nissan Micra 66kW Turbo Acenta

• Price – R332,900
• Power – 66kW/140Nm
• 0-100km/h – 12.1 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 5.1l/100km
• Warranty – 6-year/150,000km warranty and a 3-year/90,000km service plan.

Mazda 2 1.5 Individual

• Price – R333,000
• Power – 85kW/148Nm
• 0-100km/h – 9.6 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km
• Warranty – 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, service plan, and roadside assistance.

Hyundai i20 1.0T Fluid

• Price – R333,900
• Power – 90kW/172Nm
• 0-100km/h – 9.7 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 6.5l/100km
• Warranty – 5-year/150,000km warranty with an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and 7-year/150,000km roadside assistance.

Kia Rio 1.4 Tec

• Price – R347,995
• Power – 73kW/135Nm
• 0-100km/h – 11.5 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 5.8l/100km
• Warranty – 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.

Peugeot 208 1.2T Allure

• Price – R356,900
• Power – 74kW/205Nm
• 0-100km/h – 9.9 seconds
• Fuel consumption – 5.8l/100km
• Warranty – 5-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-year/60,000km service plan.