Cape Town - Volkswagen's ubiquitous Polo hatchback will be replaced by a sixth generation in 2018. The local launch takes place at the end of January and Volkswagen has released indicative pricing for the new model.
Initially the range will consist of two engines, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (70kW and 85kW) and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol. The latter will power the GTI performance model (147kW), in fact a reader spotted one in the Eastern Cape earlier this year.
Three specification levels will be offered: the base Trendline, mid-spec Comfortline and the top of the range Highline. Buyers can also opt from a 'Beats' package.
Here are some key facts about the new Polo:
Largest yet - 4053mm long, 94mm longer wheelbase.
Boot volume grew 25% to 351 litres.
Golf features in Polo - park assist, Blind Spot Detection, ACC and LED headlights.
First Polo with digital instruments - second-generation Active Info Display.
New exterior design, assertive front end.
Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, GTI, Beats and lifestyle packages.
14 body colours and 13 dashpad colours
Engines have outputs from 70kW to 147kW
Use Modular transverse matrix or MQB platform.
Indicative pricing
1.0 TSI 70kW Trendline - R236 200
1.0 TSI 70kW Comfortline - R263 500
1.0 TSI 70kW Comfortline DSG - R279 500
1.0 TSI 85kW Highline - R287 500
1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG - R303 500
2.0 GTI 147kW DSG - R387 500