The Volkswagen Polo has to be one of the most legendary vehicles in South Africa. Volkswagen vehicles or ‘VWs’, as they are often affectionately referred to, have become a staple in most households. It’s small, zippy and quite fuel-efficient; but at the same time, it is big enough for a small family.
When the new Polo was launched in 2018, Volkswagen South Africa was so confident in saying that their sales on the new Polo would sell no less than 23 000 units in 2018. They got remarkably close to their target by selling 21 822 cars at the end of 2018.
In this article, we will have a look at a review of the 2019 Volkswagen Polo Beats Edition.
How does the new Polo differ from its previous model?1
Noticeably, the new Volkswagen Polo looks different on the outside. It is now 7mm lower, 69mm wider and 81mm longer than the previous model. This is all thanks to Volkswagen’s MQB-platform which underpins the new Polo. The new sporty exterior is complemented by the fast C-pillar for a smoother silhouette, and the new shape and lines give the Polo a wider look and stance. The Polo is accompanied by new LED headlights and taillights. With the longer wheelbase, which was extended by 94mm, providing more legroom for passengers. The boot space has also been increased by 70-litres, this is 25 percent bigger than the previous model, which is quite impressive.
What models are available in the new Volkswagen Polo? 1
There are five different models available namely; Conceptline, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline with the Polo GTi being at the top of the range. The Volkswagen Polo Beats Edition is a decently kitted out Comfortline model. Customers will be able to choose between two different design packages, the Polo Beats and the Polo R-line packages. In the Beats Edition package, it includes a bonnet stripe, sporty seats and retro red and white interior with a powerful 300W sound system.
What is new to the technology in the new Volkswagen Polo? 1
As in the Volkswagen Golf models, the new Polo is available with either a 6.5” or 8” screen, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its system. The Polo Beats is equipped with analogue dials but can have the adaptive digital instrument cluster as an added option. With these premium touches and more space added to the new Polo, the overall build quality on the interior is right on par with the Golf MK 7,5. One of the VW Polo’s biggest updates is the safety aspect. A new radar, optical and ultrasonic sensor work in unison to provide the driver with parallel park assist, front and rear park distance control, blind-spot detection, rear traffic alert and a reverse camera.
The Polo’s performance1
The new Polo has swapped out its much loved 1.2-litre TSi engine with a three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSi engine. Even though its displacement has been reduced, the output hasn’t. The output has increased with the Comfortline tuned at 70kW 175Nm torque with a 5-speed manual gearbox. With a little bit of turbo lag from first gear, the polo soon gets going, making it hard to believe that it only has a 1.0-litre engine. The drive with the new engine is a lot smoother than its predecessor. With the polo being wider and lower, it feels lighter and more agile on the road.
What does the Polo cost?2
The Comfortline Polo’s retail price starts at R240 200 with the Polo Comfortline Beats Edition starting at R300 250 in the manual model.
With the new improvements, it is not hard to believe that the new Polo is South Africa’s second best-selling passenger car, with the Polo Vivo being in the number one spot.
Are you considering buying a new Polo? Do you have affordable car insurance? Perhaps consider affordable car insurance with Prime South Africa?
Sources:
