REVIEW | Forget personal feelings, here's why Volkswagen's Polo is worth its salt
• The updated Volkswagen Polo is again the benchmark vehicle in its segment.
• The 1.0-litre engine is available in two states of tune, of which we drove the 70kW version.
• The Polo Life derivative is priced at R350 000.
Still the class leader
Here's where things get interesting for the updated Polo, because it continues with the trusted ride quality the sixth generation has become known for. Floor the throttle, and the turbocharged three-cylinder engine spools up easily to propel the hatchback forward with undoubted minimal effort. No doubt aided by the 175Nm of torque.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission that feels mechanically solid with every gear change, returning a fuel economy of just under 7.0-litres/100km.
At times, though, it may feel that the engine wants power, but Volkswagen answers that desire with an 85kW version of the same power unit mated with its DSG transmission. Although, the extra 15kW comes at an R20 700 premium.
In all, the updated Polo's biggest strength is its ride quality. The suspension setup, the chassis on which it rides, and how it deals with bumps are all traits that ensure its position at the top of the charts. It's what sets it apart from the competition and why thousands of South Africans want to buy it every year. And though some might feel that the car has become expensive, it does little to detract from what it has to offer.
The (2022) Volkswagen Polo Life 70kW is priced at R350 000 and comes standard with a three-year or 120 000km warranty, a three-year or 45 000km service plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
The Volkswagen Polo has always been a standard-bearer in the local automotive scene and the updated model continues with the very success recipe of its forebear.
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