By Khulekani Dumisa

Volkswagen has taken covers off the new Polo Sedan which has moved 44,267 units since its launch in 2011. In terms of looks, the Polo Sedan takes inspiration from the regular Polo with model specific design ques and a fairly generous list of standard features. In terms of dimensions, the new Polo Sedan measures 4 561mm in length, 1 752mm in width and 1 507mm in height. Boot space is a generous 521 litres.

Trims and interior

The new Polo Sedan is available in three equipment lines: Polo Sedan, Polo Sedan Life and the Polo Sedan Life Tiptronic. Each trim comes with bolt on standard features meaning no optional features in each trim. Well, almost. The only optional feature available is the choice of five exterior colours; solid paint (Candy White) and four metallic colours (Wild Cherry Red, Carbon Steel Grey, Reflex Silver and Rising Blue).

The entry-level Polo Sedan derivative comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen radio, 16-inch steel wheels, App-Connect, Cruise Control and a multi-function steering wheel.

In addition to the standard features in the entry-level derivative, the Polo Sedan Life also comes standard with keyless entry and start, rear view camera, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless App-Connect wireless mobile charging, wireless App-Connect, power adjustable and folding exterior mirrors, climatronic air conditioning, ambient lighting, front fog lamps and cornering lights, a chrome package and 16-inch Scimitar alloy wheels.

The top derivative of the model range, the Polo Sedan Life Tiptronic, is further equipped with Hill Start Assist and a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shifting paddles.

The new Polo Sedan is offered with a dual-tone interior and dual-tone seat upholstery.

Safety

The Polo Sedan comes standard with safety features such as to six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), multi-collision braking system, LED headlights and taillights, tyre pressure monitoring, Park Distance Control in the rear, rear-view camera (only available in the Life derivatives) and Hill Start Assist (only available in the Life Tiptronic derivative).

Power

The new Polo Sedan model range is offered with one engine option, a four-cylinder MPI petrol engine, which is paired to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The engine delivers 81kW power and 152Nm of torque. The manual derivatives deliver claimed fuel consumption of 6.2 litres/100km whereas the Tiptronic iteration delivers a claimed fuel consumption of 6.5 litres/100km.

Pricing

Pricing of the new Polo Sedan is as follows:

• Polo Sedan 1.6 81kW Manual               R318,300
• Polo Sedan Life 1.6 81kW Manual       R345,600
• Polo Sedan Life 1.6 81kW Tiptronic     R365,500

The new Polo Sedan comes standard with a 3 year/120,000km warranty, a 3 year/ 45,000km service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Customers have the option to extend the service plan and maintenance plan up to 10 years/ 300,000km.