Volkswagen has expanded the offering of its best-selling Polo model range with the addition of a 1.0 litre petrol engine. Over 155 600 Polo hatch body variants have been sold in South Africa since its launch in February 2010. The popularity of Polo has been acknowledged through numerous awards which includes the Wesbank South African Car of the Year title in 2011.
The introduction of the 1.0 TSI engine is a precursor to Volkswagen’s small engine strategy in South Africa. The fuel efficient small capacity engines will be the main feature in Volkswagen’s future models. The three-cylinder 999cc engine will be the base engine of the new Golf which will be launched locally at the end of the second quarter.
Engine performance
The 1.0 TSI delivers 81kW of power at 5000rpm. Its maximum torque of 200Nm is available from 2000 up to 3500rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h is reached in 9.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 197km/h. This engine has a frugal combined fuel economy of 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The exceptional fuel efficiency is enhanced by the BlueMotion Technology with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems. The 1.0 litre TSI engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission.
R-Line Package
The 1.0 TSI with 81kW is the first Polo derivative to be offered with the exterior R-Line package. The R-Line package adds a sporty look which makes the car stands out on the road. The R-Line package includes R-Line logo on the radiator grille, front and rear bumpers, sill extensions, a sporty rear diffuser with an integrated chrome exhaust tailpipe, a rear spoiler in body colour and 17-inch Serron alloy wheels.
Standard features
The Polo with the R-Line package has the following features as standard: 5-inch Composition Colour, Connectivity package with Bluetooth and USB as well as iPhone/iPod interface, fatigue detection, sport front seats with ‘Cell’ interior cloth and door trim, multifunction steering and front foglights.
Optional features
For customers that want to individualise their 81kW 1.0 TSI Polo R-Line, Volkswagen offers optional features such as 5.8-inch Composition media, App Connect, Light and Vision package (includes rain sensor wipers, auto-dimming interior mirror, automatic headlights and coming home function), cruise control, climatronic air-conditioner, panoramic sunroof, park distance control (front and rear), rear view camera and LED headlights with separate LED daytime running lights.
The 1.0 TSI Polo R-line retails for R290 200 (VAT and emissions tax included).
The retail price includes three year or 45 000km service plan, three year or 120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15 000km.
In related news, Mercedes-Benz recently showed off the first mid-size SUV from Affalterbach in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC as well as a performance roadster in the new Mercedes-AMG SLC 43.