Three-Box Volksie Bolsters B-Segment Presence
There are six derivatives in the model line-up, of which one is a turbodiesel with the balance powered by 63 kW/132 Nm 1.4- or 77 kW/155 Nm 1.6-litre normally-aspirated petrol engines. Pricing starts with a 1.4 Trendline at R159 900 with the 1.6 TDi in Comfortline trim the most expensive at R218 000.
Whichever model you opt for, you get space for five and a massive 454-litre boot, so there’ll always be sufficient space for people and their luggage on long journeys.
Styling is clearly related to that of its stumpy five-door sibling, and there are also differences between the light clusters of the Trendline (single headlights) and the Comfortline, which has twin headlights. The rear is characterised by striking taillights that blend with the design and a chrome trim strip at the bottom of the bootlid adds a touch of class of rear of Comfortline models.
The smaller petrol engine is claimed to consume only 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres, for a CO2 emissions value of 139g/km. Its larger sibling requires, say Volksie, 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and its CO2 rating is 143 g/km.
The TDi goes one better and doesn’t pay any emissions taxes thanks to its 120 grams per km rating (right on the threshold), and uses 4.6 litres per 100 km.
Despite its premium pricing, Polo owners will have to get by with four rather than six airbags, but all models – at the risk of stating the obvious – get anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The rear passenger compartment is ISOFIX child seat compatible.
As well as the different headlight treatment and chrome boot garnish, Comfortline models can be identified by the body-coloured mirror housings and door handles, and 15-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, there’s a more sophisticated air conditioning system and a sound system (with satellite controls on a multi-function steering wheel) is standard.
Sound system, cruise control and steering wheel controls are all optional extras for Trendline buyers, 
while stability control is standard on the TDI only, but optional on all others. And if you want a service or maintenance plan, you’ll need to pay extra for that too.
If that’s a disappointment, then hopefully the colour palette will add some cheer. You can have your Polo sedan in Candy White, Flash Red, Reflex Silver, Shadow Blue and Deep Black. Oh, there’s also Terra Beige, but that sounds awfully military – maybe it’s for the security companies out there.
