Polo fans will be pleased to know that Volkswagen has introduced a new TSI and TDI engine to the range, as well as the much anticipated Polo GTI manual derivative. We spent a day at the launch in Pretoria to give the new models a go and here’s what we discovered.

New Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion

In an effort to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, Volkswagen has introduced a downsized 3-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI engine to the BlueMotion range for the first time. The Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion consumes 4.2L/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of only 97g/km. Power output for this engine is 70 kW with 220 Nm of torque delivered to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

How does it drive? Well, quite nicely actually. In a world of soaring fuel prices and shrinking budgets, the 1.0 TSI BlueMotion makes perfect sense if you live in a city. On our test route we easily achieved 6.0L/100km and that was with little effort. Performance is decent given the engine size and the 1.0 TSI BlueMotion can reach a top speed of 191kph and sprint from 0-100kph in 10.5 seconds. The Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion has excellent road manners and handles well, even at speed. Power is delivered smoothly and this little mover and shaker is good at overtaking and nipping through traffic and sits comfortably beyond the highway speed limit. What more do you need? There is a fair bit of turbo lag when you mash the pedal, but once it gets going, it’s keen to push on.

Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion – Price in South Africa

Customers can expect to pay no less than R235800 for the Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion and like with the whole Polo range, there’s a wide range of options to be fitted at an additional cost.

New Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI

In addition to the introduction of the 1.0-litre TSI BlueMotion derivative, Volkswagen has also welcomed two new 1.4-litre, 3-cylinder TDI derivatives to Polo range. The first offers 55 kW and 210 Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption of just 4.1L/100km. This 55kW version has a top speed of 173kph with a 0-100kph sprint time of 12.9 seconds. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to drive this derivative but we may very well have it on test soon.

We did however get a chance to drive the Polo 1.4 TDI which offers 77 kW and 250 Nm of torque. Fuel economy is possibly the biggest strength of this engine and fuel consumption for this derivative is also rated at 4.1L/100km. During our time in the vehicle, we achieved 5.6L/100km, a figure that should be easy to improve on. Performance wise, you’re looking at 9.9 seconds in the 0-100kph sprint with a top speed of 194kph.

In terms of drivability, the 1.4 TDI offers a pleasant drive and makes light work of overtaking using a 5-speed manual transmission. With more power on tap, this 77 kW Polo has particularly good mid-range acceleration and manages just fine at the highway speed limit. It’s also nice to know that there’s always a bit more power in the reserves if you happen to need it.

Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI – Price in South Africa

You can expect to pay R223500 for the 55 kW Polo 1.4 TDI Trendline and R252000 for the Polo 1.4 TDI Highline. The 77 kW 1.4 TDI is also available for the Cross Polo at a cost of R260000.

Prices include a 3-year/45 000km service plan, 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15000km.

Volkswagen Polo GTI Manual

Volkswagen also took the opportunity to introduce the Polo GTI in manual form, which now joins the DSG version in the lineup. The Polo GTI is powered by a 1.8-litre TSI engine that offers 141 kW but with 320 Nm of torque in manual guise, which is 70Nm more than the DSG version (250 Nm). The Polo GTI manual comes fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission and performance figures are identical to the DSG version. That means that the Polo GTI manual is capable of 0-100kph in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 236kph. Fuel consumption suffers marginally in manual form with a combined consumption figure of 6.0L/100km compared to the DSG’s 5.6L/100km.

Read more about the Polo GTI specs here!

Read our Volkswagen Polo GTI DSG Review here!

We were introduced to the Polo GTI manual at Red Star Raceway in Delmas, where we had the opportunity to thrash it around the track. Sport Mode is engaged via a button on the centre console and off you go! The track is designed for motorbikes, so the corners are tight and engaging. The Polo GTI manual handled the corners like a beast and its performance was admirable. However, we can’t wait to spend more time with the Polo GTI manual to test it properly in real world driving situations. We will hopefully have it on test soon to give it a thorough examination.

Is the Polo GTI manual better than the DSG? The answer will depend on whether you wish to manipulate the performance or whether you want it served to you. The choice is yours!

Volkswagen Polo GTI Manual – Price in South Africa

The Polo GTI manual is priced from R313300 while the DSG is priced from R328800.

The price includes a 3-year/45 000km service plan, 3-year/120 000km warranty anda 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15000 km.