This week Volkswagen will add three models to the Polo lineup. There will be an all-new 1.0-Litre three-cylinder petrol, a 1.4-Litre three cylinder turbodiesel and a manual gearbox will be added to the GTI model.

The Three Cylinders

VW is joining the three-cylinder turbo petrol brigade alongside the likes of the Clio, Fiesta and Corsa. The little turbo matches up reasonably well with its competitors conjuring up 70 kW and 160 Nm. The major saving though is in fuel consumption where VW claims just 4.2L/100km. Zero to 100kph is good as well at 10.5 seconds. This new three-cylinder motor is said to save around 10kg in weight over a four-cylinder equivalent.

The TDI engine joining the lineup makes use of a 1.4-Litre turbodiesel three-cylinder. It comes in two different outputs with the Trendline model making 55 kW with 210 Nm of torque. The 1.4 TDI highline comes with 77 kW and 250 Nm. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is identical at 4.1L/100km.

GTI Manual

The Polo GTI was launched back in April this year (2105) but only with a seven-speed DSG. The manual will now join the range and also give the owner access to all the torque available from the 1.8-turbo. Power is still 141 kW but torque is up from 250 Nm to 320 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100kph is identical to the DSG at 6.7 seconds but fuel consumption takes a bit of a dive to 6L/100km from 5.6 in the DSG.

We will have more information on the new Polo models after we drive them at the local launch this week. Keep an eye out for that article soon.

Polo Pricing

1.0 TSI 70 kW BlueMotion R235 800

1.4 TDI 55 kW Trendline R223 500

1.4 TDI 77 kW Highline R252 000

1.4 TDI 77 kW CrossR260 000

1.8 GTI 141 kW Manual R313 300

The new Polo comes standard with a 3 year/45 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.