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• Volkswagen unveiled its new Polo ahead of its local arrival in 2022.
• The Polo has been on sale globally since 1975, with more than 18 million units sold.
• Volkswagen South Africa has been building the Polo locally since 1996.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24
In 1975, the Volkswagen Polo made its first appearance and soon became a hit among buyers - both first-time buyers and seasoned ones. In the decades since, more than 18 million units found new owners. In South Africa, too, the hatchback became an instant hit and has been a top seller for the German automaker for more years than one can count.
Come early 2022, Volkswagen South Africa will introduce the next instalment of the Polo's story, dubbing it an 'evolutionary stage' in the car's history. Certain global markets will see presales starting in May 2021, but the local market will have to be a little patient.
Volkswagen South Africa has been building and assembling the Polo at its Uitenhage plant since 1996. And in September 2020, the one-millionth Polo was built for the export market. The tradition is set to continue when the new Polo arrives in 2022.
Speaking at the milestone in September last year, Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen Group South Africa Chairman and Managing Director, said: "This milestone could not have been achieved without the dedication of our employees. Our success, both locally and overseas, benefits our workforce and the local economy. We intend to keep achieving these milestones and contributing to the economy of Nelson Mandela Bay."
What we know about the new Polo
Volkswagen has reconfigured the specification packages: the configurator now starts with the Polo version and continues with Life, Style and R-Line. Even the entry-level model, the Polo, now boasts a significantly wider range of standard equipment. This includes LED headlights, LED tail light clusters, a multifunction steering wheel and Lane Assist. Another new addition is the centre airbag.
In addition, Volkswagen has now incorporated the Digital Cockpit (digital instruments with an eight-inch display) into the basic equipment.
The Life specification package includes additional standard features such as 15-inch rather than 14-inch wheels, App-Connect, a centre armrest with an additional USB-C port in the middle of the passenger compartment, and leather trim on the steering wheel and gear knob.
WATCH: Volkswagen unveils its new SA-bound Polo ahead of 2022 launch
Like the Life, the two new premium equipment packages, Style and R-Line, follow the nomenclature introduced with the Golf 8. Style and R-Line have different emphases, but are at a similar level in terms of their specifications. The expanded range of equipment for the Polo Style includes the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. Other exterior features include the distinctive front end with chrome-look crossbars, LED fog lights and 15-inch Ronda alloy wheels (16-inch Valencia alloys on R-Line). Also among the expanded range of features is the Park Distance Control system.
Inside, there is a range of additional details such as the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro (including an image of the caller, Coverflow, map view and Slide Show), background lighting and the eight-inch Infotainment system Ready2Discover, which includes App-Connect Wireless. With Ready2Discover, customers have the option of retrofitting the navigation system as a feature on-demand, says Volkswagen.
Given South Africans' affiliation with the Polo brand, it should not come as a shock if the new model becomes a best-seller, too!
