For many other car manufacturers, I'd imagine that the launch of the new Polo is not dissimilar to the unfolding of events at a local tennis tournament: You're playing a good game and are winning most sets and everything's going swimmingly. Until you look up and see Venus Williams warming up at the court gate...

Up a notch

The new Volkswagen Polo was launched this week in Cape Town and I think it's safe to say that almost every motoring journalist was really impressed with this little car. The exterior design has changed quite a lot and has shifted away from the previous - dare I say slightly boring - design to one that's got chutzpah.

Little engine, big surprise

Price: From R144 900 To R209 900 Article Options Email to Friend Print Article Remove from Favorites Add to Favorites Remove from 'Articles to Read' Add to 'Articles to Read'

First up, is the 1.4-litre petrol, which I just know is going to be one of the most satisfying engines to come out this year. (I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that at first I thought I was driving a 1.6.) In the right gear, at the right revs, this little engine is fantastic and has low carbon figures of 144g/km.

Then, the 1.6-litre petrol that  comes with a manual or Tiptronic gearbox. Its performance was sufficient but nothing noticeably above other 1.6's that I've recently driven. The Tiptronic is as good as you can expect from a small car's automatic gearbox, which will suit those who spend a lot of time in traffic.

Finally, the 77kW, 250Nm 1.6-litre diesel (that replaces the 1.9TDI), which is fun to drive, has exceptionally low fuel consumption and an amazing 109g/km emissions figure. If you're worried about the new emissions tax law, then this is one of the safest bets on the market. (The minimum taxable emissions figure being bandied about is 140g/km.) The given average fuel consumption figure is 4.2l/100km. Amazing!

Of the three, because I live at the coast, I'd go for the 1.4, but if I lived in the Highveld, I'd choose one of the 1.6s as the 1.4 will probably feel a little underwhelming at higher altitude.

Home-grown

One of the most remarkable things about the new Volkswagen Polo is that the interior was designed by none other than Oona Scheepers, who hails from the klein dorp of Prieska in the Northern Cape! Oona's rise to acclaim is a very interesting one - a story in itself, for another day. But suffice to say, she is a most inspiring woman and is responsible for your reaction when you climb into the Polo for the first time. You'll instantly feel at home, in a happy place, with simple, soft-to-touch and logical interior (you can tell straight away that a woman had a heavy hand in design).

Another remarkable thing about the new Polo is that it's manufactured in SA and is 70% locally manufactured (just a few components are imported). Units are being exported to China and India from here.

It's in the details

Comfortline and Trendline are the two cosmetic options, with latter being the lower-spec but still with standard features such as ABS and EBD, airbags, electric front windows and electro-hydraulic power steering. The former, Comfortline has all the creature comforts and notably, really nice 'Titan Black Fonzie' fabric seat covers. You'll have to go and check it out - I just loved it. Thought it was very classy. Leather seats will be an option in the Trendline in a couple of months' time.

Volkswagen Polo service plan option

It's important to note that the new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with a 3-year/120 000km and 12-year anti-corrosion warranties. However, the 5-year/60 000km maintenance and service plans are an option that will cost an extra R7 000 or so. Apparently to separate this cost from the car price works out cheaper. Something to do with taxes and duties - not my strong point, so we'll have to give them the benefit of the doubt!

Conclusion

The new Volkswagen Polo is a winner - and there's not question that it'll retain its no.1 spot in its class. If you've got a budget sitting at around the R150k mark, do take a look at this most delightful little car. Volkswagen is thrilled with their new Polo - and justifiably so.

Prices

Petrol
1.4l 63kW Trendline R144 900
1.4l 63kW Comfortline R161 900
1.6l 77kW Trendline R166 900
1.6l 77kW Comfortline R183 800
1.6l 77kW Comfortline Tiptronic R197 900

Diesel
1.6l 77kW TDI Comfortline R209 900

Also look at
Suzuki Swift R141 900
Hyundai i20 R149 900
Ford Fiesta R158 600
Honda Jazz R166 900
Opel Corsa R155 520
Mazda2 R159 900
Toyota Yaris R156 100

Note: Service and warranty plans vary between manufacturers. Prices are subject to change.