PoloDriver

The Volkswagen Connect DataPlug and smartphone app-based connectivity system is now standard on all new Polo and Up models. It allows drivers to access a range of information about their car and journeys, and was launched in the UK during 2017. The system can be retro-fitted free of charge on Volkswagens built after 2007.

Used with the Volkswagen ID personal digital account, the system has already been installed in tens of thousands of cars, and offers many of the benefits of Volkswagen’s high-end Car-Net system. The DataPlug and app are linked together via Bluetooth: the car sends the user’s smartphone a burst of information at the end of each journey. Once connected, the driver can interact with their Volkswagen in seven key areas.

Fuel-efficiency tips
The ‘Trips’ function records information about each journey, including the distance driven. Along with the ‘Fuel Monitor’, it gives an accurate journey cost by comparing fuel consumption with the cost of the fuel in the car. The ‘Driving Style’ option can also save drivers money by way of fuel-efficiency tips.

The ‘My Volkswagen’ area can notify of the vehicle’s fuel level, and the likely date of the car’s next service can also be ascertained. The ‘Service Partner’ function automatically alerts when the service is due, and if set up to do so, will also contact the nominated Volkswagen Retailer, who will then call to arrange a service.

If a dashboard warning light is illuminated, the Volkswagen Connect app notify the local VW Retailer, who can then call the driver of the car to discuss the problem. Helpfully, the app will explain in plain English what the warning light means.

Urgent assistance
If more urgent assistance is needed, the Volkswagen Customer Service Centre or a roadside assistance service can be contacted via the ‘Volkswagen Connect Assistance Call’ function, and the location of the car can also be shared if the driver chooses. Elsewhere, ‘The Parking Space’ section of the app records the exact location of the car when it is parked, as well as the exact duration.

The ‘My Challenges’ feature meanwhile is a game that rewards drivers with points, depending on their driving style. Safe and efficient driving tasks can also be accomplished to win virtual trophies, and Volkswagen Connect users can compare their scores with other VW drivers.

The DataPlug can also be transferred from compatible Volkswagen to Volkswagen, a benefit which is also of use for fleets where drivers may have access to more than one Volkswagen vehicle. Volkswagen states that up to 300,000 Volkswagen Connect DataPlugs will be fitted to compatible vehicles in 2018.

Find out more by visiting the Volkswagen Connect pages which have been added to the ‘owners’ section of volkswagen.co.uk.

The Volkswagen Polo has been named as the ‘2018 World Urban Car’ in the 2018 World Car Awards, at a presentation held at the New York International Auto Show. Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, accepted the sixth-generation Polo’s latest prize.

The Polo was chosen as ‘2018 World Urban Car’ from a shortlist of three – originally eight – which also included the Ford Fiesta and Suzuki Swift. 2018 marks the fifth time Volkswagen has won a World Car gong, in the awards’ 14-year history. The Golf has won twice (2009 and 2013), while the Up and Polo have each won top honours once (2012 and 2010 respectively).

‘One of the most successful compact cars’
‘The whole team at Volkswagen is delighted to have won the 2018 World Urban Car award with the Polo,’ declared Bischoff. ‘With around 17 million units sold, the Polo is one of the most successful compact cars of all time and a pillar of the brand. And the sixth-generation, based on the MQB platform, is even sportier and more grown up than its predecessors.’

The World Urban Car award was introduced in 2017 because it’s an award whose time has come. World Car vice-chairman, Mike Rutherford, commented: ‘Everyday cars in many parts of the world will have to become smaller if road and parking space is to be found for them in increasingly packed towns and cities whose populations are swelling annually.’ Last year’s inaugural World Urban Car winner was the BMW i3 (94Ah).

International jury panel
Vehicles in all World Car award categories are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 82 top-level automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions worldwide. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulates the jurors’ ballots.

The Volvo XC60 won the overall 2018 World Car of the Year award. For a list of all the winners and for more details about the awards, visit www.wcoty.com.

The Volkswagen Polo was the most popular car in South Africa during February 2018, according to figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). The launch of the brand new sixth-generation Polo helped bolster registrations to 2,847 units.

A total of 6,247 outgoing and new Polos were also exported from Volkswagen South Africa’s Uitenhage factory. The traditional South African best-seller, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo – based on the fourth-generation European Polo – was replaced by a new version last month, too, so registrations were down to 2,044 units. But, with the new-generation Vivo being a pared-down version of the outgoing fifth-generation model, you can expect those totals to rise once more.

Staying in South Africa, the latest Polo has claimed Car magazine’s ‘Top 12 Best Buys 2018 – Small Hatchback’ award, with the Polo Vivo and Mazda 2 as runners-up. Other contenders included the Kia Rio, Renault Clio, and Suzuki Baleno. Volkswagen South Africa also scooped the ‘Top 12 Best Buys 2018 – Company of the Year’ award.

The sixth-generation Polo has also collected the Auto Motor und Sport ‘Best Cars 2018 – Sub-Compact Cars’ gong, voted for by readers of the magazine. Over 33 per cent of the category vote went to the small VW. Other Volkswagen winners were the latest versions of the Up and Golf, taking the ‘Best Cars 2018 – Mini Cars’ and ‘Best Cars 2018 – Compact Cars’ category victories respectively. A total of 378 models in eleven categories were on the nominations list to be voted the best cars of 2018.

Following Europe, Brazil, and South Africa, the new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo lands in Australia next month. Priced from $17,990, the more accomodating MQB-A0-based car is largely the same as the European and South African versions which have already been launched.

Available to order now, the new Polo for Australia is available in Trendline and Comfortline trims, with a special Launch Edition model also offered. Engines are limited to two three-cylinder petrol units – both turbocharged TSIs, with outputs of 70kW / 94bhp (Trendline) and 85kW / 113bhp (Comfortline). The Launch Edition is exclusively available with the 85kW engine. Polo Beats and Polo GTI models will arrive mid-year.

‘Most significant generational change’
Volkswagen Australia states that the Polo represents ‘the most significant generational change to a Volkswagen since the arrival of the class-leading Tiguan SUV two years ago’. ‘Even the entry-level manual Polo 6 features the Golf’s elegant, flat bottomed leather steering wheel with multimedia controls,’ said Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia’s General Manager of Product and Marketing.

‘That literal touchpoint is emblematic of the Polo having graduated from its class not only in terms of physical growth, but in sophistication. The Polo 6 is obviously more upmarket than rival cars. We’re talking less than $18,000 for fixtures such as a soft-touch dash top, wide touch screen and dual USB charging ports.

‘Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard. In terms of safety there’s autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, stability control, fatigue monitoring and a reversing camera as standard,’ he continued.

Trendline, Comfortline and Launch Edition
The entry Polo Trendline features 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a rear view camera, and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth / USB / Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Standard safety kit includes front assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, driver fatigue detection, and a low tyre pressure indicator. Five-speed manual and seven-speed DSG transmissions are available.

The Polo Comfortline builds on the Trendline’s comprehensive specification and adds 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights / rear view mirror / wipers, a front centre armrest, and ‘Comfort’ cloth upholstery. Launch Edition cars offer 16-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint rear window glass, front fog lights, inductive wireless charging, and tinted tail lights. These ‘85 TSI’ models gain an extra ratio for the manual gearbox.

An optional $1,400 Driver Assistance package can be added to Comfortline and Launch Edition cars and includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and park assist systems, and electrically-folding door mirrors. Five colours – Pure White, Energetic Orange, Limestone Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver and Deep Black Pearl Effect – can be chosen on Trendline and Comfortline models, while all bar Pure White cost an additional $500. Launch Edition new Polos lose the Reflex Silver and Deep Black Pearl Effect options.

Find out more details about the Australian-market new Polo by visiting the Volkswagen Australia website, where ‘runout’ deals on the outgoing fifth-generation Polo can also be found.

2018 VOLKSWAGEN AUSTRALIA NEW POLO: RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICES

Trendline
1.0 TSI 70kW, five-speed manual, 5dr: $17,990
1.0 TSI 70kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $20,490

Comfortline
1.0 TSI 85kW, six-speed manual, 5dr: $19,490
1.0 TSI 85kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $21,990

Launch Edition
1.0 TSI 85kW, six-speed manual, 5dr: $20,490
1.0 TSI 85kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $22,990

Following in the tyre tracks of the European, UK and South American launches, the new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo has debuted in South Africa. Specifications and prices have also been announced, the range starting with the R235,000 Trendline, rising to the Highline DSG at R302,200.

Identical to the European-market cars – therefore not featuring the revised front bumper seen on South American new Polos – the new MQB-based South African Polos see the same 92mm / 81mm increase in wheelbase / length, as well as evolutionary but sharper lines, including the distinctive shoulder ‘Tornado Line’ which runs down the length of the car when viewed in profile.

There’s also the same larger 351-litre boot, afforded by the overall larger size (Polo VI is close to a Mk 4 Golf in dimensions), plus the raft of standard-setting safety systems including blind spot monitor, park assist, and multi-collision technologies. There’s also the same Active Info Display digital instrument pack as sixth-generation Polo models in other territories.

2018 Volkswagen Polo (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo (South Africa)

Three trim lines
The new Polo will be available in the three trim lines Trendline, Comfortline and Highline and also as a special Beats version (with a 300-watt Beats sound system). The 197bhp new Polo GTI will be launched in 
South Africa in the second quarter, and exposure for the car will gain traction with the new sportster providing a base for the new Engen Volkswagen Cup Polo racer for the 2018 season.

Personalisation takes a step up with the new Polo, and the sixth-generation model can be customised to create a car that is almost one-of-a-kind by way of many different trim lines, colours, interiors, wheels and options. The dashpad for example can be had in Limestone grey Metallic on Trendline and Comfortline models, while in Highline specification, a Deep Iron Metallic version is offered. A Velvet Red dashpad is fitted to models with the extra cost Beats package, while Reef Blue also brightens up the new, digital-focused interior.

Ten exterior colours are offered: Dark Petrol, Flash Red, Pure White, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Energetic Orange, Limestone Grey Metallic, Pale Copper, Reef Blue Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, and White Silver Metallic. Included in the options list are ‘big car’ features such as high-intensity full-LED headlights, LED tail light clusters and a panoramic sunroof. The digital Active Info Display instrument pack is available from launch as an option on Comfortline and Highline models.

New Polo Trendline
The entry-level new Polo Trendline features front electric windows, front / rear curtain airbags, LED daytime running lights, and the 6.5-inch Composition Colour touchscreen infotainment system with four speakers and USB / Bluetooth connectivity. It can be distinguished by its lack of brightwork around the front grille, and its 14-inch steel wheels, complete with full-sized trims.

New Polo Comfortline
Moving up the range, the Comfortline adds a driver alert system, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a ‘Plus’ multi-function display, rear electric windows, and an additional two speakers. External features include a chrome grille strip which connects the headlights, as well as colour-coded door handles and mirror caps, and 15-inch alloy wheels with ‘Salou’ wheel trims (15-inch ‘Sassari’ alloy wheels are a no cost option).

New Polo Highline
Drivers who opt for the range-topping Highline gain an 8.0-inch, glass-encased ‘Composition Media’ touchscreen infotainment system with ‘App-Connect’ (Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connectivity options), cruise control, front sports seats, white LED interior ambient lighting, as well as voice control. Polo Highlines can be seen by their additional chrome strips in the lower ventilation grille and their 16-inch ‘Las Minas’ alloy wheels.

Highline-specification cars also feature a driving profile selection option as standard. Four driving modes can be selected: ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Individual’. When in ‘Eco’ mode, the air conditioning, engine control, and other auxiliary systems are regulated for optimal fuel efficiency. In vehicles fitted with DSG transmission, a coasting function can also be used with the Eco mode.

Beats and R-Line packages
The Comfortline and Highline models can be further enhanced by choosing either the Beats or R-Line packages. Beats-trimmed South African new Polos appear the same as their European counterparts, with black mirror caps, special bonnet and roof decal stripes, and ‘Beats’ badges on the B-pillars. Sixteen-inch ‘Torsby’ alloy wheels complete the striking look.

Inside, there’s a 300W Beats audio system with amplifier and subwoofer mounted in the boot, and perhaps the most colourful Polo interior this side of a Mk 3 ‘6N’ or ‘6N2’ Colour Concept model, with a ‘Velvet Red’ dashpad, Beats-branded door sill trims, and a distinctive three-colour (Aqua Graphite, Ceramique and Velvet Red) seat design.

2018 Volkswagen Polo Beats (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo Beats (South Africa)

2018 Volkswagen Polo Beats (South Africa)

R-Line package cars meanwhile get a new sports front bumper similar to the Polo GTI, with gloss black C-shaped air curtains. There are also gloss black side sills extensions, a gloss black rear spoiler and diffuser, and 17-inch ‘Bonneville’ alloy wheels. Available from the second quarter in South Africa, the new Polo R-Line provides GTI-style looks in a less expensive package.

Two engines, three transmissions
Two engines power the new Polo for South Africa. Both are turbocharged three-cylinder units, with 70kW / 93bhp or 85kW / 113bhp, and have been seen in new Polo models in other global markets.

The 70kW unit has 175Nm / 129lb ft of torque and can do the 0 to 100km/h / 62mph dash in 10.8 seconds, while the high-powered 85kW engine has 200Nm / 147lb ft. Top speed of the 70kW car is 187km/h / 116mph. The lower-powered car can be ordered with a five-speed manual transmission, while the higher-powered model gains an extra ratio. Both can also be allied to the optional seven-speed DSG gearbox.

2018 VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH AFRICA NEW POLO: RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICES

Trendline
1.0 TSI 70kW, 103g/km, five-speed manual, 5dr: R235,900

Comfortline
1.0 TSI 70kW, 103g/km, five-speed manual, 5dr: R264,700
1.0 TSI 70kW, 107g/km, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: R280,700

Highline
1.0 TSI 85kW, 107g/km, six-speed manual, 5dr: R286,200
1.0 TSI 85kW, 109g/km, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: R302,200

All prices include VAT and emissions tax. The new Volkswagen South Africa Polo models come with a 3-year / 45,000km Service Plan, 
3-year / 120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15,000km.

> Read More