The much-anticipated new Volkswagen Polo, officially launched across the country this week, has arrived at Market Square VW in Grahamstown.

VIDEO: Grocott's takes the new Polo for a spin

Manufactured just down the road at Volkswagen’s Uitenhage production plant, the Polo production
is part of VWSA’s multi-billion rand investment in South African facilities.

I took the new Polo for a test drive this week and was impressed with both the 1.4l and the 1.6l. Being a Polo owner- the Polo has always been my dream car – it was not difficult to fall for the new model, although I would prefer it in red, not blue.

While the main interior design is similar there are a few notable changes inside, with the controls on the console laid out as on the previous model but with a completely new look.

The new three-spoke steering wheel is attractive and comfy, with the top model sporting one coated in leather.

My Polo (or so I’d like to think!) had the optional multifunctional leather steering wheel with user controls on the left spoke. My favourite was the electric windows, with my fascination for them in turn fascinating
my co-driver, Michael Salzwedel.

In the safety compartment, there are airbags for the driver and front passenger (the front passenger’s
airbag can be deactivated) and head airbags including side curtain airbags in front.

The armrests in the door panels have storage bins for a 1.5 litre bottle and a few other bottle holders and the driver’s, front passenger’s and rear bench seats have all been redesigned, with more space offered at all five seating locations.

While there’s not much space in the boot for all my sporting gear, the rear seat folds down to offer more luggage space, so now my bicycle can comfortably fit inside.

The specially adapted flat grille and band of headlights complements the car’s low centre of gravity. The lateral profile line is dominated by the sporty front overhang and extremely short rear overhang.

Like myself, the Polo has lost some weight, with a lightweight construction factor of 3.6%. The lower this factor, the more efficient the implementation of body structure in terms of lightness and rigidity.

Out on the open road the vehicle handles well and while the acceleration is not blistering it certainly is willing. The 1.6l is obviously more powerful and is easier on overtaking slower cars.

While it did not battle up Howison’s Poort as much as the 1.4l, it did make it to the top in fourth gear, air con on and still gliding along at 100km/h.

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