The new VW Polo 1.9 TDI Sportline, which is also a two-door hatchback, produces 96 kW at 4 000 r/min and a thumping 310 Nm at 1 900 r/min which is transmitted via a new six-speed gearbox.
The 4-cylinder propels the new top of the range Polo from standstill to 100km/h in only 9.6 seconds.
Top speed is 206 km/h, previously uncharted territory for the Polo.
Furthermore fuel consumption is good too and according to VW the Polo only sips 6.8 litres per 100km in an urban cycle.
On the extra-urban cycle the figure drops to 4.3 litres per100km and the combined fuel consumption is 5 litres per 100km.
It comes with a host of standard comfort and luxury features such as a radio with radio/6-CD changer, sports seats, electric windows and power steering.
Active and passive safety features include ABS brakes, ventilated discs at front and solid discs at the rear as well as electronic brake force distribution (EBD) while front airbags are also standard.
A remote controlled central locking with an alarm system provides security, while the doors can be set to lock automatically on pull-off.
Running gear comprises low-profile 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 205/45 performance tyres.
The service intervals for the Polo TDI are at 15 000km, but an oil change is required every 7 500km.
Like all Volkswagens, the Polo is covered by a 3 year/120 000km warranty, a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and an optional AutoMotion maintenance plan (prices available at all Volkswagen dealers).
The new Polo TDI Sportline retails for R168 600. It replaces the 74 kW 1.9 TDI engine of the two-door Polo. But watch this space for more info about other new models in VWSA's Polo range!