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Nip/tuck, new engines for VW Polo

Volkswagen has splashed a whole lot of new in its Polo and the newbie is due in South Africa later in 2014 with engines and technology to go with the new looks - inside and out.

Wheels24 told you the changes were coming in a Spy Shots exclusive earlier in January 2014 VW South Africa says the car is scheduled to arrive here during the second half of 2014, but no date has been confirmed yet.

2014 VW Polo image gallery

The new cars will include a post-collision braking system which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to absorb kinetic energy significantly and thus minimise the chance or consequences of a second impact, according to the automaker. Optional passive safety systems include driver alert, city emergency braking and cruise control.

VW says other new goodies include “an optional sport select suspension system, using electronically controlled shock-absorbers to switch between two suspension settings while a new electro-mechanical steering system improves efficiency and offers more precise control".

The touch-screen infotainment system already found in the VW Golf will also be introduced across the Polo range. 

NEW ENGINES

While the UK will have new EU6-compliant engines with 21% fuel efficiency improvements, VW SA says the range is likely to remain the same as SA engines are assembled locally at its Uitenhage plant outside Port Elizabeth.

The UK range will include two new one-litre MPI units and two 1.2 four-cylinder TSI engines with 66kW or 80kW. There’s also a new 1.4 TSI engine with cylinder deactivation while a Polo GTI version will be added in 2015.

The diesel Polo BlueMotion will be replaced by a new three-cylinder petrol BlueMotion TSI which, VW says, promises an average fuel consumption of 4.1 litres/100km, emit only 94g/km of CO2 and generate 66kW.

The two diesel engines in the range are also replaced by new three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI engines, previously 1.2 and 1.6 litre units.

REDESIGNED INSTRUMENTS

In terms of looks, there’s a redesigned bumpers and grille, along with a chrome line that separates the front fog lights and new tail lights. Customers can also order LED headlights for the first time in the range and have five new alloy rim designs from which to choose.

The cabin has redesigned instruments, a new steering wheel and a tweaked centre console with new ventilation controls.

More details will be available when the Polo opens for ordering in the UK in April 2014 where first deliveries are expected in late July – about the same time as in South Africa.
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