The New Polo

Design of compact Volkswagen orchestrated by Walter de Silva

 Visually speaking, the new Polo was developed 1:1 from the principles of the new Volkswagen “Design DNA”. The Scirocco was the first vehicle with this design and the second wave of the new DNA appeared in the new Golf. Both these cars were well received by the local customers with the new Golf being named as a finalist in the 2010 South African Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year competition.

 

 

BODY DIMENSIONS

 New Polo shows the new Volkswagen family face

 The Polo, with its distinctive new Volkswagen family face, is instead a purposeful and impressive car, which is 54 millimetres longer compared to previous model 32 millimetres wider. It offers space for up to five people and a luggage capacity of 280 litres. The car’s gain in width combined with a reduction in height, 13 millimetres lower, lends the Polo a more dynamic stance and purposeful appearance. The design itself is defined by sharp, precise lines without stylistic gimmicks that quickly fade in popularity; because in the long run, less is more – and the consistently high resale values of Volkswagens are long-standing proof of this claim.

 

Walter de Silva’s creative touch in a style of “Semplicità”

 This explains why Walter de Silva intentionally declared “La Semplicità” – “the simplicity” – as his credo here. “La Semplicità” in no way means a diminishment of features. The opposite is the case.

 Walter de Silva says: “Elegance and emotionality, sportiness and dynamics, continue to guide design and styling. In pursuit of simplicity and clarity, one must carefully consider how to express the intentions of designers while speaking to those of the observer.”

 The starting point for all of these deliberations is the car’s reflection on the Volkswagen brand, its history and its values.

 

De Silva explains: “Certain distinctive design elements have evolved as typical of the brand. Mastery of the architecture and a balance of proportions have formed the foundation. The emphasis on horizontal lines has evolved into a unifying characteristic across models, and a literal love for details has become an essential means of expression.”

 Above all, there is a very high level of quality that can be clearly seen in the unmistakable precision of the car’s lines and in the treatment of its surfaces. The new Polo reflects these design principles par excellence.

 “The Polo,” underscores de Silva, “displays self-assured proportions. As soon as you see the car, you are struck by its dynamic looks, while the design is clean and the overall appearance very purposeful. Reduced radii, tight seams and extremely sharp panel edges in its side profile, engine hood and tailgate underscore the car’s logical design concept. Above all, the gain in width leads to a very full, powerful image from every perspective.”

 

Front end

 The Volkswagen family face that has been specially adapted to the new Polo with its flat grille and band of headlights that has typified the brand ever since the Scirocco – emphasizes the car’s additional width. Moreover, it conveys an image of the car’s very low centre of gravity. Harmoniously integrated in this face are the Polo’s body-coloured bumpers beneath the black grille.

 In a third horizontal line below this, there is another large air inlet that supplies the engine and brakes with ample air. At its sides, this black band incorporates the daytime running lights and fog lights with integrated turn indicators. Just a few centimetres above the road, the narrow body-coloured front spoiler catches the eye. This spoiler has been moved forward, and it makes a decisive contribution towards the car’s exemplary pedestrian protection credentials.

 Volkswagen offers the Polo with two different headlights, depending on selected options: the “Trendline” base version is fitted with single headlights. Dual headlights are installed starting with the “Comfortline”. Also integrated in the headlights are the turn signal lights. In terms of styling, external and internal design features of the headlights with their different lighting elements combine with the lines of the radiator grille to form one unit.

 

Rear end

 The rear of the car is characterised by geometric order and sportiness. The design cue from the headlights, with their line breaking off with an upward turn, is taken up again in the taillights. They also display a very distinctive night look and extend into the Polo’s broad shoulder.

 Supported on these shoulders – in the area of the car’s lateral “character line” that can be seen from every perspective – is the roof section. Meanwhile, the tailgate extends right down to the bumper. Just as on the new Golf, the Polo’s tailgate is opened with the VW logo, which swivels up and functions as a handle. Standard equipment: a roof edge spoiler integrated in the tailgate.

 The car’s image is also exceptionally powerful from the rear. From this angle, one can clearly see how designers exploited the increased track width (+ 29 millimetres in front and + 30 in rear) and stretched the outer wheels along a vertical plane right up to the wheel wells as though carved out with a knife.

 

Side profile

 The lateral profile line is, among other things, dominated by the distinctively sporty front overhang and extremely short rear overhang, the clearly modelled “character line” and low roof that slopes towards the rear. The prominent shoulder line also gives the vehicle a new lateral structure and emphasizes its generally masculine appearance. Since the fourth generation, the five-door Polo has also sported what is known as a “three window look”. This refers to the third side window integrated in the C pillar. This design feature is especially prominent on the new Polo. In the area of the A and C pillars, the lower window line also takes an upward sweep, a reference to the styling of the headlights and taillights. Also striking are the pronounced side skirts, whose shape offers aerodynamic benefits. The Polo’s underbody is optimised for optimal airflow. Also enhancing aerodynamic performance are the redesigned outside mirror housings, whose air resistance has been reduced by 20 percent compared to the previous model.

 

QUALITY AND PASSIVE SAFETY

 Top results when it comes to static rigidity

 High body quality and passive safety are very “perceptible” aboard a car, especially in the rigidity of the car body. This is quite evident on the new Polo, because the Volkswagen offers an excellent value of static torsional rigidity at 180,000 Nm/°. The reason: a car body’s static rigidity is a key technical property and an important and relevant parameter in evaluating subjective parameters such as safety, quality, and of course driving comfort. The high static rigidity of the new Polo is attained, among other things, by very high-strength steels and the right structural design for loading and reinforcement of body nodal points.

 This is clearly illustrated at the rear of the Polo: Here too there are very rigid nodal components with envelope-type profile construction, which extend quite far into the contact area of the tailgate hinges. In addition, adhesive joints are used. This construction method optimises the approach of using a nodal system for rigidity and produces a homogeneous distribution of rigidity in upper body sections. Similar examples of profile-intensive lightweight envelope construction can be found throughout the Polo’s body structure.

 

Greater stability despite reduced weight

 Static rigidity was certainly not attained at the cost of added weight. The opposite is true: The car has an excellent lightweight construction factor of 3.6. The lower this factor, the more efficient the implementation of body structure in terms of lightness and rigidity. The new Polo is therefore a perfect example of highly innovative lightweight construction. The fact that the body of this Volkswagen is 7.5 percent lighter than that of the previous model, despite its safety gains, illustrates this impressively.

 Top values for dynamic rigidity too

 High dynamic rigidity is an essential factor in attaining excellent vehicle dynamics, vibration comfort and ideally balanced acoustics. On the new Polo, the combination of an optimal structural layout of the car body, clever material selection and innovative welding and gluing processes result in top values of 43 Hz for the so-called torsional natural frequency and 46 Hz for the bending natural frequency. In all relevant body zones, high local rigidity values also provide for good sound insulation and therefore for an exceptionally low interior noise level.

 

Crash behaviour

 The new Polo scored five stars in the stringent Euro NCAP crash test which makes it the safest compact car in the world. The higher structural rigidity of the Polo’s body shell contributed to these results. In the foot well area alone, intrusion – related to the car body’s resistance to deformation in a frontal crash – was lowered by 50 percent.  In the case of a side impact, the intrusion value was reduced by 20 percent. Specific actions taken to protect occupants in a frontal, side or rear crash:

 Frontal crash

 In a frontal crash – such as an offset crash between two vehicles (with half vehicle overlap of both vehicles) that commonly occurs – the very rigid occupant cell creates a survival space for the driver and passenger. In front, an extremely rigid bumper cross member was specially designed for an offset crash, in that it takes the impact energy and distributes it to the side of the vehicle not directly affected by the impact too. As a result, both side frame members can now absorb the energy together. The side frames were optimised to achieve a deceleration curve in a frontal crash that significantly reduces on occupant loads.

 Moreover, the lower cross member in the foot well area is designed as a form strengthened component. First, this has reduced its weight by half, and second, it attains very high strength. As previously noted, this has reduced intrusions in the foot well area by up to 50 percent compared to the previous model. In turn, this reduces biomechanical loads to the feet and lower legs enormously. The pedals in the Polo offer passive protection; ideally they prevent injuries in a crash by freeing up space for the feet and lower legs.

 The side body section, designed as a type of ring structure – together with the door framed within it – provides for additional form stability, even in frontal accidents with very little overlap. In what are known as load paths, extremely strong, partially form-strengthened sheet metal reinforcements are used here too – in the A-pillar, the similarly braced door rail extending to the B-pillar, the roof frame and the side sills.

 

Side impact

 The Polo development team assigned special priority to effective side impact protection, since the crush zone in the area of the doors is of course quite small. When the new Polo collides with an object on its side, the energy is channelled via the special form-strengthened B-pillar and profiled impact beams arranged diagonally in the door. Compared to the previous model, the seat cross member and side sills were significantly reinforced. In this way, both the speed of the intruding object, or colliding vehicle in the crash as well as the intrusion itself, are reduced by 20 percent in a side impact, as already mentioned.

 Very critical, as a rule, are accidents in which the car collides with a tree from the side. This case is simulated in crash tests by a so-called pole impact. The Polo body offers an extremely high level of safety in this crash type, thanks to a hot-formed and therefore very stable roof frame and rigid side sills. Compared to the previous model, intrusion has also been reduced considerably here. And indeed by 15 percent.

 Rear impact

 The rear area of the new Polo was reinforced by especially strong side frames. The fuel system is also given a protective enclosure. In tandem with the very stable occupant cell described, the Volkswagen fulfils the highest requirements in a crash involving collision to the rear body section as well.

 Pedestrian safety

 Along with the focus on protecting occupants on board the Polo, high priority was also given to the safety of other traffic participants. In a relatively compact car like the Polo, partner safety primarily refers to pedestrian safety. Requirements related to pedestrian safety were integrated early in the design phase of development work.

 In the front hood area, interior sheet metal was designed to provide maximum deformation space to prevent punching through onto the hard area of the engine block. The hinges of the engine hood were also optimised for pedestrian safety. The fenders have separate deformation elements as well. In addition, the bumpers were of course integrated into this concept to guarantee the best possible protection of pedestrians.

 

Restraint systems

 The new Polo has a highly effective network of airbags as standard equipment, including combined head-thorax airbags (integrated in the front seatbacks), belt tensioners and seatbelt limiters plus seatbelt warning indicator, head restraints that counteract whiplash (both front restraints), three rear head restraints and ISOFIX mounting preparation for suitable child seats. On the active side, the standard electronic stabilisation program (ESP) completes the safety system.

 

The safest Polo of all time

 The sum result of all of these actions is effective. The body provides an exceptionally good foundation for attaining very low crash loading of the people on board, based on the car’s optimised crash deceleration, low level of intrusions and the safety cell that is created. The restraint systems individually tuned to the Polo also make a contribution toward reducing injury risk as much as possible. The new Polo has advanced to be one of the world’s safest cars in its class.

 Interior

 All Volkswagens are known for their intuitive user controls and excellent ergonomic properties – regardless of the proportions of their driver and passengers. These are clearly properties of the new Polo too. The entire interior has been redesigned.

Starting with the “Trendline”, the surface of the instrument panel is upgraded by so-called slush technology; a high-end surface structure that is soft to the touch.

 Driver-oriented ergonomics

 Noteworthy here is the centre console that is now turned more toward the driver for convenience. The controls on this console are laid out as on the previous model, but they have been completely redesigned.

 At the very top there are two central air vents, which have high-end bezels with the aluminium look in the Comfortline and high-gloss black in the Trendline. On the console level below this, Polo drivers will find a familiar row of switches with details like the hazard lights switch, which is readily accessible and visible, and push buttons for the heated rear window and optional heated seats. The next level down contains controls for the new radio system that is being introduced on the Polo for the first time.

 Finally, the lowermost console level is home to the completely redesigned user controls for the ventilation or climate control system (“Climatic” is standard equipment starting in the Comfortline). A practical feature here is cooling of the glove box. Also integrated here is a sunglasses compartment and deactivation switch for the front passenger’s airbag. The vehicle service book is stored in a space-saving storage slot at the base of the glove box.

 

White instrument backlighting

 The instruments of the Polo were also redesigned; they now have white backlighting and are styled like those on the Golf. The fuel gauge is digital in the new generation Polo. Like the bezels for the air vents, the rotary light switch – still located on the right – gets a high-end metallic look in the “Comfortline”.

 Similar to other new models of the Volkswagen brand, new three-spoke steering wheels were developed for the Polo. The top version sports a leather steering wheel that is somewhat more compact than on the new Golf.

 An optional multifunctional leather steering wheel (with user controls in the left spoke) will be offered too. Making a decidedly ergonomic impression are the armrests in the door trim panels (with storage bin for a 1.5 litre bottle) and a front centre armrest (folding with storage compartment) that can now be ordered on the Polo for the first time.

 

More space at all seating positions

 The driver’s seat, front passenger’s seat and rear bench seat were all redesigned. More space is now offered at all five seating locations in the Polo. In particular, knee room in the rear has grown with an increase in the interior length by 8 millimetres. Shoulder room in front has also increased by 22 millimetres.

 Thanks to these new dimensions, the new Polo offers a considerably more spacious interior ambiance. The Polo also proves to be very versatile with the rear bench seat able to split 60:40 split to offer more luggage space.

 

 Engines and Transmissions

 The local engine line-up at launch comprises of multi-valve 1.4i and 1.6i that have been newly developed and a new 1.6-litre common rail turbodiesel. They will all be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed tiptronic transmission will be offered as an option in the 1.6i Comfortline.

 The petrol four-cylinder engines sport a power range extending from 63 kW in 1.4i to 77 kW in 1.6i. New to the Polo is the common rail turbo-diesel engine. This high-torque 1.6 TDI four-cylinder engine produces 77 kW.

 

Petrol Engines in Detail

 1.4i with 63 kW

 The base engine in the new Polo line-up is the 1.4i that is equipped with new engine electronics and a new injection system as well. The four-cylinder aluminium block engine outputs 63 kW at 5 000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 132 Newton-meter is available at 3 600 rpm.

 Besides offering good comfort and dynamic performance, the 95 kilogram engine offers excellent fuel economy. The Polo 1.4i will be paired with standard 5-speed transmission and consumes 6.1 litres fuel per 100 kilometres on average. This puts its CO₂ value at 144 g/km.

 When it comes to dynamic performance, the Polo 1.4i has a top speed of 177 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12.5 seconds. In this case, the engine’s elasticity is also very good: in fifth gear this Polo accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 18 seconds. The 1.4-liter engine will be offered in the Trendline and Comfortline trims.

 1.6i with 77 kW

 A new Volkswagen highlight in drive technology is the 1.6i engine. This expresses itself as maximum power with minimal fuel consumption. This contrasts with the fuel consumption and emission values on the level of the already very good engine. It only consumes 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres and its CO₂ value is 153 g/km.

 The 1.6i reaches its peak power at 5 250 rpm. The maximum torque of 155 Newton-meter is available at 3 500 rpm. The Polo 1.6-liter engine is mated to 5-speed manual transmission. It will be offered in the Trendline and Comfortline trims.

 

Diesel Engine in Detail

 1.6 TDI with 77 kW

 The new Polo 1.6 TDI will be fitted with the common rail diesel with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

 The 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 16-valve engine exhibits ideal acoustic properties, a high level of agility and – a crucial factor here – extremely low fuel consumption and emissions. The Polo 1.6 TDI fully complies with the Euro-5 emissions standard.

 Technically, the 1 598 cm³ displacement TDI in this segment sets the highest standard on the market. Using a common rail system, the diesel fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber at a pressure of 1 600 bar. Piezo actuators control multiple injections with highly precise fuel quantities and timing.

 In an effort to reduce internal engine friction, crankshaft, valve and oil pump drives were optimised. A square stroke/bore ratio minimises friction losses at the cylinder liners. Furthermore, flow energy losses were reduced in oil and coolant loops as well as air induction and charge air flows. This has resulted in a TDI engine that offers uncompromisingly low fuel consumption and emissions without lacking in comfort or dynamic performance in the least.

 The TDI engine has 250 Newton-meters of torque which is available between 1 500 to 2 500 rpm. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 189 km/h. Average fuel consumption: 4.2 litres diesel per 100 kilometres and its CO₂ value is 109 g/km.

 

Chassis

  McPherson front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension

 Volkswagen has redesigned many aspects of the new Polo’s chassis with its McPherson front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension. For example, its track width was increased by 29 millimetres in front and 30 in the rear. This has resulted in improved vehicle dynamics. Comfort was enhanced in parallel.

 

Improved directional stability

 In front, Volkswagen has integrated a completely redesigned McPherson strut type suspension in the new Polo. The front wheels were moved five millimetres forward to achieve a greater caster angle, and this offers greater directional stability. Furthermore, new strut bushes are used on the Polo; on the one hand they are lighter, and they also improve ride comfort. Larger wheels can now be used as well, and this further improves comfort. At the same time, these wheels have a positive effect on driving performance.

 ESP standard in TDI

 The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) including hill hold control will be offered as standard in the 1.6 TDI Comfortline and as an option in the 1.6i Comfortline. Other safety features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), braking assistant, anti-slip regulation (ASR), electronic limited-slip differential (EDS) and engine braking control (MSR) will be standard across the range. Overall braking system performance was modified for the new generation Polo; among other elements, the 8.5 inch brake booster is being replaced by a higher performance 7 and 8 inch tandem booster system.

 The steering column – with its continuously variable height and reach adjustment – was completely redeveloped. This redesign led to reduced weight. The standard electro-hydraulic power steering system was carried over from the previous model and adapted to the new front suspension kinematics. Engineers developed entirely new tuning of the steering system. Steering feel and responsiveness as well as the centre point – which defines steering feel in the straight-line tracking position – now set new standards.

  

Features

 Volkswagen has carried over the line structure of its equipment lines from the previous model with the Trendline still representing the base variant and Comfortline offering mid level equipment.

 Trendline

 The Polo Trendline already sports an interior with features that include a number of accents in an elegant high-gloss black. In addition, the Polo Trendline offers extensive safety and convenience features. Active safety features such as ABS with EBD are standard.

 Passive safety features include front airbags and head/ thorax airbags (front passenger airbag can be deactivated). The new Polo Trendline trim will also be offered with five head restraints, five three-point harnesses (height-adjustable in front), belt tensioners and belt force limiters in front, and ISOFIX-compatible child seat preparation (at the outer seating positions on the rear bench seat). The front head restraints were also designed to counteract the risk of whiplash injury.

 Standard convenience features in the Trendline will include electro-hydraulic power steering, power windows in front, central locking, cargo area lighting and tie-down points, warning buzzer if lights are left on, height adjustment for driver’s seat, vanity mirrors in the sun visors, remote control central locking, asymmetrical split and folding rear bench seat and seatbacks and green tinted windows. Meanwhile, Titan black Metric fabric seat covers give the interior a perceptibly high-end ambiance.

 Comfortline

 Outward identifying characteristics of the Polo Comfortline include body-coloured outside mirror housings and door handles, dual headlights and 15-inch alloy wheels.

 On the convenience side, the range of standard equipment is complemented by features such as semi-automatic climate control (Climatic), electrically-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, additional height adjustment on front passenger’s seat, various accents in chrome look (instruments, air vents, rotary light switch, radio and climate system controls), storage pockets on front seatbacks, illuminated vanity mirrors for driver and passenger.

 Inside, the Polo Comfortline has Titan Black Fonzie fabric seat covers. Titan Black Alcantara leather trim is available as an option in the Comfortline range.

 

 Optional Features

 The new Polo can be further individualised by an extensive offering of options.

 These include optional features such as:

• Radio/CD/MP3 RCD 210 with 4X20 Watt output, six loudspeakers, AUX-IN multimedia socket
• Park Distance control (Rear)
• Cruise Control
• Multi function steering (standard on Comfortline)
• Front foglights (standard on Comfortline)
• Curtain Airbags
• Tow bar

 Exterior colours

 Volkswagen will offer the new Polo in eight colours, namely:

• Candy White
• Flash Red
• Black
• Reflex Silver
• Shadow Blue
• Pepper Grey
• Savannah Yellow
• Deep Black

  

Prices (VAT included) – Effective 21 January 2010

 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

 

 

SERVICE & WARRANTY

 The new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km and a 12 year Anti Corrosion warranties.

 A 5 year/ 60 000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a 5 year/ 60 000 km Service Plan are available as options.

 The price of a 5 year/ 60 000 km Service Plan will be fromvR6 856 (VAT included) and a 5 year/ 60 000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan will be priced from R9 141 (VAT included).

 The service interval is 15 000 km.