Volkswagen South Africa is preparing to launch a new version of its Polo Sedan. However, we’ve already managed to dig up prices for the fresh-faced, three-box version of the Polo…

Earlier in 2022, the new Volkswagen Virtus was revealed in India. It’s a model that will be launched in South Africa soon, though here it will wear the Polo Sedan badge.

Riding on the ubiquitous MQB A0 platform, South Africa’s version will be produced at the Wolfsburg-based company’s Chakan facility in Pune, India. Since the Jetta, Passat and Arteon have long since left the local market, the three-box Polo will again be the sole saloon in VW’s local line-up. Question is, how much will it cost?

Well, we’ve done some extensive digging and managed to unearth Polo Sedan pricing. For the record, it seems the SA-spec model won’t be available with either of the two turbocharged petrol engines – a 1.0 TSI making 85 kW and a 1.5 TSI churning out 110 kW – offered in India.

Instead, the model for the SA market will be powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine seemingly based on the outgoing unit. Peak power sent to the front axle is 81 kW (an increase of 4 kW), while maximum torque comes in at 152 Nm (a drop of 3 Nm). The local line-up comprises three derivatives at launch, with both a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic transmission available.

VW says the manual modelstake11.2 seconds to reach 100 kph, while the top speed is listed as 190 kph and fuel consumption as 6.2 litres per 100 km. The automatic derivative, meanwhile,takes a second longerto reach three figures, tops out at 187 kph and sips at a claimed 6.5 litres per 100 km.

The GT trim level offered in India is seemingly not on the cards for a local introduction.

The range kicks off with the base Polo Sedan 1.6 MPI, which will be priced from R318 300. Meanwhile, the Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI will come in from R345 600, with the self-shifting Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI Tiptronic topping the portfolio at R365 500. From what we understand, the sportily styled GT derivative will not be sold in South Africa. Local exterior paint colour options, meanwhile, includeCandy White, Wild Cherry Metallic, Rising Blue Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic and Carbon Steel Grey Metallic.

As a reminder, the outgoing Polo Sedan range – which launched locally as long ago as 2011, gaining minor updates over the subsequent years – comprisedfive derivatives with pricing bookends of R271 100 and R334 800. Two variants used an atmospheric 1.4-litre petrol mill and three employed a version of the 1.6-litre unit mentioned above.

The new Polo Sedan is considerably larger than the saloon it replaces, measuring 4 561 mm long and 1 752 mm wide, while standing 1 507 mm tall. The wheelbase is listed as 2 651 mm, while luggage capacity is a claimed 521 litres.Based on those figures, the new Polo Sedan has grown by 171 mm in length, while the distance between its axles will have increased by 98 mm and its boot space by an appreciable 67 litres. Inside, you’ll find dual-tone upholstery.

The entry-level derivative comes standard with LED head- and taillights, App-Connect, a 7-inch touchscreen system, cruise control and a multi-functional steering wheel.TheLife gradeadds keyless entry (and start), a reversing camera, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, wireless App-Connect, power adjustable (and folding) side mirrors, the Climatronic air-conditioning system, ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped tiller, front foglamps (and cornering lights) a chrome exterior package and 16-inch “Scimitar” alloy wheels (the base model rides on steelies). Finally, the Tiptronic flagship is further equipped with hill-start assist shiftpaddles.

How much does the new Volkswagen Polo Sedan cost in SA?

Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.6 MPI 81 kW – R318 300

Volkswagen Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI 81 kW – R345 600

Volkswagen Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI 81 kW Tiptronic – R365 500

A 3-year/45 000 km service plan ships standard, along with a 3-year/120 000 warranty.