Volkswagen has launched the new Polo Sedan to complete the model range of the Polo family. Since the launch of the new Polo hatch in January 2010, Volkswagen has introduced the CrossPolo, Polo BlueMotion and recently the Polo GTI.

The new Polo Sedan with its distinctive new Volkswagen family face is bigger, more spacious and offers high level of quality and safety that sets new standards in its class. Its design is defined by sharp, precise lines that make it timeless. ‘La Semplicita – the simplicity’ is the credo that was followed for the design of the new Polo Sedan.

Inside, the improved legroom allows five adults to seat comfortable and the bootspace of 454 litres provides sufficient space for luggage during long journeys.

Front end

The front end of the new Polo Sedan sports a flat grille with two chrome louvers and band of headlights which is integrated into the body-coloured bumpers beneath the grille.  Below this, there is an air inlet that supplies the engine and brakes with ample air. At its sides, are the foglights with chrome trim surround (only available in Comfortline derivatives).

Volkswagen offers the new Polo Sedan with two different headlights, the “Trendline” is fitted with single headlights and “Comfortline” is offered with twin headlights. Also integrated in the headlights are the turn signal lights.

Rear end

The rear of the new Polo Sedan is characterised by striking taillights that blend with the design which highlights stylish contours. A chrome trim strip at the bottom of the bootlid adds sportiness to the rear (only in Comfortline). The tailgate opens automatically at the touch of the button on the driver’s side.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

The new Polo Sedan engine line-up comprises of the multi-valve 1.4 63kW and 1.6 77kW petrol engines as well as the new 1.6-litre 77kW common rail turbodiesel. They are all paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed Tiptronic transmission is offered as an option in the 1.6 Comfortline.

1.4 with 63kW

The entry engine in the new Polo Sedan line-up is the four-cylinder 1.4, which produces 63kW at 5 000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 132Newton-meter is available at 3 600rpm. Besides offering good comfort and dynamic performance, the 1.4 engine offers excellent fuel economy. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This puts its CO₂ emissions value at 139g/km.

When it comes to dynamic performance, the new Polo Sedan 1.4 has a top speed of 178km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 12.8 seconds.

1.6 with 77kW

The 1.6 engine delivers maximum power with minimal fuel consumption. It only consumes 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and its CO₂ emissions value is 143 g/km. The 1.6 reaches its peak power at 5 250rpm. The maximum torque of 155 Newton-meter is available at 3 500rpm.

1.6TDI with 77kW

The 1.6TDI offers commendable low fuel consumption and emissions. Its 250 Newton-meters of torque is available between 1 500rpm to 2 500rpm. It accelerates to 100km/h in 10.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187 km/h. Average fuel consumption is 4.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and its CO₂emission value is 120g/km.

SAFETY

The new Polo Sedan is one of the safest compact sedans in its class. The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) is offered as standard in the 1.6TDI Comfortline and as an option in the 1.6 Comfortline. Other standard safety features that are available across the range include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

In addition, the new Polo Sedan features airbag system with four airbags (driver and front passenger airbag as well as two side airbags). The head restraints of the front seats are whiplash-optimised to provide comfort as well as to ensure effective support for the head and spine in the event of a collision.

KEY FEATURES

Trendline

Trendline offers extensive safety and convenience features. Active safety features such as ABS with EBD are standard.

Passive safety features include front airbags and side airbags (front passenger airbag can be deactivated). The Trendline trim will also be offered with two head restraints, five three-point harnesses (height-adjustable in front), and ISOFIX-compatible child seat preparation (at the outer seating positions on the rear bench seat).

Standard convenience features in the Trendline will include Climatic semi-auto air-conditioner, electro-hydraulic power steering, power windows in front and rear, central locking, warning buzzer if lights are left on, height adjustment for driver’s seat, vanity mirrors in the sun visors for driver and passenger, remote control central locking, storage pockets on front seatbacks, asymmetrical split and folding rear bench seat and seatbacks and green tinted windows.

Comfortline

The new Polo Sedan Comfortline trim includes body-coloured outside mirror housings and door handles, dual headlights and 15-inch ‘Riverside’ alloy wheels.

On the convenience side, the range of standard equipment is complemented by features such as 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). Inside, the Polo Sedan Comfortline has Titan Black Livon fabric seat covers.

Overview of key features

The new Polo Sedan comes standard with a number of safety and comfort features.

Trendline

·         Climatic semi-auto air-conditioner

·         Airbags - Front and Side

·         High-level brakelight

·         3-spoke steering wheel

·         ISOFIX child-seat mountings

·         Height-adjustable driver’s seat

·         Rear seat split/folding 60:40

·         2 front reading lights and 1 rear

·         12V power socket in centre console

·         3 rear head restraints

·         Remote central locking

·         Alarm, door activated with back-up

·         Lights warning buzzer

·         Luggage compartment lighting

·         Headlight range adjustment

·         Radio preparation including bee-sting antenna

·         14-inch steel wheels with175/70 tyres

·         Full size steel spare wheel

·         Front and rear electric windows

·         Height and reach adjustable steering column

·         Dual tone horn

·         Cup holders, 2 integrated into front centre console

·         Rear disc brakes (1.6 Trendline only)

Comfortline

As per Trendline with the following additional features,

·      Electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors

·      15 inch ‘Riverside’ alloy wheels with185/60 tyres

·      Multi-function steering wheel

·      Radio/CD/MP3 with 4 loudspeakers

·      Auxiliary input for external audio

·      Cruise control

·      Front foglights

·      Multi-function display

·      Height-adjustable passenger seat

·      Colour-coded mirrors

OPTIONAL FEATURES

These are optional features that available in the new Polo Sedan model range:

• MP3 Radio/CD
• Cruise Control
• Multi function steering wheel
• ESP (standard on 1.6TDI)

EXTERIOR COLOURS

Volkswagen will offer the new Polo Sedan in six colours, namely:

• Candy White
• Flash Red
• Reflex Silver
• Shadow Blue
• Terra Beige
• Deep Black

RETAIL PRICE (VAT & Emissions Tax included)

Petrol

1.4 63kW Trendline                                         R159 900

1.4 63kW Comfortline                                     R177 000

1.6 77kW Trendline                                         R182 200

1.6 77kW Comfortline                                     R195 000

1.6 77kW Comfortline Tiptronic                      R209 000

Diesel

1.6 77kW TDI Comfortline                              R218 000

SERVICE AND WARRANTY

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

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 service interval is 15 000 km.

Volkswagen Group SA Managing Director, David Powels and Production Director, Tom du Plessis, together with senior management and production staff came together recently to celebrate the export of the Company’s 100 000^th new generation Polo.
 
The Polo has scooped a litany of international awards since its introduction to the market in 2009. Its first accolades were the titles of European and World Car of the Year.
 
The New Polo, manufactured in South Africa, won the prestigious Japan Import Car of the Year 2010-2011 award. The vehicle also scooped the runner-up prize in the closely-fought Japan Car of the Year 2010-2011 competition.
 
Locally, it is a finalist in the 2011 Wesbank-sponsored South African Car of the Year competition. The winner will be announced on March 8^th.
 
Volkswagen Group South Africa commenced the export of the Polo to Right Hand Drive countries around the world towards the end of 2009. The vehicle’s key markets are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus and Malta.

229 km/h fast Polo GTI debuts with standard 7-speed DSG
Wolfsburg / Nürburgring, 10 May 2010 - The Polo GTI is back. A powerful 132 kW / 180 PS comeback! And this GTI too lives up to its legendary name with superior handling properties combined with uncompromising engine responsiveness and a maximum of safety. The highlight: Never before has such a powerful Polo come even close to its fuel efficiency. Thanks to clever downsizing of the twincharged 1.4-litre TSI engine (turbo plus supercharging) and the extremely efficient 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard equipment, the development team was able to reduce combined fuel consumption to 5.9 l/100 km. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. By comparison: Its direct predecessor in terms of power – also equipped with a 132kW 1.8-litre turbo engine - consumed 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 188 g/km CO2). This means that the new car is 25 percent more fuel efficient.

This economy contrasts with highly dynamic driving performance: The light 1,194 kilogram Volkswagen sports car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 229 km/h. These figures, 6.9 seconds, 5.9 litres are sports car performance parameters of a sustainable kind.

Power is transferred to the front wheels via DSG as standard equipment. An electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) reduces the tendency to understeer and improves handling especially in quick driving through curves. Like all versions of the model series, the Polo GTI also comes equipped with the standard ESP electronic stabilisation programme including Hill Climb Assist. In addition, the car's extensive safety features consists of a highly effective airbag network, including combined head-thorax side airbags, belt tensioners, belt tension limiters plus belt warning, head restraints designed to avoid whiplash trauma (each in front), three rear head restraints as well as Isofix points on the rear bench seat for suitably fitted child seats.

In addition, convenience features include electro-hydraulic power steering, electric windows in front, central locking, bootspace lighting and tie-down eyes, warning buzzer for light not turned off, driver seat height adjustment, make-up mirror in the sun visors and green tinted insulated glass. The GTI will be the first Polo to be available with bi-xenon headlights with cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and corner marker lights as well as a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof. Naturally, GTI-specific features are always standard too, such as the sport seat system and 17-inch alloy wheels in "Denver" design.

The new Polo GTI has been unveiled, promising to be the fastest, most focussed and cleanest performance Polo yet produced.

The original performance variant of the Polo was unveiled in 1986 in the form of the G40 Coupé - a car that mixed a fast-revving, 83kW, supercharged engine with a low kerbweight and sharpened responses.

Fast forward 24 years and the new Polo GTI bears similarities with the G40. At its heart is a 1.4-litre TSI engine that uses a supercharger from idle through to 3,000 rpm at which point the turbocharger cuts in to provide boost. The result is an output of 132kW at 6,200 rpm and 249Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm which, when aligned with a 1,184 kg kerbweight, allows the Polo GTI to accelerate from rest to 100kph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 229kph.

Despite a keen focus on performance, the new Polo GTI is capable of delivering 6L/100km on the combined cycle while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2.

The TSI engine is linked to a compact seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox that channels drive through the front axle. In addition, the Polo GTI is fitted with the XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling. The XDS system is a functional extension of the electronic limited slip differential (EDL) which is a part of the standard ESP system.

In order to sharpen responses, the Polo GTI is fitted with new springs and dampers which results in a 15 mm lower ride height than the conventional Polo.

Like its Golf GTI sibling, the Polo GTI features significant aesthetic changes. A new front bumper featuring a deep airdam is joined by a honeycombe grille element with horizontal red strips and a simple GTI badge. New headlight units complete with the option of LED running lights lend the Polo GTI an imposing new look.

Further back, a subtle sill extension wraps around the lower edge of the body while at the back a new rear bumper features a small diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts. The Polo badge is replaced by a simple 'GTI' version.

Finally, a set of 17-inch wheels identical to those fitted to the Golf GTI are fitted along with a set of red brake callipers.

The changes continue inside the Polo GTI with revised dials, a new, flat-bottomed GTI steering wheel complete with small gearshift paddles and contrasting red stitching, aluminium pedals and new, heavily bolstered front sports seats finished in tartan trim. Subtle gloss black trim covers the centre console while the headlining is now finished in black.

design

 

Safety reaches the level of the next higher class

 

1:1 transfer of Volkswagen “Design DNA” to 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.

 

Close network of designers, development engineers and production experts

 

A precondition for implementing this design philosophy, which is characterised by the greatest precision and clarity, are progressive and highly innovative development and production methods. Designers, development engineers and production experts at Volkswagen work together to produce a level of quality, both technical and visual, that is generally only found in cars several classes higher. This teamwork was implemented with great success over the past three years by a leadership team under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. On this team, experts such as Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann (Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Group; Production and Chairman of the Volkswagen of South Africa Board of Management), Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand; Development) and Walter de Silva (Head of Group Design) combine their creative energies to design and produce cars like the new Polo.

 

BODY DIMENSIONS

 

Thanks to the new Design DNA defined by Walter de Silva, the impression that this Polo makes – in contrast to many other cars in the so-called A0 or supermini class – is not contrived or ‘cute’; instead it is mature.

 

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 – measuring 3 970 millimetres in length (+ 54 millimetres compared to previous model) and 1 682 millimetres wide (+ 32 millimetres) – offers space for up to five people and a lot of luggage (280 to 952 litres). The car’s generous gain in width combined with a reduction in height (- 13 to 1 453 millimetres) 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 wy 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 bodyshell contributed to these results. In the footwell 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 crossmember 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 crossmember in the footwell 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 footwell 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 crossmember 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 fulfills 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 times

 

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

 

Perfection in Ergonomics and Quality

 

Interior brings new level of quality to the A0 class

New cockpit has decidedly driver-oriented ergonomics

 

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 to 1,674 millimetres (+ 8 millimetres). Shoulder room in front (1,372 millimetres) 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

 

TDI up to 15 percent more fuel efficient

 

All three engines carried over from the previous model

TDI offered with the new common rail diesel engine

 

All three engines in the new Polo have been carried over from the previous model. 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.

 

 

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

 

ESP is standard feature in the tdi  

 

Optimised McPherson front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension

Further improvements in directional stability and comfort

 

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 (new dimensions: 1 463mm front, 1 456 mm rear). This has resulted in improved vehicle dynamics. Comfort was enhanced in parallel.

 

Improved directional stability

 

 

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

 

Uncompromising Safety Features

 

Trendline, Comfortline trims still offered

Semi-automatic climate control is standard in Comfortline

 

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.

 

An overview of key features:

 

Trendline

 

Exterior and wheels

 

• Turn signal lights laterally integrated in outside mirrors
• Roof post trim, high-gloss
• Galvanized body
• Radiator grille and air intake screen in black
• Steel wheels, 5J x 14, with full wheel covers, tyres 175/70 R 14
• Bumpers in car colour

  Green tinted glass

 

 

Interior

• Storage bins in all doors (space for 1.5 liter bottles in front)
• 2 cup holders
• Driver’s seat, height adjustable
• 4 roof-mounted grab handles, damped
• Cargo area cover
• Foldable Rear Seat
• Fabric seat covers, Titan Black “Metric” pattern
• 12-V appliance outlet in centre console and cargo area
• Tie-down eyes in cargo area

 

Safety

 

• Airbag for driver and front passenger, front passenger airbag can be deactivated
• Three-point automatic safety belts in front with height adjustment and belt tensioners
• 3 three-point automatic safety belts in rear
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with braking assistant,
• ISOFIX-compatible child seat preparation on rear bench seat
• Head airbags including side curtain airbags in front 
• Safety-optimised head restraints, front 
• 3 head restraints, rear 
• Triangular safety reflector
• Electronic immobiliser

 

Convenience

 

• Outside mirror with interior adjuster, aspherical on driver’s side
• Power windows, front
• Cargo area lighting
• Holder for triangular safety reflector
• Rear window wiper with intermittent adjustment at switch
• Heating and ventilation system with 4-stage blower and recirculation switch
• Interior lighting in front with shutoff delay and contact switches at all doors
• Instrument backlighting in white, dimmable; red night design for switches
• Instrument cluster with electronic speedometer, odometer and trip odometer, tachometer
• Convenience turn signal (1 press = 3 flashes)
• Steering column, height and length adjustable 
• Make-up mirrors in sun visors
• Power steering, electro-hydraulically controlled
• Dust and pollen filter
• Warning tone if lights are left on
• Warning tone and indicator lamp if seatbelt in front is unfastened
• Central locking

 

Comfortline

 

Based on Trendline specifications and including:

 

Exterior and wheels

 

• Outside mirror housings and door handles in car colour
• Radiator grille black with chrome trim strip
• Front Foglights
• Twin lamp headlights
• Riverside alloy wheels, 6J x 15, tyres 185/60 R15

 

Interior

 

• Storage pockets on front seatbacks
• Air vents and gear shift: bezels in brushed chrome
• Leather multi function 3-spoke steering wheel with matt chrome insert
• Parking brake lever knob in brushed chrome
• Glove box with cooling feature
• Instruments with decorative bezels in brushed chrome
• Foamed instrument panel
• Illuminated front footwell
• Rotary light switch with brushed chrome bezel
• Rear bench seat and seatback, folding, asymmetrical split, with dual cargo floor
• Fabric seat covers, Titan black “Fonzie” pattern
• Fabric floor mats, front and rear
• Front seats height adjustable  

Convenience

 

• Outside mirrors, power adjustable and heated
• Dual-tone signal horn
• Power windows in all doors
• “Climatic” climate control system including dust and pollen filter
• 2 reading lamps in front, 1 in rear
• Make-up mirror, illuminated, in sun visors

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.

 

Success Story of Polo in South Africa

 

The Polo brand has been an overwhelming success in South Africa since it was first introduced in 1996 in a form of the sedan, Polo Classic. The hatch was added two years later under the moniker of Polo Playa.

 

The fourth generation Polo – second generation for South Africa - was introduced locally in 2002. By the end of December 2009, over 330 000 Polos had been sold. In 2009, the Polo range sold over 18 300 units, which made it the top selling passenger brand in South Africa. The Polo Hatch accounted for nearly 35% of the Volkswagen monthly total sales.

 

The fifth generation Polo will be manufactured at the Volkswagen of South Africa production plant in Uitenhage for the local market as well as for export to the global right hand drive markets. Uitenhage is the sole production site for the right hand drive five-door new Volkswagen Polo.

 

This year – 2010 - Volkswagen of South Africa plans to double its total exports from approximately 28 500 – 19 000 were new Polos - in 2009 to over 55 000 new Polos. The new Polo will be exported to Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Malta and Cyprus.

 

VWSA’s investment programme commenced in 2008 with the renewal process that included the installation of new technologies, facilities and equipment at the Uitenhage plant. This has enabled VWSA to build cars to worldwide quality and process standards.

 

At the end of 2009, Volkswagen of South Africa had invested R3.5 billion in new plant, local content development and new product. A further R500 million will be invested this year - 2010 - to complete the process and ensure that the company is well placed to capture future opportunities both in South Africa and in the global markets.

 

International Accolades

 

2010 European Car of the Year

 

The new Volkswagen Polo was celebrated by the international journalists when it premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009.

 

The Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn said: “The new Polo meets the highest standards that are expected in today’s cars and even goes a step further. Its efficient technologies, best possible active and passive safety systems, a level of quality that has never been offered in the A0 class and impressive design all set new benchmarks in the fifth generation – third generation in South Africa - of this bestseller that has sold over 10.6 million – approximately 293 000 in South Africa - units worldwide.”

 

Prof. Dr Winterkorn continued: “The Polo is clearly the right car at the right time. Here we have created a Volkswagen that takes the unparalleled success of the Golf concept and effectively transfers it to an independent segment – the Polo class.”

 

The design ingenuity and total package offering of the new Polo has helped Volkswagen to break its 18-year wait for the esteemed European Car of the Year title. In November 2009, the new Volkswagen Polo was named as the 2010 European Car of the Year by the 59 members from 23 European countries. The last time a Volkswagen won was in 1992 with the third generation Golf.

 

 “The new Polo stands for German engineering craftsmanship and superior cutting edge technology. At the same time it is a fresh, youthful and cosmopolitan car.

The fifth generation Polo was designed to address customer expectations with even greater uncompromising standards. That is why we are naturally very pleased to see our efforts validated in the form of this award,” said Prof. Dr. Winterkorn.

 

The 2010 European Car of the Year award capped what was an extraordinary debut year for the new Polo which was launched in Europe in May 2009. In 2009, the new Polo was named by “auto motor sport” magazine as the 2009 Best Car. It also won the Grüne (“Green”) and the Goldene Lenkrad (“Golden Steering Wheel”) awards by publisher Springer Verlag.

At the opening of the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP) in Uitenhage today, Volkswagen of South Africa announced the commencement of a major worldwide Right Hand Drive (RHD) export contract for the all New Volkswagen Polo.

 

As a result of a multibillion rand investment programme on the part of the Company and its component suppliers, Volkswagen will export 19 000 New Polo’s to RHD country destinations around the world by end 2009 and will export a further 55 000 New Polo’s to countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore in 2010.

 

This will result in the doubling of total exports from approximately 28 500 in 2009 to 55 000 in 2010.

 

Volkswagen of South Africa’s investment programme commenced in 2008 when the company embarked upon a complete plant renewal process including the installation of new technologies, facilities and equipment to enable Volkswagen to build cars to worldwide quality and process standards.

 

“By the end of 2009, Volkswagen of South Africa will have invested R3.5 billion in new plant, local content development and new product. A further R500 million will be invested in 2010 to complete the process and ensure that the Company is well placed to capture future opportunities both in the South African and global markets” outlined David Powels, Managing Director of VW of SA.

 

“Production of the all New Volkswagen Polo commenced at the Uitenhage plant in July 2009. By the end of the year, 19 000 New Polo’s will have left the Port Elizabeth harbour destined for customers around the world.”

 

 “The New Polo hatch will be introduced to the South African market early in 2010 and will replace the current Polo, which has consistently been South Africa’s favourite passenger car Brand in recent years.”

 

“One of the key factors enabling Volkswagen of South Africa to capture the Volkswagen Group Polo RHD global market contract has been the investment on the part of a number of suppliers in the NMBLP. Collectively, Rehau, Benteler, Flextech, Faurecia and Grupo Antolin have invested approximately R600 million into the Park. This investment has contributed significantly towards enabling Volkswagen of South Africa to take local content levels in the New Polo to 70%.”

 

“The investment on the part of these five suppliers into the NMBLP has resulted in the creation of 685 highly skilled, new jobs in the Metro with upside potential in coming months.”

 

“The establishment of the NMBLP has been a crucial step in the process to enable Volkswagen to become a globally competitive manufacturer of vehicles in the Eastern Cape. As a result of the investment on the part of key suppliers into the Park, 77% of suppliers to Volkswagen of South Africa are now based in Nelson Mandela Bay. This is a critically important factor in the company’s globalisation strategy.”

 

“The key elements of the Volkswagen strategy to ensure cost competitiveness not only in South Africa, but around the world, have revolved around platform reduction, a renewed manufacturing environment, dramatically increased local content, significant investment in skills development, transformation and investment in new product.”

 

“Historically Volkswagen of South Africa built cars on five platforms. This was reduced to three platforms in 2008 and will from 2010, reduce to two platforms. The one platform will be the all New Polo for both the domestic and export markets and the second platform will be a new A0 entry level car to be announced towards the end of the first quarter of 2010.”

 

“Volkswagen’s strategic intent has embraced the principles upon which the MIDP has been established and the intent of the new APDP which has been mapped out between the motor industry and Government in recent months” said Powels.

 

In this regard, key considerations on the part of the Company have been to manufacture cars on high volume potential platforms and to increase local content from levels below 40% to in excess of 70%. In addition, working with South African component suppliers to ensure cost index 100 to plants in Western Europe, to increase manufacturing depth – particularly 2^nd and 3^rdtear suppliers and importantly, to put significant investment into the training and skills development of people at all levels. In this regard, Volkswagen of South Africa has established three production training academies within the plant, each specialising in the training of employees in key technical areas such as Body and Press, Engines and Final Assembly. 

 

“The Volkswagen Worldwide Group has illustrated its confidence in Volkswagen of South Africa as a manufacturing base, by awarding it the New Polo worldwide RHD export contract. Despite the domestic and global recession causing vehicle markets in the world to plummet, the Volkswagen Group has remained committed to long term investments, such as those we have made in South Africa” said Powels. 

 

“At the beginning of 2008, all 5 000 employees at Volkswagen of South Africa committed to key targets and goals to be achieved by the end of 2010. We are confident that we will achieve these targets and goals by the end of next year. A key milestone in this journey was the start of production of the New Polo initially for export markets and then for introduction in South Africa early in 2010. We are well on track in this regard and look forward to bringing the New Polo to motorists in South Africa early next year” concluded Powels.

THE Engen Volkswagen Cup national championship will go down to the wire at Kyalami. After the Killarney race meeting there is still no clear leader in this series who can be guaranteed to walk away with the title.

It was Miguel Pasqualli (4) and his Engen Xtreme entry that posted the fastest qualifying time in a session that saw the top nine drivers separated by just one second. With the top six draw for each race completed, it was Devin Robertson (7) in the Champion Racing car in pole for race one and Mathew Hodges (31) in the PG Glass car taking the first grid spot in race two.

With the lights out for race one, the Champion racers Robertson and Gennaro Bonafede (3) got off to a good start, leading the field around the circuit. With a red flag in the first lap, they were forced to retake their grid positions for the restart.

That red flag was due to an incident between Kosie Weyers (27) and his Engen Xtreme Polo, Kieren Quarmby (30) in the Interfile car, Mathew Hodges (31) in the PG Glass entry and Kyle Barnes (22) in the Diesel Power / ContiPartner car. At the restart, Divan Wentzel (8) Harvey World Travel / Barnetts Auto Spares and Bryan Morgan (5) in the Timken entry started from pit lane.

On the restart it was again the Champion drivers who made good their escape with the field in hot pursuit. A battle erupted between Engen Xtreme teammates Pasqualli and Weyers while Hodges found himself falling down the order from his third-place start due to problems getting gears.

The battle between Pasqualli and Weyers ended with Weyers crossing the line for third place and Pasqualli settling for fourth, just ahead of Darren Nathan (35) and his Sextrader.co.za entry.

Race two took place in wet conditions and the field had to decide whether they should take to the track on slicks or wet weather rubber. For those choosing to stay on slick rubber, it turned out to be the right choice.

First lap out in the second race and Robertson, the race one winner, had a huge off in the Engen bowl. Apparently locking up four cold slick tyres in the wet on the first lap robbed him of all control and he plunged nose-first into the tyre wall, causing severe damage to his brand new race car.

Weyers nearly found himself coming unstuck in the bowl as well as he got his Polo very sideways but managed to hold onto it and then went into a challenge with Hodges for the lead. It looked like victory for Weyers as Hodges dropped further behind and became embroiled in other battles.

He was not to be discounted however and touched with Morgan down the main straight as they both dived past Pasqualli. Then it was time to get around Bonafede to reclaim second position. Hodges had made the decision to go out on slicks and it was paying off as the racing line dried out towards the end of the race.

From that point on, Hodges was hard on Weyers’ tail, passing him for the lead down the main straight, only to have him take it back again shortly thereafter. By the time the two had come past the finish line for the last time, Hodges had ensured he was ahead by more than four seconds for a decisive victory.

The first race was won by Devin Robertson (7) and his Champion Racing entry with teammate Gennaro Bonafede (3) in second place. Kosie Weyers (27) and his Engen Xtreme entry was third. Race two was won by Mathew Hodges (31) in the PG Glass car with Kosie Weyers (27) and his Engen Xtreme car in second and Kieren Quarmby (30) in the Interfile car in third place.

Overall results for the day were Kosie Weyers (27) in the Engen Xtreme car first, Gennaro Bonafede (3) in the Champion Racing entry second and Mathew Hodges (31) and his PG Glass car third.

The championship goes to Kyalami with the three leading drivers separated by 14 points. This means the last two races will determine which of these drivers is going to be crowned the 2009 Engen Volkswagen Cup champion after having had to earn their result every lap of the way.

A slice of motorsport history, a world record and a dollop or two of drama all combined to provide for an entertaining round seven of the WesBank Super Series at the Raceway on Saturday.

History was made when Transkei-born driver Tschops Sipuka became the first black South African to win a national series singleseater race when he took the opening heat of the Formula Volkswagen event. For good measure Sipuka, a protégé of former South African champion Terry Moss, also won the second heat for a unique double.

The world record went to Johannesburg rider Sheridan Morais when he scored his 13th  Interfile SA Supersport win of the year. Morais shared the previous record of 12 straight wins in a national championship with an American Motorcycle Association rider.

There was a fair share of other drama during the day with a number of championship issues left in limbo. With just two meetings left this season some tight title finishes are on the cards.

Sipuka, in the Southern Sun/Oakley FVW, had to fend off current championship leader Jayde Kruger (Motul/First Freight FVW) to secure both his wins. A former South African saloon car champion, the Transkei driver never put a wheel wrong although one has the feeling that Kruger was quite content to consolidate his championship lead.

The other feature of both races was the performance of teenager James Temple in the VW Racing/BP Ultimate FVW. Temple marked his debut with a podium finish behind Sipuka and Kruger in race one.

Temple had a more adventurous race two but still managed an impressive fourth. This time around the final podium place went to the steady Gordon Connelly in the Bravo Holdings/Cowan Signs FVW.

On the motorcycle front Morais, on Emtek Racing Kawasaki entries, is attempting to become the first rider to win both the Interfile SA Superbike and Interfile SA Supersport titles in one season – and leads both championships. He romped away with the opening Supersport heat leaving the rest of the field in his wake with Steven Odendaal (Mitsubishi Electric Suzuki) and Dylan White (White Aluminium Yamaha) also on the podium.

Race two, however, was a different story. After running off the circuit in race one Ronan Quarmby (Gallardo/Interfile Yamaha) bounced back in race two to inflict on Morais his first defeat of the year.

Quarmby will race in Britain next year and always held the upper hand. Morais never really threatened and was joined on the podium by teenager Odendaal who had a good day.

The opening Interfile Superbike race featured a superb duel between talented local youngster Greg Gildenhuys, on the Race Nation Honda, and veteran Lance Isaacs on the Portable Shade Honda. Gildenhuys has been threatening a win all season and it finally came with the former Supersport champion holding on to win by the skin of his teeth with Morais third.

A first corner off track excursion scuppered Isaacs in race two. Morais went on to take the win ahead of Gildenhuys, former champion Arushen Moodley (PS Honda), Chris Leeson (Team Yamaha) and Isaacs.

It was a good day for the Engen Xtreme Team in the Bridgestone Production Car championship with team-mates Michael Stephen and Shaun Watson-Smith sharing the wins. Stephen completely dominated race one from pole position with Leeroy Poulter (SAM Racing/GP Windscreens Nissan 350Z) and reigning champion Johan Fourie (Indy Oil Audi A4) second and third.

With heat two run from an inverted grid Watson-Smith, who has not had much luck this season, stamped his authority on proceedings. Behind him another former champion, Anthony Taylor (Afrox BMW 330i), finally got the better of a good dice with Marco da Cunha (SAM Racing Nissan 350Z) and Robert Wolk in the second Afrox BMW.

After serving a two race suspension, during which he lost the Class T championship lead, Graeme Nathan (Indy Oil/Kaye Eddie VW Golf GTi) bounced back with a vengeance. Nathan won both heats and with arch rival Gary Formato (Ford Racing/Nando’s Ford Focus) failing to finish race two the title race is in the melting pot.

Also in the melting pot is the WesBank V8 Supercar championship with the issue likely to boil down to a fight between Marc Auby and teenage brother Brandon in the ELT International Jaguars. Woes continued for three time champion Hennie Groenewald Timken Holden) and after a second and a did not finish it looks as though his hopes of a fourth straight title are out the window.

A win and a fifth from the race two inverted grid have lifted Brandon Auby, who is busy with matric exams, to within 14 points of brother Marc whose return for the day was a third and a ninth. In an action packed second race which saw Brandon Auby and Groenewald have a coming together at turn one, a popular win went to veteran Franco di Matteo, in the Varta Batteries Jaguar, ahead of Richard Pinard (Timken Jaguar) and local driver Jaco Correia in the Liqui Moly Chev Corvette.

The Engen VW Cup is another championship in the melting pot. A sixth and a fifth were enough to keep Mathew Hodges (PG Glass VW Polo) at the top of the heap with main rival Devin Robertson (Champion VW Polo) running into race to woes.

Robertson romped away with heat one to come home ahead of Bryan Morgan (Timken VW Polo) and Gennaro Bonafede in a second Champion entry. The Alberton schoolboy was then forced to retire from race two with a blown engine, and the win went to Bonafede ahead of Darren Nathan (Sex Trader VW Polo) and Morgan.

Hodges salvaged valuable point to leave Phakisa with a 10 point advantage over Robertson. Bonafede is a further four points adrift with four races left. 

Results:
WesBank V8 Supercars: Heat 1 - 1 B Auby (Jaguar); 2 H Groenewald (Holden); 3 M Auby (Jaguar); 4 D Auby (Holden); 5 J Correia (Chev Corvette).  Heat 2 – 1 F di Matteo (Jaguar); 2 R Pinard (Jaguar); 3 J Correia (Chev Corvette); 4 B Morgenrood (Chev Lumina); 5 B Auby (Jaguar).
Bridgestone Production Cars: Heat 1 – 1 M Stephen (Audi A4); 2 L Poulter (Nissan 350Z); 3 J Fourie (Audi A4); 4 D Olivier (Subaru); 5 R Wolk (BMW 330i). Class A – M Stephen (Audi); Class T – G Nathan (VW Golf GTi); Class B – G Green (Alfa Romeo 147). Heat 2 – 1 S Watson-Smith (Audi A4); 2 A Taylor (BMW 330i); 3 M da Cunha (Nissan 350Z); 4 R Wolk (BMW 330i); 5 J Fourie (Audi A4). Class A – S Watson-Smith (Audi A4); Class T – G Nathsan (VW Golf GTi); Class B – K Swanepoel (Toyota RunX).
Engen VW Cup: Heat 1 – 1 D Robertson (VW Polo); 2 B Morgan (VW Polo); 3 G Bonafede (VW Polo); 4 K Quarmby (VW Polo); 5 D Nathan (VW Polo). Heat 2 – 1 G Bonafede (VW Polo); 2 D Nathan (VW Polo); 3 B Morgan (VW Polo); 4 K Barnes (VW Polo); 5 M Hodges (VW Polo).
Formula Volkswagen: Heat 1 – 1 T Sipuka (Formula VW); 2 J Kruger (Formula VW); 3 J Temple (Formula VW); 4 G Connelly (Formula VW); 5 P da Cunha (Formula VW). Heat 2 – 1 T Sipuka (Formula VW); 2 J Kruger (Formula VW); 3 G Connelly (Formula VW); 4 J Temple (Formula VW); 5 T Pepper (Formula VW).
Interfile SA Superbikes: Heat 1 - 1 G Gildenhuys (Honda); 2 L Isaacs (Honda); 3 S Morais (Kawasaki); 4 A Moodley (Honda); 5 C Leeson (Yamaha).  Heat 2 – 1 S Morais (Kawasaki); 2 G Gildenhuys (Honda); 3 A Moodley (Honda); 4 C Leeson (Yamaha); 5 L Isaacs (Honda).
Interfile SA Supersport: Heat 1 – 1 S Morais (Kawasaki); 2 S Odendaal (Suzuki); 3 D White (Yamaha); 4 D Estment (Yamaha); 5 D Vos (Kawasaki). Heat 2 – 1 R Quarmby (Yamaha); 2 S Morais (Kawasaki); 3 S Odendaal (Suzuki); 4 D White (Yamaha); 5 B Estment (Yamaha).

* Comprehensive agreement reached by the parties: multistage transaction structure, completion expected in the course of 2011
* Volkswagen's solid financial base and Porsche's independence will be preserved
* High growth, earnings and synergy potential accompanied by job security
* CEO Winterkorn: Jointly on track to become the worldwide number one

Wolfsburg, 13 August 2009 - At its extraordinary meeting today, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft's Supervisory Board approved the comprehensive agreement to create an integrated automotive group with Porsche led by Volkswagen. A corresponding agreement has been negotiated by Volkswagen AG and Porsche Automobil Holding SE, as well as the Porsche and Piëch family shareholders and the employee representatives of the companies involved. Porsche Automobil Holding SE's Supervisory Board has also approved the concept for the combination of the two companies. The comprehensive agreement seals the creation of a joint group with ten strong brands.

Under this agreement, Volkswagen will initially take a 42.0 percent stake in Porsche AG by the end of 2009, and it will also see the family shareholders selling the automobile trading business of Porsche Holding Salzburg to Volkswagen. The plans will culminate in the merger of Porsche SE with Volkswagen. This is expected to be completed in the course of 2011, and will require the approval of both companies' shareholders. Porsche will remain an independent company headquartered in Zuffenhausen. The details for implementing the concept will be finalized in the coming weeks. At the same time, negotiations with the Emirate of Qatar to acquire options on Volkswagen shares will continue, and talks will be initiated with Porsche's financing banks to discuss the overall concept. Successful completion of these discussions would be a further key step on the way to becoming an integrated group. Implementation of the agreement is also subject to the standard approval by the relevant authorities.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft's Board of Management, stated: "Volkswagen and Porsche today took a decisive step towards a joint future. As a group with now ten strong, independent brands we will further expand our unique global position. More than ever before, we now have what it takes to become the automotive industry's number one. Volkswagen is systematically continuing its successful multibrand strategy by integrating Porsche. Additional new growth opportunities will emerge for Porsche under the umbrella of the integrated group. Following constructive talks, we have agreed a solution that reflects the interests of all parties. I am convinced that the outcome of this integration will be the best vehicles for our customers, secure jobs and the creation of long-term value for our shareholders."

The integrated group combines sound strategic logic, an attractive financial proposition and social responsibility

The combination of Volkswagen and Porsche will see the emergence of an integrated automotive group with unit sales of around 6.4 million vehicles and more than 400,000 employees. The key financial figures of the combined company will see a sustained improvement, in particular due to the healthy level of profitability and the expected strong growth of the Porsche vehicle range.

The creation of this integrated group with ten strong brands led by Volkswagen follows a compelling industrial logic: the integration of Porsche AG and the automobile trading business of Porsche Holding Salzburg will allow Volkswagen to further extend its position as the world's leading multibrand group. The integrated group will hold a leading position in terms of global market presence, segment coverage, technology and innovation, global purchasing power and manufacturing base. It offers attractive growth prospects thanks to its superior modular systems, solid financial position, effective management and excellent employees.

Porsche's outstanding technical expertise and its unique legend will enhance the value of Volkswagen's brand family. The product ranges are highly complementary, and adding Porsche will enable a significant expansion of the integrated group's position in the premium segment. With the addition of the development center Weissach, the group's innovation leadership will be further enhanced. Additionally, the integration of Porsche Holding Salzburg's highly profitable automobile trading business will considerably strengthen the Volkswagen Group's distribution activities. Porsche Holding Salzburg has a footprint in 13 Eastern European and five Western European countries, as well as in China, and its pronounced retail expertise already makes it a key partner today for Volkswagen's market success.

Porsche's independence in the integrated group will be safeguarded, in line with Volkswagen's proven decentralized management model. As is the case today with Audi and other successful group brands, Porsche will retain its identity, while at the same time benefiting from its membership of the integrated group. Under the comprehensive agreement, Porsche will be an independent company headquartered in Zuffenhausen, retaining its independent structures. Additionally, Porsche AG's employee representatives will be able to participate in the elections to Volkswagen AG's Supervisory Board following the merger.

Volkswagen's proven management model will enable all potential synergies to be realized quickly. In the long term, this will increase annual operating profit in the group by a total of around EUR 700 million.

With new, additional models, unit sales of Porsche vehicles will increase substantially. CEO Winterkorn: "We want to write a new chapter in a history of sustainable growth. This will help us safeguard high-quality jobs in Germany for the long term and create new ones."

Transaction structure: a fair price and solid financing

Under the comprehensive agreement, the combination of Volkswagen and Porsche to form an integrated group with ten strong brands under a common group-wide leadership will be achieved in several stages, and is expected to be completed in the course of 2011. Commenting on the overall concept that has been agreed, Hans Dieter Pötsch, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft's CFO, said: "It combines the greatest possible degree of certainty that the transaction will run smoothly with the creation of a stable ownership structure, a fair price and very solid financing. It also reflects the interests of all parties and safeguards Volkswagen's solid financial position and strong rating."

In the first step, Porsche Automobil Holding SE plans to sell most of its options on Volkswagen shares to Qatar. Successful completion of these talks, which are already at an advanced stage, would be a key step on the way to becoming an integrated automotive group. Exercising the options would result in Qatar becoming Volkswagen's third anchor shareholder.

At the same time, Porsche will seek the support of its lending banks for the overall concept that has now been agreed to further safeguard its financial stability, and will negotiate a new financing structure with them.

Provided that these talks are successful, and if Qatar acquires the portfolio of options, Volkswagen will then take a 42.0 percent stake in Porsche AG by the end of 2009. Based on the comprehensive due diligence and valuation process that has been performed a value of EUR 12.4 billion has been determined for the company as a whole, including the expected synergy effects. On this basis, and after factoring in Porsche's debt, Volkswagen is expected to pay approximately up to EUR 3.3 billion for the 42.0 percent stake.

To finance its investment in Porsche AG and safeguard its rating, Volkswagen is planning a capital increase in the first six months of 2010 by issuing new preferred shares. The Supervisory Board will address the issue and resolve the details in the near future. Such a capital increase requires the approval of the shareholders, which is expected to be obtained at an Extraordinary General Meeting by the end of this year.

Another component of the overall concept is that the family shareholders will sell to Volkswagen the operating business of the separately owned Porsche Holding Salzburg. An enterprise value of EUR 3.55 billion has been determined for Europe's largest automobile trade company, with unit sales of most recently 474,000 vehicles. The trading business can be sold starting in 2011. In this case too, however, Porsche Holding Salzburg will retain its current structure and responsibilities as an organizational unit, and family members will remain represented in the company's governing bodies.

The family shareholders will use the bulk of the proceeds from the sale of the trading business of Porsche Holding Salzburg to increase the ordinary share capital of Porsche SE. This capital increase is designed to further improve Porsche SE's financial situation and will happen before the intended merger with Volkswagen. The increase in the ordinary share capital will be accompanied by the issuance of new Porsche SE preferred shares.

Following this, a financially stable Porsche SE will be merged with Volkswagen – the final step in the combination of the two companies. The merger requires the approval of the general meetings of both companies. Completion is expected in the course of 2011.

The precise shareholder interests following a merger are not yet final and depend on the volume of any capital increases, the cash flow and liquidity or debt situation of the two companies, and on the merger ratio for Volkswagen and Porsche SE established at the time of the merger. However, the Porsche and Piëch family shareholders will remain the largest shareholders at Volkswagen, and the State of Lower Saxony will continue to be the second-largest shareholder in the Volkswagen Group in the future.

According to the comprehensive agreement, the status of Lower Saxony will in future be explicitly anchored in Volkswagen's articles of association. It is envisaged that Lower Saxony will be entitled to appoint two members of the Supervisory Board. The existing blocking minority rule will be reaffirmed – at Volkswagen, key decisions by the Annual General Meeting require a qualified majority of more than 80 percent of the share capital represented at the AGM.

There are also plans to offer a substantial investment opportunity to the worldwide employees of the integrated automotive group. The employee participation model will be implemented via an employee foundation to be established by the group works councils of Volkswagen AG and Porsche AG.

Reigning champions Hergen Fekken and Pierre Arries (BP Volkswagen Polo) won the Rally of South Africa in Ermelo on Saturday afternoon by 23 seconds from VW team-mates and former champions Jannie Habig and Douglas Judd.

Third in the fourth round of the Sasol Rally Championship and a further 2 min 11 sec back, were Jean-Pierre Damseaux and Andre Vermeulen (Team TOTAL Toyota RunX), who picked up their best result of the season so far after three consecutive retirements.

Fourth overall and fourth in the premier Super 2000 class went to the Castrol Toyota Auris of Mark Cronje and Robert Paisley.  Cronje led after the first two stages on Friday until gearbox problems on the event’s longest stage dropped him to sixth overall at the end of the first day.

First production car home was the class N4 Sasol Konica Minolta Subaru of defending champions Charl Wilken and Greg Godrich, who finished fifth overall.

Fekken and Arries’ win moves them into the lead of the championship at the halfway stage, with 90 points, seven ahead of previous leaders Johnny Gemmell and Peter Marsh (Castrol Toyota Auris).  Gemmell and Zimbabwean Marsh were slowed by a puncture in Friday’s long stage three and by a misfire in the first three stages on Saturday, which dropped them back to seventh overall.  They eventually came home in sixth place.

Other class winners were Stevan Wilken/Greg Gericke (Pannar/Triton VW Polo) in class A7, Rodney Visagie/Carolyn Swan (Team TOTALToyota RunX) in class A6, former champions Gugu Zulu/Carl Peskin (BP VW CitiGolf) in class A5 and Dave Compton/Pierre Jordaan (Sasol Toyota RunX) in class N3.

The new Polo is one of the safest cars worldwide;
Polo's TDI and TSI engines noticeably reduce fuel costs

Wolfsburg / Geneva, 02 March 2009 - No other car in this class has such a mature and high-end image as the new Polo. Comfort, quality and safety have all taken a considerable leap forward. One example: the Polo was specifically designed to attain the recently established, stricter and more comprehensive, 5-star EuroNCAP rating. The higher structural rigidity of the Polo's bodyshell contributes to these results. In the footwell area alone, intrusion – related to the car body's deformation strength in a frontal crash – was lowered by 50 percent! In the case of a side impact, the intrusion value was reduced by 20 percent.

Standard equipment for safety

In addition, the European version of the Polo now being presented is equipped with standard ESP electronic stabilization program with Hill Hold Control, and it has a highly effective network of airbags on board, including combined head-thorax airbags (integrated in the front seatbacks), belt tensioners and belt force limiters plus seatbelt warning indicator and head restraints that counteract the risk of whiplash injury (both front seats), three rear head restraints and Isofix child seat preparation.

Weight down, fuel consumption down

Despite significant improvements in all aspects of the car, it was possible to reduce the Polo's body weight by 7.5 percent. The introduction of new TDI and TSI engines, as well as the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG), has resulted in considerably reduced fuel consumption and emissions over a wide range of engine power outputs. An excellent example here is the new 1.2 TSI. This turbo-charged four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine produces 77 kW / 105 PS, yet it consumes just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (129 g/km CO2); this is 19 percent less than on the equivalent model of the previous generation!

In total, seven different engines will be offered on the new Polo in its first year – four gasoline and three diesel – spanning a power range from 44 kW / 60 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS. Five of these engines are entirely new or are being used for the first time in the Polo.

The new engines include all three TDIs (turbo-diesel direct-injection); thanks to the implementation for the first time of common rail technology in the Polo, these engines are both efficient and refined. The potential in the new TDI engines is clearly evident in the example of the Polo 1.6 TDI with 66 kW / 90 PS: when combined with a "BlueMotion package", its average fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers and 96 g/km CO2 makes it the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting five-seater diesel in the world. The "BlueMotion package" may be combined with any of the three equipment lines developed for the Polo. Available for selection here are the base version "Trendline", the mid-level "Comfortline" and the top of the line "Highline".

Individually combinable high-tech features

Options that Polo drivers will be able to order on their new Volkswagen include static turning lights integrated in the front fog lights, (from "Comfortline" up), side curtain airbags (head airbag system for front and rear passengers), radio and radio-navigation systems and integrated hands-free telephone systems. A panorama sunroof and bi-xenon headlights will follow at a later time.

Market launch starts the end of June

Start of production of the five-door Polo is scheduled for the end of March. This will be followed, starting in the last week in June, by the market launch of the visually and technically advanced new edition of the million unit bestseller in Germany. Just two weeks later, thanks to an ambitious logistics plan, Volkswagen will begin selling the car across mainland Europe, and soon Polo engines will be revving up across all continents.