{"id":538176,"date":"2021-11-16T12:35:19","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T10:35:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=538176"},"modified":"2021-11-16T16:36:52","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T14:36:52","slug":"south-africas-second-best-selling-car-is-getting-a-facelift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/motoring\/538176\/south-africas-second-best-selling-car-is-getting-a-facelift\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa’s second best-selling car is getting a facelift"},"content":{"rendered":"

German carmaker Volkswagen says it will launch its updated sixth-generation Polo model in South Africa in January 2022.<\/p>\n

The latest model, which is being built in Kariega in the Eastern Cape, will receive a facelift and will be available in a number of new variants, the group said.<\/p>\n

In South Africa, 78,848 units of the sixth generation Polo have been sold since the vehicle launched into the market in January 2018, and it currently has more than a 20% share in the A0 Hatch segment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Volkswagen Polo is South Africa\u2019s second best-selling passenger car after the Polo Vivo. In 2021, 16 454 Polos have been sold in the local market which translates to a share of 22.6% in the A0 Hatch segment,\u201d said Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.<\/p>\n

Facelift\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Volkswagen said that the updated Polo will feature a new exterior design, with the bumper and tailgate both new additions.<\/p>\n

The Polo will also feature changed headlights and taillight clusters which come standard with LED technology. Most notably, the Polo has taken a design cue from Volkswagen’s new ID models, and the new Golf and will include an LED light strip along the radiator grille.<\/p>\n

The interior of the Polo now boasts a digital cockpit, a re-designed multi-function steering wheel, new-generation infotainment systems and wireless app-connect. All modules except the air conditioning are integrated into the dashboard\u2019s upper crossbar with the infotainment system screen located in the centre.<\/p>\n

Volkswagen said that Polo will also be the first vehicle in its class to be offered with the optional travel assist feature. When travel assist is active, the Polo brakes, accelerates and steers automatically within the system limits. This semi-automated assist system relieves the strain on drivers, especially on long journeys, the carmaker said.<\/p>\n

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New variants<\/strong><\/p>\n

The updated Polo has also moved to Volkswagen\u2019s new naming convention. Previously, the Polo was available in the Trendline (base model), Comfortline (mid-level) and Highline (premium) versions.<\/p>\n

The new naming convention features the Polo version (base model), Polo Life (mid-level) and R-Line (premium). The new Polo will also be available in a GTI derivative.<\/p>\n

In South Africa, the new Volkswagen Polo will be available in three turbo-charged petrol engines:<\/p>\n