Dynamite in a small package

EFFICIENT: POLO’S NEW 1.0-LITRE TSI ENGINE DELIVERS A WHOPPING 81KW OF POWER

Powerplant the precursor to Volkswagen’s small engine strategy.

Volkswagen has expanded the offering of its best-selling Polo model range with the addition of a 1.0-litre petrol engine. The 1.0 TSI engine is a precursor to Volkswagen’s small engine strategy. The fuel efficient small capacity engines will be the main feature in the carmaker’s future models.

The three-cylinder 999cc engine will be the base powerplant in the new Golf, to be launched locally at the end of the second quarter.

The 1.0 TSI delivers 81kW of power at 5000rpm. Its maximum torque of 200Nm is available from 2 000- to 3 500rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h is reached in 9.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 197km/h.

This engine has a frugal fuel economy of 4.4 litres per 100km. The fuel efficiency is enhanced by the BlueMotion Technology, with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

The 1.0 TSI engine, mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission, is the first Polo derivative to be offered with the exterior R-Line package. This adds a sporty look that makes the car stand out on the road.

The package includes an R-Line logo on the grille, front and rear bumpers, sill extensions, a sporty rear diffuser with an integrated chrome exhaust tailpipe, a rear spoiler in the body colour and 17inch Serron alloy wheels.

The Polo with the R-Line package has the following features as standard: five-inch Composition Colour, Connectivity package with Bluetooth and USB as well as iPhone/iPod interface, fatigue detection, sport front seats with Cell interior cloth and door trim, multifunction steering and front foglights.

For customers who want to individualise their 81kW 1.0 TSI Polo R-Line, Volkswagen offers optional features such as 5.8-inch Composition media, App Connect, Light and Vision package (includes rain sensor wipers, auto-dimming interior mirror, automatic headlights and coming home function), cruise control, climatronic air-conditioner, panoramic sunroof, park distance control (front and rear), rear view camera and LED headlights with separate LED daytime running lights.

The retail price includes threeyear/45 000km service plan, three-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km. The 1.0 TSI Polo R-line retails for R290 200.