The latest Volkswagen to land on our shores is not destined to be a Classic - at least not in name. Its predecessors were called the Polo Classic, but now it's simply being referred to as the Polo Sedan.
The idea of keeping things simple permeates even the styling of this vehicle, its design motto having been 'La Semplicita' (the simplicity). Yet with all its sharp and precise lines, its bigger size and even the inclusion of a third side window, the new four-door Polo really has a more grown up look to it than the previous model, which still soldiers on in Polo Vivo form.
VW has not simply slapped a boot onto the back of the Polo hatch here - in fact they've extended the wheelbase by 82mm to procure more interior space, while most of the 414mm added to the overall length of the vehicle goes to the 454-litre boot (hatch offers 280) which is competitive by sedan standards but still slightly down on the Honda Ballade.
There are no surprises under the bonnet of the Polo Sedan, which offers the same three engine choices as the hatch.
The petrol range comprises the familiar 1.4-litre unit that produces 63kW at 5000rpm and 132Nm at 3600rpm and the 1.6 that's good for 77kW at 5250rpm and 155Nm at 3500rpm. Diesel-heads can opt for the 1.6 TDI, with 77kW on tap at 4400rpm and 250Nm of twist between 1500 and 2500rpm.
VW claims combined fuel consumption of 4.6 litres per 100km for the TDI, compared to 5.9 for the 1.4 and 6.0 for the 1.6 petrol versions.
The six-model range starts at R159 900 for the 1.4 Trendline, rising to R218 000 for the 1.6 TDI comfortline.
Standard specification is reasonably good even in Trendline spec, these models fitted with air conditioning (unlike the hatch) as well as remote central locking, front and rear electric windows, height-adjustable driver's seat as well as height and reach adjustable steering. Pity you have to pay extra for a radio at this level though.
Comfortline models add a four-speaker CD/MP3 player with Aux input as well as cruise control, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors and a multi-function steering wheel. It's also distinguished on the outside by 15-inch alloy wheels, twin headlights and colour coded mirrors.
As far as safety goes, all models are fitted with dual front and side airbags (strangely no curtains available) as well as the obligatory ABS, while the TDI model gets the ESP stability system.
PRICES:
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
1.6 77kW TDI Comfortline - R218 000
Prices include a three-year/120 000km warranty, but excludes any service or maintenance plan - these are optional.