By Amanda Mfuphi

Last year we got the opportunity to sample the new VW Polo 1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG. At the time, we thought the new Polo had what it takes to strike a chord with consumers as it has done for so many years being the second-best selling passenger vehicle in the country. With just over a year since its launch, it appears that the new VW Polo won the hearts of consumers yet again by retaining its second-place spot. To keep the Polo even more engrained in the hearts and minds of the consumer, VW has introduced a Polo Beats Edition which infuses South African’s love of cars and music.

What is it?

The Polo Beats Edition is based on the mid-level new Polo Comfortline derivative and is powered by a 1.0TSI engine. The Polo Beats is a collaboration between VW and Beats by Dre that seeks to create a cool looking car by providing a unique Beats inspired interior and an upgraded stereo and surround sound system. The Beats Edition is also noticeable on the exterior by the Beats decals on the side door B-pillar panels. Our Polo Beats Edition also came with a sunroof.

The Beats Edition Package

The Polo Beats Edition is made unique particularly by its interior and sound system. The Beats Edition package amounts to an additional R17,950 to the base price of the Comfortline and this package comes standard with unique Beats Edition 16-inch wheel alloy wheels; a Beats sound system which includes 6 speakers, a digital 8 channel amplifier, subwoofer and a total sound output of 300 watts. The Beatsaudio sound system stood out as it offered an impressive crisp surround sound that kept us going throughout the weekend. The Polo Beats Edition’s infotainment system is paired with an 8-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity and an additional 2 USB interfaces, which brings a total of 4 USB ports in the Polo Beats Edition (2 more than the standard Polo).   

Interior

The Polo Beats Edition further comes with the Aqua Graphite-Velvel Red upholstery interior. I particularly loved this interior, which had a good contrast of colours with a mix of the black, red and white dashboard that blended quite well with the seats which had a similar colour scheme. It presented a nice youthful touch but that can also be appreciated by a more mature consumer as well. If you are familiar with the Beats headsets, you can easily pick up on the subtle incorporations of the Beats headsets into the interior of the Polo Beats. From the obvious Beats logo on the seats to the red hard plastic material on the dashboard and Beats decals on the A-pillar speakers.

Engine and drive

The Polo Beats is powered by the 1.0TSI three-cylinder engine which is powered by 70kW of power and 175Nm of torque that is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Polo Beats, being the Comfortline, feels a bit hesitant at takeoff. Notwithstanding that, the car is sufficiently powered, offering ample power to take on inclines without worrying about running out of power. The drive is quite comfortable and refined, and enjoyable from both the driver and passengers’ perspective. The engine sounds refined and is quiet. The engine noise is actually close to being non-existent. Noise coming from the Beatsaudio system is the only noise you really hear inside the car. The seats offer optimal support which enhances comfort, especially for longer trips, making the Polo score high for both in city and long-distance driving. The 1.0TSI engine is also easy on the pumps as we managed to average 6.2L/100km.

Pricing

The Polo Beats Edition will cost you a total of R304,950.00 and it comes standard with a 3 year/45,000km Service Plan, 3 year/120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.