VW’s new Polo is now on sale in South Africa, offering an affordable entry into the sedan market with prices beginning at R318,300.
For a similar amount, local motorists can alternatively have the automatic Toyota Corolla Quest Plus, which starts at R319,400.
These wallet-friendly sedans are built by the two best-selling manufacturers in the country, trading blows in each category to one-up the other.
This is what you can expect when buying either the new Polo or the current Quest.
Engine
The four-door Polo runs on a 1.6-litre petrol engine which delivers 81kW and 152Nm, and VW has gone with a five-speed manual gearbox sending drive to the front wheels.
Consequently, the sedan averages 6.2l/100km on a combined fuel cycle, runs to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 190km/h.
The Corolla, meanwhile, makes use of a larger 1.8-litre drivetrain also using petrol, producing 103kW and 173Nm.
A CVT transmission connects the power unit to the front wheels resulting in a higher combined fuel consumption than the Polo at 6.4l/100km.
The Toyota is fractionally faster than the VW, however, reaching 100km/h in 10.2 seconds with a top speed of 195km/h.
Features
Both the VW and Toyota offer their buyers daytime running lights, fabric upholstery, manual air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, and an infotainment unit with a screen size of 7 inches on the Polo and 8 on the Quest.
If you opt to get the Polo, you’ll also get Eco LED headlamps, a two-tone interior, eight speakers, cruise control, and a sizeable 521-litre boot.
On the other hand, the Toyota provides its buyers with halogen headlights, four speakers, hill assist, and a smaller boot capable of handling 452 litres.
Pricing
The new VW Polo Sedan 1.6 has a South African starting price of R318,300.
Each purchase comes with a 3-year/120,000km and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.
The Toyota Corolla Quest 1.8 Plus Auto has a South African starting price of R319,400.
This includes a 3-year/100,000km and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.
VW Polo sedan
Toyota Corolla Quest
Keyword: New VW Polo Sedan vs Toyota Corolla Quest