Volkswagen Malaysia has introduced the booted version of its Volkswagen Polo hatchback. Contrary to the CKD expectation, the Polo sedan actually is assembled in India. Maybe VW Malaysia is adopting a similar approach to VW Passat, where the CKD version follows the CBU version when the firm believe there is a sufficient demand for the product.
In terms of dimension, the sedan-ized version of the Polo is 414mm longer that the 5 door hatchback version at 4,384mm, essentially very similar to Honda City and Toyota Vios in length. Width and height are 1,699mm and 1,466mm, slightly wider and taller than the 5 door stablemate. Following the footstep of VW Jetta evolution from VW Golf, the job is not merely booting-up the hatchback, as the wheelbase has been lengthened too at 2,552mm compared to 2,470mm of the 5 door hatchback. This churns out more rear accommodation and boot space of spacious 454L compared to 280L of the hatchback. More details after the jump.
However, the bigger metal of sedan body that bring in a lower price tag compared to its smaller brethren did not come FOC. Instead, Polo sedan is positioned differently from the hatchback, perhaps targeting a more sedate driver who prefer to cruise leisurely in the RM100k B Segment sized sedan. Hence, there is no fancy TSI and DSG affair here. Instead, Polo sedan is powered by naturally-aspirated 1,598cc lump punching out 105PS@5250 rpm and 153Nm@3800 rpm. The driver is channelled to the front wheel via a proper automatic gearbox with 6 forward ratio and Tiptronic function. The engine is Euro 2 compliant, instead of Euro 5 compliant like the Polo hatchback TSI unit. The punch is enough to accelerate the 1,182kg to 100km/h in 12.3s on the way to top speed of 183 km/h. The combined fuel efficiency is 6.5L/100km.
Polo sedan also is wearing a less aggressive 15" alloy and 185/60 R15 wheel and tyre combo, instead of 215/40 R17 of the hatchback. Front suspension is struts, while the rear is torsion beam with trailing arm unit. Front brake is disc while rear is the drum assembly.
Despite the pared back in specs, Polo sedan is still equipped with 4 airbags, ABS + EBD, anti-trap features for all power window and 4 speaker audio setup. The interior, despite the minimal brightwork, is finished to typical VW standard. Leather is used to upholster the steering, gearknob and handbrake.
VW Malaysia has priced the Polo sedan at RM99,888. The price is without insurance and registration.
Note: Rear seat photo from Motortrader
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