Volkswagen Malaysia has launched its second locally-assembled vehicle in Malaysia – as previously reported, the Polo Sedan joins the Passat as the brand's CKD models in the country. Assembled in Pekan by DRB-Hicom, the car replaces the previously imported version from India in the lineup.
First off, the price – the Polo Sedan now goes for RM85,888, on-the-road without insurance, which is RM14k cheaper than the CBU unit that went on sale last year in April, priced at RM99,888.
Both powertrain and drivetrain are unchanged, the 1.6 litre MPI normally-aspirated mill and six-speed automatic with Tiptronic remaining in place. Output is 105 PS at 5,250 rpm and 153 Nm at 3,800 rpm, as previously.
Likewise, the performance numbers – the car does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 12.3 seconds, with top speed being 183 km/h. As for fuel efficency, the car is claimed to offer 6.5 l per 100 km. Kerb weight is likewise the same, at 1,730 kg.
There's additional kit in the locally-assembled version, which is good news. The RCD 210 audio system has been replaced, the Polo Sedan now equipped with a new RCD 320 system with multi-language support, USB and iPod interface, SD card slot, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity, though the number of speakers remains at four.
It also gets a Climatronic automatic air conditioning system, rear air-con vents and a new height-adjustable front centre armrest, replete with storage box and a rear cup holder. The seat fabric has also been revised, the previous Metric pattern replaced by a Livon design pattern.
The halogen headlamps feature a different design – they are now shod with bright white surrounds instead of the current car's black finish. Elsewhere, the rear badge placement has been revised, with Volkswagen lettering residing by the left light cluster, and the Polo insignia has been moved to the opposite side of the boot lid.
Otherwise, it's all familiar ground. The 2014 car sits on the same 15-inch Riverside alloy wheels and 185/60 tyres. Standard equipment and features includes cruise control, rear parking sensors, variable intermittent wipers, 60:40 folding rear seats as well as height adjustable driver and front passenger seats.
Ditto to the safety kit, with four airbags (dual front and dual front side), ABS with EBD and brake assist and Isofix mounts, as well as Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), which automatically unlocks your doors and turns on the hazard lights in the event of an accident, and anti-pinch feature for all four door windows.
The 2014 Polo Sedan is available in five different exterior colours - Candy White, Flash Red, Reflex Silver a pearl effect shade called Deep Black are carried over from the CBU version, while Pepper Grey replaces the dropped Shadow Blue and Terra Beige in the palette lineup.
In terms of build, the locally-assembled Polo Sedan has 40% local content (by value), and VGM mentioned that it has 15 suppliers providing parts for the Malaysian car. At the launch, Dr Zeno Kerschbaumer, MD of VGM, revealed that the Passat has been the best-selling VW model this year, but expects the Polo Sedan to now take over as the volume mover.
Meanwhile, the idea that the Polo hatchback is also set to be assembled locally is pretty much firmed up, bar the shouting – in response to a question along those lines, Kerschbaumer replied that there would be news on this in the coming weeks. The car was spied a couple of days ago at JPJ Putrajaya. Might it be that we can expect an introduction at KLIMS13 then?
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