All-new VW Polo Sedan 1.6 Life Review - Is this the last sedan Volkswagen will ever sell in SA?

Why did sedan's die? They were always the people's champion, practical, cost effective, comfortable. But the Crossover and SUV have certainly led to the demise of this once widely loved vehicle. Join Ciro De Siena as he reviews what he feels is the swan song of the sedan in SA.

The 2023 Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.7 Life retails in South Africa for R360,000 for the manual version, but as we discovered, it is quite well specced at that pricepoint. The ride is good too, with solid build quality in the cabin, although we couldn't quite gel with the sea of beige interior colour.

In this video, we take a detailed look at the newcomer, with an emphasis on that enormous boot space.

0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Where is the Polo sedan built?
1:40 - Interior
3:20 - Engine
3:57 - Power and torque
4:32 - Transmission
5:03 - What is it like to drive?
6:20 - Fuel consumption
7:15 - The boot/trunk
8:17 - Service Plan and Warranty
9:03 - Conclusion

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[avirathomas]

This is the VW Virtus / Skoda Slavia in India. The top end engine is a 1.5 TSI DSG, the 1.6 petrol was junked long ago. India doesn't get a VW hatch anymore, beige is our favorite color for interiors.

[AndrewKNI]

Great review Ciro and hello from the UK. What a shame we never got this saloon here. I had the old Polo Classic saloon many years ago and it was really solid and well built.

[brycerajan]

It's videos like this that make me want to keep my Jetta.

[Getouttahere]

Nothing wrong with a naturally aspirated 1.6. In 10 years time it will still be running trouble free whereas the 1.0 turbo would probably be shot already 🤔

[vectracdx]

Perfect remarks as usual. You’re highly appreciated.

[ozemsadventureofrandomstuf]

Me I have a polo vivo 1.6 I can confidently tell you that it’s a bullet proof engine and believe it or not 77kw I have is more than enough yor just has power for open road 😮
But fuel consumption I don’t even talk because on average I get 700km from a tank before reserve and if I’m in Durban or JHB I get 800🫢
No competition except maybe a diesel 😕😊

Thanks Cirro

[ZaahidArnold]

I have a 2005 VW Polo Classic Highline sedan 1.6 since new and it has done almost 400 000km (386k). Serviced regularly and on-time; initially with the VW Agents (Initially, Lindsay Saker, Alberton, Joburg; thereafter Baron's Goodwood, Cape Town and McCarthy Parow, Cape Town).

Only major repairs done... Replaced clutch at Clutch & Brake, Athlone after 356 000km.

Would I recommend and I buy another Polo 1.6 naturally aspirated engine....most definitely. Naturally aspirated engines are definitely reliable and can be driven trouble free for years to come.

[FaithPickles]

I always enjoy your reviews, your honesty about a car is priceless 👌🏼.... I owned a polo Sedan 10 yrs ago, a 1.6l Manuel. I believe I'll b looking for something else....

[nkululekosimonpeter]

I've been dying to see this review.. thank you Cero😊

[rnburley]

Agree with the sedan sentiment. The station wagon/estate is even better... Would love an Audi/BMW/Merc estate car. SUVs are compromised in so many ways (braking, fuel consumption, boot, parking) but I suppose in SA we have got potholes galore and SUVs are at least better at that.

[aroundtheworldfacts]

Hi. Like the look of this new polo. I still drive an 1.4l VW Polo sedan. Very good car. I am sure Suzuki makes a sedan. The Ciaz. Would be nice to see a review on that.

[LUNGILE]

A few notes for your videos. Please take a video of the car while stationery so that we can see the exterior properly, furthermore please do the back seat leg space test. Your videos of late are sub par compared to before. Other than that good review.

[alvinnaidoo]

Hello. I currently drive a 2011 Polo sedan. Haven't touched engine, gearbox or clutch yet. 2 water pumps and brake discs a few times and regular servicing. Still a perfect runner and the consumption for it's age, I just can't complain.

[cnvdh]

Saw one in the metal today, and it looks really good but it needs to lowered but at least 20mm both front and rear, it looks like it's tip toeing everywhere

[task-hive]

Actually, you forgot about Kia Pegasus. . . Suziki Ciaz. . . Toyota Corolla - with their massive boot

[WillCharlesRoss]

Thanks for your lekker reviews as always. Honda has the Ballade sedan which is too a B segment vehicle . But yes. Glad you mentioned this trend of the demise of the sedans. It's as if the industry is quietly wiping it away.

[TheVAMPIREMARIUS]

We still have our Polo 1.6 sedan from 2006, cheap as chips to maintain and we are keeping it as our daily run around. Excellent fuel economy on the open road @ 100 km per hour! It’s a hard no to this new one purely due to the boring beige interior!

[XITSONGABombaMugaza]

Welcoming another new member to the Uber community. This will be a great sedan alongside the Kia Pegas, Suzuki Ciaz, Suzuki Dzire, Honda Ballade, Honda Amaze, Toyota Corolla & that Fiat what what 😃 😊

[Neevarshan_Naicker]

I'm so glad that there are more Sedan reviews. I love Sedans. Thanks for filming this guys. Please film the Suzuki S presso or some new budget cars when a test car arrives. Looking for an entry level car. Thoroughly enjoyed this review 😄🥰

[shaneeardley]

Lol that discuss it with your missus part was amazing 🤣