Volkswagen Polo 1.6 CKD officially available
Volkswagen Group Malaysia today introduced its latest locally-assembled model, officially launching the Polo 1.6 CKD hatchback, which made its national premiere at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show last November. It is the third model after the Passat 1.8 TSI and Polo Sedan 1.6 to be produced from the CKD project that is being run in DRB-Hicom’s plant in Pekan, Pahang.
The new variant slots itself alongside the Polo Sedan as being the two most affordable models in the Volkswagen line-up. In fact, it shares the same moving gear as the Polo Sedan, being powered by the tried and trusted 1.6-litre 16 valve MPI engine mated with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Outputs are identical with its sedan counterpart as well, with 103hp and 153Nm on tap.
The proven engine consumes fuel at a rated 6.3 l/100km on the European combined cycle. Under the new NAP 2014, the Polo 1.6 will barely miss out on getting itself classified as an energy efficient vehicle (EEV). The threshold at its weight category is 6.0 l/100km. The existing Polo 1.2 TSI CBU, which continues on sale, has a rated consumption of 5.3 l/100km.
On the equipment front, the new Polo 1.6 comes with Volkswagen’s RCD 320 audio unit, which features multi-language support, single CD player (WMA/MP3 compatible), USB and iPod interface, AUX-IN support, SD card slot, and Bluetooth connectivity. Other features in the kit list include cruise control, remote control operated power windows, and automatic one touch up/down power windows for all four doors.
Safety-wise, the Polo 1.6 is class-competitive, with dual frontal airbags, ISOFIX mounts, ABS, brake assist, parking sensors, and immobilizer. Stability control is not available, but in the event of a crash, its Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) automatically unlocks all doors to allow passengers to immediately alight. The automatic power windows are equipped with anti-pinch to avoid inadvertently trapping of body parts.
The new Polo 1.6 comes in 5 different colors; namely Candy White, Flash Red, Pepper Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black. It is available at all Peninsula-based dealerships starting today and it is priced at RM88,628 on-the-road without insurance. The first 500 takers will get a special launch price that is cheaper by RM2,000.
Pictures: Official Volkswagen release.
