Volkswagen has finally unveiled the all-new Polo in Germany, and just in time to challenge one of its archrivals, the all-new Fiesta.
The Polo now rides on the brand’s modular MQB platform. It’s longer, wider and boasts of a 94mm longer wheelbase; as a result it offers more passenger space and a larger cargo area.
Its styling is evolutionary, but its sharper interpretation gives the familiar look a fresh feel. Its proportions have been significantly improved thanks to shorter overhangs, a sleeker profile, and an A-pillar base that has been moved back slightly for a more upmarket feel. Angular headlights with LEDs that extend to the chrome bar run across the slim grille, while the sides feature a crisp character line and secondary line which form the shoulders.
There will be 14 exterior colors to choose from, 11 seat cover designs, several dash pads, and there will be a total of 12 wheel designs ranging 14 to 18 inches.
Inside, Volkswagen’s designers started from scratch. While the horizontal dashboard design is very much in vogue, the very angular theme and smooth flat planes give it a very distinctive look—cool, modern, trendy, and of course, high-tech. It’s available with a fully digital Active Info Display instrument cluster, a feature that’s virtually unheard of in the B-segment. Its infotainment system features a nicely integrated screen styled to emulate the feel of a high-end smartphone. Wireless charging will also be an option. The Beats variant, as the name suggests, features a 300-watt sound system by Apple-owned Beats.
In Europe, the new Polo will be offered with a wide selection of engines. The regular gasoline lineup starts from the tiny 64hp 1.0-liter mill, and goes all the way up to the new 148hp 1.5-liter TSI. Two 1.6-liter diesels will be offered, one with 79hp and a stronger one with 94hp. A natural gas 1.0-liter TGI motor producing 89hp will also be on the list. Dual clutch DSG will be available on engines producing 94hp and up.
Sitting at the top of the range is the hot hatch Polo GTI with a 197hp 2.0 TSI lump under its hood. This pocket rocket can sprint to 100kph in only 6.7 seconds. Aside from handling and performance improvements, a GTI won’t be a GTI without the classic red stripe on the grille and tartan seat patterns.
The all-New Polo is expected to go on sale in most of Europe before the year ends.
