Dramatically larger new VW Polo
The sixth-generation of the Volkswagen Polo arrives in Ireland in December in time for 2018 sales, and left-hand drive models can be seen in the majority of Volkswagen dealers nationwide. Pricing has been revealed for the new model, starting at €16,795 for the 1.0-litre 65hp Trendline.
The new Polo is dramatically larger than the car it replaces. It is 81mm longer, has a 92mm longer wheelbase and has a 71 litres larger luggage capacity than before (351 litres). There is a much more powerful, masculine design to the new car.
Inside, this is a car that has been developed for the digital era.
It is the first car in its class to be offered with the optional Active Info Display. This replaces the traditional analogue speedometer and driver cluster with a hi-res 10.25-inch digital display. There are infotainment systems of up to 8-inches in size available and digital interfaces for smartphones allowing users greater access to their apps and various online services on board.
This new Polo is an entirely new car from the ground-up and is now only available as a fivedoor model, with a choice of 14 colours and three dashpad colours.
In Ireland, the new Polo is offered in Trendline and Comfortline specification, but there will also be a top-of-the-range GTI version, which will come in early 2018.
The engine range offered consists of the 1.0-litre 65hp petrol, 1.0-litre 75hp petrol, 1.0-litre TSI 95 bhp petrol and two diesels, a 1.6-litre TDI 80 bhp and a 1.6-litre TDI 95hp. The GTI features a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine putting out 200hp.
The Trendline model is available with the choice of 1.0-litre 65hp, 1.0-litre 75hp and 1.6-litre 80hp TDI diesel. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, 6.5-inch ‘Composition Colour’ radio system with four speakers, a multi-function display and Forward collision warning ‘Front Assist’ with autonomous emergency braking.
There is also a Technology Upgrade offer available for the Polo Trendline. This includes an upgrade to a 15-inch ‘Sassari’ Alloy wheels, a Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Front Fog Lights, Multifunction Display Plus, Floor Mats and the Driver Alert System. Priced individually, these items cost €861, but available for just €499 with this offer.
The Polo Comfortline comes with a choice of 1.0-litre 65hp petrol, 1.0-litre 75hp petrol, 1.0-litre TSI 95hp petrol (7-speed DSG only) and two 1.6-litre TDI diesel engines, with either 80- or 95hp. The Comfortline specification starts from €18,695 and in addition to the Trendline specification, adds items such as a multifunction steering wheel, 15” Sassari alloy wheels, cruise control, 8-inch ‘Composition Media’ radio system with six speakers, App Connect, 2 USB interfaces and Air Conditioning.
There is also a Technology Upgrade available for the Polo Comfortline. Customers can upgrade to 16-inch ‘Las Minas’ alloy wheels, a Lights and Vision Pack, Park Distance Control and the Driver Alert System, which would cost €1,429 when these items are priced individually, but with the 181 offer, costs just €499.
At the top of the range, the high-performance 200hp GTI version costs €32,395 with a six-speed DSG transmission. More details on the GTI model will be released next month.
Customers who are trading in a Euro 1-4 emissions standard diesel vehicle and want to replace it, can avail of a €1,750 EcoGrant to be used against the purchase of a new Polo. Michelin says its soon-to-be-launched Primacy 4 tyre range could dramatically cut costs for fleet owners after independent testing showed the new rubber lasted an average 11,000 miles longer than those manufactured by direct competitors.
Furthermore – during wet braking tests by DEKRA with a VW Golf Mk7 running on popular 205/55 R16* size tyres – the Primacy 4 was found to brake, on average, 0.9m shorter than the average of competitor tyres. And when worn, it was shown to brake 2.8m shorter than the average of other manufacturers’ tyres.
Jonathan Layton, Head of Fleet at Michelin, said: ‘The long-lasting performance of the Primacy 4 could potentially save a high mileage fleet vehicle a set of tyres over the life of a contract.’
Michelin Primacy 4 will be launched in 64 sizes from January 2018, to fit wheels ranging from 15 to
18 inches.