VW Polo grows up

Sixth-generation hatch gets larger and inherits plenty of high-tech features

VOLKSWAGEN has pulled the covers off its new Polo hatchback and while the exterior design plays it safe in a way we’ve by now come to expect from the German carmaker, it’s actually a totally new product. The newcomer graduates onto the MQB modular platform, which also underpins the latest Golf and Passat, while also inheriting plenty of high-tech features from its larger siblings.

South Africans won’t have a long wait as the new Polo is due to go on sale here early in 2018. As with the current model, which is the country’s second best selling passenger car, losing only to its Vivo-badged predecessor, the all-new model will be built in Uitenhage, presumably also for export markets.

This sixth-generation Polo is 81mm longer and 69mm wider than its predecessor, but packaging is also much improved to the point where VW can claim to have significantly increased the amount of interior space. In fact, the Polo now has a longer wheelbase than the fourth-generation Golf. The boot is also considerably bigger, with capacity increasing from 280 to 351 litres.

The engine range in Europe in- cludes a normally aspirated 1-litre petrol unit, offered with 48kW and 55kW outputs, a 1.0 TSI turbopetrol in 70kW and 85kW guises, and a 110kW 1.5-litre TSI with cylinder deactivation. Diesel fans can opt for Continued on Page 3