The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Polo piles on the technology
Sixth generation supermini is bigger and better.
Yesterday saw Volkswagen open the order books for its all-new Polo.
Prices for the sixth generation supermini start from £13,855 for an entry-spec S trim, with the core, mid-range SE starting at £14,630.
This is the largest version of the car yet. In fact, it’s as big as the fourth generation Golf (which was sold ‘twixt 1997 and 2003), which shows you how much cars have grown over the years.
Volkswagen has dropped the threedoor Polo, which accounted for a small proportion of demand, and the five-door car is now offered in seven different trim levels.
As you’d expect given its larger dimensions, the new Polo has more cabin and luggage space (boot volume in particular has risen dramatically, from 280 litres to 351 litres).
It also comes with assistance systems normally associated with larger cars, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot assistance with rear traffic alert.
Every model has an 8in touchscreen, while active info display is an option.
Seven trim levels will be available: S, SE, Beats, SEL and R-Line, along with the hotly anticipated GTI and GTI+ models.
Entry-level S models come with an eight-inch infotainment system with DAB radio, air-conditioning, Volkswagen’s ‘Front Assist’ automatic emergency braking (AEB) system with pedestrian monitoring and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights.
Stepping up to SE brings a bit more equipment, including 15in alloys, smartphone connectivity and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
SEL Polos get a front centre armrest, sat nav, dual-zone climate control and parking sensors, front and rear. R-line brings a sportier feel with tinted rear windows, LED rear lights, restyled bumpers and a rear spoiler. Inside, there’s a big injection of quality and luxury, with technology and features from larger Volkswagens making their way into the Polo’s redesigned interior.
The most prominent single item is the option of Volkswagen’s Active Info Display digital dashboard, which sees a customisable screen replacing traditional dials.
There’s a broad range of engines on offer. The entry-level 1.0 litre engine is available with 64 or 74bhp, while there’s a turbocharged 1.0 litre with 94 or 113bhp. The two diesel engines are both 1.6 litre in size and produce either 79 or 94bhp.
The GTI model gets a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol unit with 197bhp. No performance figures are available as yet but expect it to move at a rather brisk pace.
Prices for all diesel and higher-spec SEL, R-Line, GTI and GTI+ models have yet to be announced, but it’s safe to assume that with a few options fitted, the upper end of the Polo range will break the £20,000 barrier.