New Volkswagen Polo
Official pictures and details of new supermini. Plus new GTI
Evolutionary look but advanced new platform for small car star
Larger, more mature VW model will go on sale in UK in October
VOLKSWAGEN has revealed its sixth-generation Polo, the largest and most advanced version of the supermini in its 42-year history.
Featuring a more mature design and a range of new engines – and benefiting from a considerable increase in dimensions – the Polo will take on the latest Ford Fiesta, SEAT Ibiza (driven on Page 38) and Vauxhall Corsa when it goes on sale in October.
It’s a full eight years since the current Polo first arrived on the scene, so big changes hide behind the modest exterior update. The sixth-generation Polo sits on a brand new VW Group small car platform, called MQB A0, which is shared with the new Ibiza. It’s a platform that will go on to underpin future versions of the Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia, along with a Polo-based SUV.
The new supermini has grown in every direction except height: at 4,053mm long it’s 81mm longer than before and only slightly shorter than the Mk4 Golf of the late nineties. It’s also 69mm wider and has a full 94mm added to the wheelbase, which is claimed to have greatly improved passenger space, plus boot capacity rises from 280 litres to 351 litres. It’ll also be offered only as a five-door this time, with the three-door axed due to dwindling sales.
VW’S head of design, Klaus Bischoff, describes the new Polo as having “an expressive design… compact, sportier, cleaner and unique within the brand’s range”. The muscular front end benefits from broad C-shaped LED daytime running lights, which come fitted as standard across the range, while the rear end is more square-edged than on the previous Polo. Sportier R-line models gain chunky air intakes, a rear diffuser and a roof spoiler, while increased colour options and new alloy wheel designs enhance the scope for customisation, too.
As well as the growth in cabin space, Volkswagen claims the new model’s interior quality and technology has reached new heights. It says the layout is “structured for the digital world”. This sees the upper dash dominated by a new glass infotainment touchscreen that varies in size from 6.5 to eight inches, depending on trim. Also new to the Polo is VW’S Active Info Display, which is already updated from the set-up in the recently launched Golf Mk7.5 with a clearer layout and redesigned steering wheel controls.
Ambient lighting (expected to be standard on top-spec cars) and a variety of soft-touch surfaces boost perceived quality. Higher-end models feature a different dash trim, while there are 13 colour choices for the dash and 11 upholstery options.
UK specifications and pricing are yet to be announced, but we understand that prices are expected to rise by around £500 over today’s model. A starting figure of around £12,500 is likely.
Engine options include an entry-level 65bhp 1.0-litre petrol, a turbocharged 1.0litre petrol with either 95bhp or 114bhp, and a larger 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo that features cylinder deactivation to save fuel. Two 1.6-litre TDI diesels, with 80bhp and 95bhp, complete the standard range. VW has also unveiled the Polo GTI, with a new and enlarged 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine producing 197bhp (see Page 9).
Five and six-speed manual gearboxes and a seven-speed DSG auto are available, depending on engine choice. Polos will have stop/start and regenerative braking as standard. UK order books are due to open in October, with deliveries starting in January.