Big upgrade for 2018 Polo
More tech, more room and more choice. By CJ Hubbard
YOU MAY HAVE heard there’s an all-new Ford Fiesta on sale (see page 100). Now meet the car that’s going all out to steal its lunch money – the sixth-generation VW Polo.
We know what you’re thinking: the Polo’s always been ine but dull, traditionally styled like a miniaturised Golf without the personality. Not this time.
On the outside a distinctive double swage line immediately sets it apart from Mk7.5 big brother, while the overall proportions seem more Audi than VW. Compared to the old Polo, the new car is slightly lower (by 7mm) but considerably longer (81mm) and signiicantly wider (69mm). Also note the wheelbase, which grows 94mm for more room and improved ride quality. The 351-litre boot is 25% bigger.
This – plus a host of grown-up equipment – is all made possible by the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform, as already used on the latest Seat Ibiza.
Engine choice comprises two 1.6-litre diesels and six petrols with maximum power outputs ranging from 59bhp via a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre through to 197bhp in the 2.0-litre turbo GTI.
This isn’t any quicker – VW boss Herbert Diess told us at the preview that the 0¤62mph time would be 6.7sec – but is ‘much more GTI than before’ to drive. There’s a lookey-likey R-line model if you don’t want the insurance hassle; you could pair it with the excitable 148bhp 1.5 TSI Evo motor for a convincing fun-with-fueleconomy combo.
Whichever Polo takes your fancy, it’s the interior that’ll seal the deal. The quality we expected, the colour and panache we did not – with a choice of 13 di§erent ‘dashpads’ and such slickly integrated touchscreen media systems it instantly feels a generation ahead of every rival. It even debuts the VW Group’s second-generation digital dial pack, albeit optionally.
Expect a £500 price rise over the current Polo when the order books open in October, but you won’t actually get the car until January 2018.