After we have tested the new Polo across German lands (see here) , it was time to drive the new German compact on national soil.
During the national presentation of the Polo, we had at our disposal two engines: 1.0 atmospheric engine of 75 hp and 1.0 TSI of 95 hp. Both associated with the Comfortine (intermediate) equipment level.
We opted for the most powerful engine, leaving the first contact with the 75 hp version for another time.
no distortions
Fortunately, Volkswagen made the Comfortline version available. Fortunately why? Because it will be one of the best-selling versions in Portugal, allowing us to assess the qualities of the model without the natural “distortions” of thousands of euros in extras and “out of the box” customizations. The unit we tested couldn't be more conventional.Speaking of extras, if you're thinking of purchasing the new Volkswagen Polo, then there's a must-have extra: the Active Info Display. This option costs 359 euros and replaces the analog quadrant with a 100% digital quadrant (unique in the segment). It is worth it.
The list of standard equipment as per Volkswagen is not the most extensive in the segment, but at the Conforline level we no longer truly miss anything. The Front Assist emergency braking system is available as standard on the Comfortline level (with pedestrian detection up to 30 km/h), multi-function leather steering wheel, fog lights with cornering lights, infotainment system with GPS, vehicle control system. fatigue alert and special 15-inch wheels, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, among others.
The confirmation
Whichever level of equipment you choose, there are qualities that come standard across the range of the new Volkswagen Polo. Namely the overall strength of the model. Blame it on the MQB-A0 platform, the short version of the Golf platform. Thanks to this modular platform – which was debuted in the SUV segment by the new SEAT Ibiza – the Polo has the “step” of a larger car. It's not just the stepping that is worthy of a bigger car, the space on board has also grown in every way – to the point where the new Volkswagen Polo offers more space than the 3rd generation of the Golf. And this one, huh?
Speaking of Golf, the first comparisons with its older brother will soon emerge, largely due to the shared platform and aesthetic proximity. No doubt the Polo is increasingly similar to the Golf, but the Polo is still a Polo and a Golf is still a Golf.
By this I mean that the quality of the Golf's materials continues to belong to another league – without any disregard for the work developed by Volkswagen on the Polo.
1.0 TSI of 95 hp comes and leaves
I haven't tested the 75hp 1.0 version yet, but until I see it, my preference goes to the 95hp 1.0 TSI engine. The price difference is around 900 euros – 17,284 euros against 18,176 euros -, a difference that ends up being justified not only by the higher maximum power but above all by the “fatter” torque range due to the presence of the turbo.
This 95 hp 1.0 TSI engine is very easy to operate, requires little box work and responds with the speed you would expect from a block of this nature. With full capacity, the differences between these two engines should be even more notorious.
By the end of the year and in phases, the petrol engine range will be completed with the 150 hp 1.5 TSI ACT block, with active cylinder management that cuts two of the four cylinders at cruising speed. Also before the end of the year, the 200 hp GTI 2.0 TSI Polo and the 90 hp Polo 1.0 TGI, powered by natural gas, will arrive on the domestic market.
Closer to the end of the year, the Polo will also have the 1.6 TDI turbodiesel block (which replaces the 1.4 TDI of the current generation), in versions of 80 hp and 95 hp.
About the Highline level
The Highline equipment level adds several elements to the standard equipment and raises the Polo price to 25,318 euros.We now have sports seats, adaptive cruise-control, automatic air conditioning, rear parking camera, rain, light and parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels and a more advanced multimedia system with Volkswagen Media Control and Car net, which adds various online services to occupants (weather, news, traffic, etc.).
launch campaign
The new VW Polo will hit dealers for the brand next week, with prices starting at 16,285 euros. The launch campaign promoted by the brand offers two years of scheduled maintenance (or 50 thousand kilometers) for orders placed until October 31st.
New Volkswagen Polo price list:
- 1.0 75 hp Trendline: €16,284.27
- 1.0 75 hp Comfortline: €17,284.74
- 1.0 TSI 95 hp Trendline: €17,053.68
- 1.0 TSI 95 hp Comfortline: €18,175.99
- 1.0 TSI 95 hp Comfortline DSG: €20,087.56
- 1.0 TSI 115 hp Comfortline DSG: €21,838.21
- 1.0 TSI 115 hp Highline DSG: €25,318.18