The renewal of this generation of Volkswagen Polo will go on sale in September, and in addition to technology and infotainment, it also shows a more modern style, to renew its bid for the best car in the segment.
The first Volkswagen Polo was born as a mere derivation of the Audi 50, 46 years ago, in response to the dominance of southern European brands (Italian and French) in this market segment that had enormous potential.
But almost half a century later, the Polo has sold more than 18 million units, has grown exponentially in its dimensions (from 3.5 to just over 4.0 m in length and also 19 cm in width), in addition to today having a level of general quality, refinement and technology that has nothing to do with its ancestor.
Volkswagen Polo gets a new “face”
The changes to the bumpers and light groups have been so big that some might even think it's an entirely new model, even if that's not the case. Standard LED technology, front and rear, redefines the look of the Volkswagen Polo, especially with that full-width strip at the front of the car that creates a signature all its own, day (like daytime driving lights) or night .
At the same time, it brings to this market segment technologies that were reserved for other classes of automobiles, such as intelligent LED Matrix lights (optional, depending on the equipment level, and capable of interactive functions).
More digital and connected interior
Also in the interior, this important technological advance can be seen. The digital cockpit (with an 8” screen but which can be 10.25” in the Pro version) was always standard, as well as the new multifunction steering wheel. The driver simply presses the Vista button to switch between three types of graphics and an overview of the instrumentation, depending on the user's preference and the moment or type of trip.
The user experience changes a lot with the new generation of the infotainment system, but also with the new layout of the dashboard, with the two main screens (instrumentation and central) aligned in height and the various tactile modules placed in the upper part of the panel , with the exception of those relating to the climate control system (which, in the more equipped versions, also uses tactile surfaces and scanning instead of rotary controls and buttons).
The infotainment screen is located in the center on a sort of island surrounded by lacquered piano surfaces, but there are four systems to choose from: 6.5” (Composition Media), 8” (Ready2Discover or Discover Media) or 9, 2” (Discover Pro). The entry level is based on the modular electrical MIB2 platform, while the largest are already MIB3, with greatly improved connectivity, online services, applications, Cloud connections and wireless connections for Apple and Android devices.
No new chassis…
There are no changes in the chassis (this generation of Polo, launched in 2017, uses the MQB platform in its A0 variant), with the rear suspension being of the torsion axle type and the front, independent, of the MacPherson type, keeping the same distance generous 2548mm wheelbase — it's still one of the most spacious models in its class.
The boot is also among the most generous in the segment, with a load volume of 351 liters, with the rear seat backs in their normal position.
… not even on the engines
The same can be said for the engines, which remain in operation — but without Diesel. In September, the Volkswagen Polo 1.0 gasoline, three-cylinder units arrive:
- MPI, without turbo and 80 hp, with five-speed manual transmission;
- TSI, with turbo and 95 hp, with a five-speed manual transmission or, optionally, a seven-speed DSG (double clutch) automatic;
- TSI with 110 hp and 200 Nm, with DSG transmission only;
- TGI, powered by natural gas with 90 hp.
Around Christmas the range of the renewed Volkswagen Polo will receive a special gift: the arrival of the GTi Polo with a promising 207 hp — the rival for proposals like the Hyundai i20 N and the Ford Fiesta ST.
driving assistance
Another obvious evolution was made in the driver assistance systems: Travel Assist (can take control of steering, braking and acceleration at speeds from 0 with the DSG gearbox, or 30 km/h with the manual gearbox, up to speed maximum); predictive cruise control; lane maintenance assistance with side assistance and rear traffic alert; autonomous emergency braking; post-collision automatic braking system (to avoid subsequent collisions), among others.
The equipment levels are not yet known, but taking into account the most equipped list of contents, it is expected that the price of the new Polo range will rise, which should have its entry level just slightly below 20 000 euros.