News
Volkswagen reveals new Polo hatchback
The sixth generation of the popular hatchback will rival the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
- Available to order from October
- First UK deliveries in January 2018
- VW is comparing the new Polo to the fourth-generation Golf, built until 2003
Volkswagen has unveiled its sixth-generation Polo hatchback, which is up against some tough competition, rivalling the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
The new Polo has grown in all directions compared with the previous model. It’s longer, wider, ever so slightly taller, and the front and rear wheels are further apart, all of which combine to give the car a longer silhouette, and the whole thing looks more sporty than the previous version. What's more, drivers will also be able to personalise their car more than ever, with 14 exterior colours, and 12 wheel options (14- to 18- inch, some with contrasting colours) to choose from. The other major difference is that the three-door model has been scrapped, and the new model comes only as a five-door hatchback, much like the facelifted Golf, that was revealed last year.
The new Polo has grown in all directions compared with the previous model. It’s longer, wider, ever so slightly taller, and the front and rear wheels are further apart, all of which combine to give the car a longer silhouette, and the whole thing looks more sporty than the previous version. What's more, drivers will also be able to personalise their car more than ever, with 14 exterior colours, and 12 wheel options (14- to 18- inch, some with contrasting colours) to choose from. The other major difference is that the three-door model has been scrapped, and the new model comes only as a five-door hatchback, much like the facelifted Golf, that was revealed last year.
New LED headlights replacing the previous all-xenon headlights, and LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights are available as options. There’s a new grille and a redesigned bumper, too, giving the Polo a new 'face'.
The hot hatch GTI model has its own design of bumper, with an integrated spoiler lip and foglights as standard. It also comes with a red stripe on the radiator grille, honeycomb air vent screens, and the GTI badge. At the rear, the GTI also features a large roof spoiler in high-gloss black, a diffuser in the bumper, dual tailpipes, and LED tail lights. It comes with 17-inch alloys as standard, with 18-inch as optional.
The hot hatch GTI model has its own design of bumper, with an integrated spoiler lip and foglights as standard. It also comes with a red stripe on the radiator grille, honeycomb air vent screens, and the GTI badge. At the rear, the GTI also features a large roof spoiler in high-gloss black, a diffuser in the bumper, dual tailpipes, and LED tail lights. It comes with 17-inch alloys as standard, with 18-inch as optional.
Interior
The interior of the new Polo has been redesigned, so the car now features a single ‘visual and control axis’, with instruments and infotainment alongside each other in the dashboard to ensure the driver is less distracted, and can see information more easily.
Among the changes on this new Polo are larger touch-screens – up from 6.5- to 8.0-inches – and the infotainment systems have been redesigned and repositioned. There’s smartphone integration, and wireless charging available as an option, while the personalisation options inside include 13 different dashboard decors, two interior trims, and 11 different seat cover options. At the same time, the cabin- and luggage space have also increased. Boot space has grown by 25%, from 280 to 351 litres, and taller drivers and passengers will be happy that both front and rear headroom have increased: by 21mm in the back, and 15mm in the front. The GTI Polo interior has sports seats with ‘Clark’ tartan pattern, a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel with red stiching, rooflining and roof pillars in black, and a GTI gear shift.
Among the changes on this new Polo are larger touch-screens – up from 6.5- to 8.0-inches – and the infotainment systems have been redesigned and repositioned. There’s smartphone integration, and wireless charging available as an option, while the personalisation options inside include 13 different dashboard decors, two interior trims, and 11 different seat cover options. At the same time, the cabin- and luggage space have also increased. Boot space has grown by 25%, from 280 to 351 litres, and taller drivers and passengers will be happy that both front and rear headroom have increased: by 21mm in the back, and 15mm in the front. The GTI Polo interior has sports seats with ‘Clark’ tartan pattern, a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel with red stiching, rooflining and roof pillars in black, and a GTI gear shift.
Engines and tech
At launch, six petrol and two diesel engines will be available in the new car. The petrol line-up starts with a 1.0-litre engine with 63bhp, and includes the new 1.5-litre 148bhp engine with cylinder deactivation technology.
The most powerful engine will, of course, come in the the GTI, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that develops 197bhp; and, drivers will be able to choose from a five- or six-speed manual gearbox, or seven-speed DSG unit.
The most powerful engine will, of course, come in the the GTI, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that develops 197bhp; and, drivers will be able to choose from a five- or six-speed manual gearbox, or seven-speed DSG unit.
Volkswagen has added a few driver assistance systems to the new Polo, including Front Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control (optional) – the car automatically brakes and accelerates according to traffic – City Emergency Braking with new Pedestrian Monitoring as standard, semi-automated Park Assist system, and a Stop and Go function, which is a first for a car with a manual handbrake.
Although it has not yet been confirmed, the new Polo will be offered in broadly similar trim levels as the previous generation. The new Volkswagen Polo will be available to order from October, with first deliveries beginning in January 2018. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date, but is expected to start around £12,000.
Although it has not yet been confirmed, the new Polo will be offered in broadly similar trim levels as the previous generation. The new Volkswagen Polo will be available to order from October, with first deliveries beginning in January 2018. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date, but is expected to start around £12,000.