UK order books are now open for the sixth generation of Volkswagen’s perennially popular supermini – the Polo – although prices for diesel versions have not yet been announced.
The brand’s supermini, which in its previous five iterations has sold more than 14 million examples worldwide, is from today being offered in five-door only form and, in time, in seven trim levels.
The main focus of the new sixth generation Polo is an increase in cabin and luggage space within larger external dimensions alongside the debut of new engines, sharper design, new ‘big car’ assistance systems, the application of a new generation of infotainment systems and the global debut of the second generation of Volkswagen’s Active Info Display.
The developments in Polo – which has found a home with more than 1.4 million drivers in the UK over the last 42 years – also reflect, says Volkswagen, a new level for assistance systems in the supermini segment. Technologies such as City Emergency Braking with new Pedestrian Monitoring function, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Detection significantly improve safety.
Volkswagen says the use of the MQB AO underpinnings offers the ability to create significantly more dynamic proportions with a long wheelbase, short body overhangs and a sporty ratio of its key dimensions. The new car is longer, wider, has a lower overall height but improved headroom versus its predecessor.
The exterior design has been made “more powerful, charismatic and expressive”, while the new Polo’s interior has been fundamentally renewed. The new Polo has been fully developed for the digital era. It is, for instance, the first car in its class to offer entirely digital instruments – showcasing a whole new generaton of Volkswagen’s Active Info Display as an option.
The instruments are arranged on the same viewing axis as the infotainment system, too, with new glass-encased eight-inch touchscreen units standard across the entire Polo range.
Bigger in every dimension but length than the Golf Mk IV – sold here until 2003 – the capacious new Polo offers a boot volume that has grown 25 per, from 280 litres to 351 litres, and a wheelbase up by 94 mm compared with that of the previous car.
A variety of the latest TSI (petrol) and TDI (turbo diesel) engines power the new Polo. All are Euro VI compliant and the petrol line-up will, later in 2018, include the use of the new 1.5 TSI EVO petrol (148 bhp) with ACT Active Cylinder Technology to deliver two-cylinder deactivation for increased efficiency and reduced emissions.
As a diesel the Polo will offer a choice of two 1.6 TDI engines whose outputs are 79 bhp and 94 bhp respectively. Both four-cylinder engines belong to the EA288 engine family and feature an SCR catalytic converter.
Regardless of fuel choice, all new Polo engines are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode, while any of the TSI and TDI powerplants with an output of 94 bhp or more can be configured with a 6- or 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, depending on engine choice. Alternative gearbox options include five- or six-speed manuals.
The spectrum of assistance systems available in new Polo further democratises Volkswagen’s progress in technology with features such as Front Assist, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control and Stop & Go function – a first for a car with a manual handbrake – available optionally, or as standard, depending on trim level.
New LED headlights replace all Xenon headlights on the sixth generation Polo, while LED daytime running lights are also available for the new car.
The optional Keyless Access locking and engine starting system, which is also new, can be specified to further improve convenience while Driving Profile Selection allows the choice of one of four programs: Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual, to tailor the Polo’s character to the driver’s precise need, and mood.
In the Eco driving mode, for instance, engine control, air conditioning and other auxiliary systems are regulated in a manner that ensures optimal fuel efficiency. In vehicles fitted with DSG, a coasting function can also be used with the Eco mode: if the driver releases the accelerator pedal – for example, on downhill stretches – the DSG disengages and the engine idles. In Sport mode, on the other hand, engine response and shift points of the DSG are configured to be more dynamic and, if specified, tuning of the adjustable dampers is modified.
Among the equipment highlights, model-by-model, are:
S
SE
beats
SEL
R-Line
GTI
GTI+
Meanwhile, Volkswagen says that safety has remained a key consideration for its engineers developing the new Polo.
The new car has more standard safety features than its predecessor, including Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking. There are now also more airbags than ever before, too, with the addition of a curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers which is designed to protect the driver’s and passengers’ heads in the event of an accident.
That extra safety translates into improved ABI insurance group ratings.
Commenting on the arrival of new Polo Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen in the UK, said: “Our roomy new supermini is packed with new technology. Put simply, the new Polo is bigger and better than ever before.
“It now offers more space inside for passengers and luggage, more advanced technology thanks to the new MQB AO architecture, more safety, more comfort, more convenience and more style than any previous version.
“Efficient engines, a fine balance of ride and handling characteristics, and great refinement complete the mix and, in my view, make Polo the clear choice in the ever-competitive supermini sector.“
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