A new chapter in one of the most successful stories in European motoring is about to begin.
Volkswagen have announced the first carefully-guarded details about the latest iteration of the new Polo.
Since 1975, the supermini has been a favourite of car buyers looking for a great mix of style, drivability and reliability and since then, the fans have kept their faith through five generations. The last of these was in 2011, so the new model has been three years in development.
It is still a month until the car makes its public debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show and then drivers will actually have to wait until July before they can get behind the wheel, but excitement levels are already building.
Volkswagen has confirmed the Polo will feature a range of new low emission and efficient engines, in line with the latest European regulations. According to the manufacturer, when out on the road, the new powerplants are capable of offering fuel efficiency improvements of up to 21 per cent over the old units.
Options include a choice of two 1.0-litre petrol units – one at 60hp and a larger 75hp. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder TSI engines will kick out 90hp or 110hp, while the 1.4-litre TSI engine with cylinder deactivation variant has had its output boosted from 140hp to 150hp in the new range. By 2015, the top-of-the-range Polo GTI will be available.
A diesel-powered Polo BlueMotion is being slated to replace the poplar petrol-powered ecodriver. It will be capable of 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting just 94 g/km of CO2. Other diesel engines include two new three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDIs, with 75hp and 90hp, which replace the older 1.2 and 1.6-litre models.
Further mechanical and engineering alterations will see the new Polo get automatic post-collision braking system as standard. This automatically applies the brakes after a collision to reduce the chances of a secondary impact. Options packages include the driver alert system and front assist with autonomous emergency braking and automatic cruise control, while a new electronically controlled Sport Select suspension system is available.
The new Polo will maintain the older car's knack of bringing high-end gadgetry to affordable models. Fans of Volkswagen's modular infotainment system, which has cropped up in the new Golf, will be found in all the models in the new Polo range. People who are unfamiliar, will find the touchscreen system is as simple and satisfying as using the controls on a smartphone. Elsewhere in the cabin, the driver will find a whole array of completely redesigned instruments, a new ergonomic steering wheel and a new centre console that makes the heating and ventilation system much more intuitive.
Part of the Polo's appeal has always been its aesthetics and the new car will be no exception. Although exterior changes are subtle, VW has added optional LED headlights, which are a first in the class, to a design that was already striking.
Further details about all the options in the new Polo range will be made available as the April UK launch date approaches.
Posted by George Davis