VW has unveiled its 2018 Polo model, the sixth generation of its lucrative supermini.
The new car has grown in almost every direction (it’s 7mm shorter) and is bigger than ever before, with luggage space increased by 25% over the outgoing model.
Volkswagen has also made full use of its MQB platform to cut engineering costs and leave room for technology you’d normally expect to see on much bigger cars.
The new Polo is available with automatic cruise control, emergency brake assist, LED headlights and blind spot detection, as well as a digital instrument display panel and 8-inch infotainment screen. For the first time in the Polo you’ve also got the option of keyless entry and starting.
The Polo will launch with nine emissions-friendly Euro 6-compatible engines ranging from a 1.0-litre petrol producing 65hp to Volkswagen’s brand new 1.5-litre petrol with cylinder deactivation and 150hp. Two 1.6-litre diesel engines produce 80hp and 95hp.
Excitingly for performance fans, the new GTi model arrives straight away at launch and comes with a mind-boggling 200hp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – we can’t wait to get our hands on that one.
Design-wise, the Polo remains recognisable but has upped its game in the style stakes. Like the Kensington school run, it’s all about the subtle facelift. A surefire talking point will be the so-called ‘tornado line’ that cuts quite the dash along the side of the car from the indicator repeaters all the way to the rear lights.
The new Polo looks much wider and more grown-up at the front – partly thanks to a growth spurt that’s added 7cm to its width, but also thanks to styling lines that emphasise and accentuate the width of the car, particularly the chrome in the grille that bleeds into the LED headlights.
Inside the car is much more stylish, with a dashboard you wouldn’t be ashamed to invite your friends round to. Volkswagen is joining the personalisation party a few years late, but is enthusiastic about the opportunities afforded by 14 exterior colours, 12 wheels, 13 different dashboard decorations, two interior trim options and 11 different seat covers.
Not only that, but the Polo Beats is down with the kids thanks to its 16-inch alloys, sports seats, stickers and 300W sound system approved by Dr Dre himself.
No word yet on UK-specific prices and specifications, but orders will open later this year and the car is expected to be in the first customers’ hands by January 2018. Prices will start at £11,400 in Germany, but postage and packing will add a little on to that when it arrives in Britain.