Volkswagen Australia has launched the all-new Polo compact hatchback in Australia with prices still sharp for the larger, better-equipped and more stylish newcomer.
Star billing goes to the all-new 1.2-litre turbocharged direct injection four cylinder petrol engine which provides 77kW/175Nm but with fuel consumption rated at just 5.5l/100kms (24 per cent better than its predecessor). The other petrol engine is a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre with 63kW/132Nm.
Polo’s turbo-diesel engine has swapped from the 74kW 1.9-litre engine to a new 1.6-litre common rail with 66kW.
The other big news is the optional automatic transmission – a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). That’s remarkable for a compact car and has delivered significant gains in fuel consumption and emissions.
Volkswagen has rationalized the local model naming to align with international markets in offering two levels of equipment – entry level ‘Trendline’ and range-topping ‘Comfortline’.
Entry to the new Polo lineup is the 1.4-litre, five-speed manual three-door Trendline priced at $16,690, while the range-topping turbo-diesel Comfortline five-door auto is stickered at $24,850. Polo goes on sale hot on the heels of Mazda’s facelifted Mazda2, priced from $16,500…compact car buyers really do have some spectacular new models from which to choose.
Heralded since it first appeared at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the new Polo is bursting with standard safety equipment to ensure its EuroNCAP five-star rating. The list includes six airbags (including side curtain airbags with head protection for rear seat passengers) and ESP with Hill Start Assist.
Styling is first rate and Volkswagen’s compact has grown considerably compared to the outgoing model. Overall length is up by 148mm to 4,064mm, width is up by 32mm to 1,682mm, height is up by 33mm to 1,500mm.
Volkswagen says the new Polo is the third model to present the new Volkswagen Styling DNA – following the Scirocco coupe and sixth generation Golf. The front end features the latest Volkswagen ‘family face’ with a flat grille and band of headlights (dual headlights for Comfortline models).
The side view shows the trademark Polo three-window look with the rear windows sloping upwards to integrate with the curved rear lights to give the rear end a broad appearance.
Inside, the new Polo goes distinctly more up-market and high-tech compared to its predecessor. The center console is turned towards the driver and Comfortline models score aluminium-look trim elements.
Instruments are styled similar to the Golf with elegant white background lighting and Comfortline models score a premium sound system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.
Comfortline models also gain 15-inch alloy wheels and cruise control amongst the extra kit.
