VW Polo: The little one grows up
VW POLO In Berlin, Volkswagen presented the second best-selling VW: the new Polo. It is larger, offers significantly more interior and trunk space, comes with a fully digital speedometer, the latest assistance systems and also as a natural gas variant. More than 14 million units sold: the Polo is undisputedly one of the most successful vehicles in its class, and not even as [...]
More than 14 million units sold: the Polo is undisputedly one of the most successful vehicles in its class, and not even as a world car - South America is only now being approached as a market. The sixth generation now presented in Berlin has become almost ten centimeters longer (4053 mm). The headroom at the front and rear, as well as the trunk volume, even surpass the Golf IV. Specifically, compared with the predecessor 25 % has more luggage space, i.e. a total of 351 liters. This was made possible by the use of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB), on which the Golf and Arteon are already based. The 94 mm longer wheelbase promises excellent ride comfort.
Social advancement
The new Polo is also in a league of its own in terms of technology: it now offers Front Assist, blind spot detection, stop-and-go-capable adaptive cruise control (ACC) and LED headlights like those in the Golf class. And not only is it the first Polo with digital instruments, it is also the first to benefit from the second generation of the Active Info Display, which is making its world debut together with its carrier.
Sharpened look
The new exterior is based on the same expressive dynamics and masculine front end as its big brothers Golf, Passat and Arteon. Furthermore, various versions (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, GTI, Beats with 300-watt sound system and Lifestyle packages) form a wide range of offerings. 14 exterior and 13 dashpad colors offer almost limitless customization options.
GTI as flagship
The GTI rounds off the range at the top end. The sporty top model is now powered by a 2.0 liter TSI with 147 kW / 200 hp (previously 1.8 TSI with 141 kW / 192 hp). The high performance is matched by the standard sports suspension and the optional "Sport Select'' suspension. The engine range starts with 66 kW / 90 hp. A natural gas engine is on offer for the first time, partly with a view to the Italian market. The newly developed 1.0 TGI produces 66 kW / 90 hp.
Swiss like it high quality
"After the Golf, the VW Polo is the vehicle with the highest volume," answers Christian Frey, responsible for Volkswagen communications at Amag, when asked about the model's importance in Switzerland. "It's amazing that the Polo, which is still current, sells so well." And what are the Swiss into? "The GTI share is 20 %. Basically, the Swiss like it well motorized and well equipped."
