2018 Volkswagen Polo debuts in Germany
Volkswagen unveiled the sixth generation Polo today in Berlin. The new hatch is clearly larger and takes design cues from the Golf and also gets new powertrains.
Based on Volkswagen Group’s versatile MQB A0 platform, the Polo gets sharper yet striking lines, retaining the previous generation’s look. The design is an evolution of the earlier car but is more angular and modern. Dimensionally too, the Polo has grown and which has clearly lead to more space on the inside. It is slightly shorter than the Golf but the wheelbase is larger by 53mm. Boot capacity has gone up by 71 litres at at 351 litres. The head room is up by 15mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.
The Polo will be available in five variants initially – Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, Beats Special Esition and GTI when it gets launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It will be sold in the five-door format only and will get an option of six engine states to choose from, with the GTI getting a 2-litre TSI engine that makes 197bhp. Starting the range will be the 1-litre, NA, 3-cylinder in four states of tune ranging from 64bhp to 113bhp. Replacing the 1.2-litre will be the 1.5-litre TSI engine that develops 148bhp, followed by the GTI’s 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit. In terms of diesel, there is only one engine at this point of time – a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit that will be offered in two states of tune, 80bhp and 95bhp. Transmissions include a five-speed or six-speed manual and the tried and tested, seven-speed DSG box.
On the inside too, the Polo has been completely overhauled and now gets a centrally located touchscreen flanked on a dual tone dashboard. The touch screens will be offered in two sizes, 6.5-inch and 8-inch. The AC vents are now larger too. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are part of the standard package, and the Highline variant also gets wireless charging.
The Polo is also packed with lots of safety features including city emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, speed limited and also tyre pressure monitoring system. There is also Adaptive cruise control, park assist system and manoeuvring braking function.
The 2018 Polo Is expected to go into production soon and will be on sale internationally by the end of this year. The new car will replace the current generation Polo sooner or later in India as well.
