Volkswagen Polo 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

Volkswagen Australia confirmed details on its sixth-generation Polo range this week with the light-hatch line-up to start from $17,990 before on-road costs, up $500, when it arrives early next month.

The entry-level 70TSI Trendline opens the three-grade range at the aforementioned price, while the 85TSI Comfortline checks in at $19,490. A special 85TSI Launch Edition initially assumes flagship responsibilities and costs $20,490.

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard with the 70TSI, while the 85TSI pair feature a six-speed unit. A seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch automatic transmission adds $2500 to the respective costs of the three variants.

All three grades send drive to the front wheels and are powered by the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine but in two states of tune.

The Trendline produces 70kW of power from 5000 to 5500rpm and 175Nm of torque between 2000 and 3500rpm, while the Comfortline and Launch Edition develop 85kW and 200Nm at the same respective engine speeds.

The sprint from 0-100km/h takes 10.8 seconds for the 70TSI, while the 85TSI duo can complete it in 9.5s.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual Trendline, and 5.1L/100km for the three-pedal Comfortline and Launch Edition. All automatic variants manage the same 5.0L/100km figure.

Carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 110 grams per km (manual) or 113g/km (automatic) for the 70TSI, and 116g/km (manual) or 115g/km (automatic) for the 85TSI twosome.

Standard equipment in the Trendline includes 15-inch steel wheels, a leather steering wheel, an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, dual USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, height-adjustable front seats, power windows, cloth upholstery, a 40/60 split-fold second row and power side mirrors with heating function.

Safety and driver-assist technologies extend to six airbags, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver fatigue detection, tyre-pressure monitoring, a reversing camera and cruise control.

The Comfortline further adds 15-inch 'Sassari' alloy wheels, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, chrome-accented interior trim, a front centre armrest and 'Comfort' cloth upholstery.

Meanwhile, the Launch Edition ups the ante with 16-inch 'Las Minas' alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, dark-tinted rear window glass, front foglights and dark-tinted LED tail-lights.

An optional 'Driver Assistance' package for the 85TSI twins costs $1400 and features adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality (automatic only), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, park assist, front and rear manoeuvre braking, power folding side mirrors and a proactive occupant protection system.

Five paint colours are available, including the standard 'Pure White' and optional 'Reflex Silver', 'Energetic Orange' and 'Limestone Grey' metallics, plus the 'Deep Black' pearl-effect hue, which cost $500.

The Launch Edition is offered with 'Pure White', 'Energetic Orange' and 'Limestone Grey' only.

The Polo line-up will expand further when the GTI and Beats grades arrive mid-year, with the former packing a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder powertrain that punches out 147kW/320Nm.

Has Volkswagen priced the sixth-generation Polo hatch to compete? Tell us what you think in the comments below.