2022 Volkswagen Polo detailed: Fresh-faced Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris and Suzuki Swift rival uncovered with even more tech

Volkswagen has revealed its updated Polo light hatchback, which is scheduled to hit Australian showrooms early in April 2022 to take on the Mazda2, Toyota Yaris and Suzuki Swift.

Sporting a new front end that moves it closer in style to the eight-generation Golf, the 2022 Polo now sports a lighting strip on the front grille that joints the daytime running lights integrated into the headlights.

Speaking of, the headlights are now LED as standard, as are the tail-lights, and the front and rear bumpers have been reworked to keep styling fresh.

Inside, the new Polo scores a 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, with a 9.2-inch option also available in higher grades.

A new steering wheel, dashboard and digital instrument cluster are also added to the update, though at which grade some of these features are available is still unclear.

Powertrain options are expected to carryover as before though, which includes a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine in Australia.

Two tunes are available – a 70kW/175Nm in the 70TSI Trendline, and an 85kW/200Nm version for the 85TSI available in Comfortline and Style trims.

Pricing is also expected to remain close the current range, which kicks off at $19,290 before on-road costs for the base six-speed manual Polo 70TSI Trendline, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic option is available across the range.

Topping the Polo range is the go-fast GTI variant, though its refreshed form – due to arrive Down Under around May of next year – is yet to be revealed.

Powering the Polo GTI is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that outputs 147kW/320Nm, while its price of $32,890 – and performance – puts it up against the Ford Fiesta ST.

Volkswagen’s Polo remains one of the only competitors left in Australia’s light-car segment as manufacturers shift to the market’s appetite for SUVS and crossovers.

In recent years, the Ford Fiesta (sans the flagship ST), Honda Jazz, Toyota Prius C, Renault Clio and Hyundai Accent have all been discontinued.

The MG3 current leads the segment with 3410 new registrations in 2021, followed by the Toyota Yaris (1614), Suzuki Swift (1470), VW Polo (1352), Kia Rio (1229) and Suzuki Baleno (1215).