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Volkswagen Polo 2018 revealed


Volkswagen has ripped the covers off its sixth-generation Polo hatch ahead of an Australian launch in the first quarter of next year, bringing updated styling, additional technological features and increased dimensions to the German light car.

Built on the MQB platform shared by multiple other VW Group models, the new Polo has grown in nearly all dimensions over the old one, resulting in boot space increasing from 280 to 351 litres.

Length has increased 81mm to 4053mm and wheelbase by 94mm to 2564mm, while width has increased by 69mm to 1751mm.

Despite a 21mm increase in headroom, the new Polo sits 7mm lower to the ground than the old one.

Styling has also been tweaked for the new generation, including a new headlight design that evokes a similarity to its Golf big brother, a tweaked front bumper, ‘tornado’ double lines along the doors, and a mildly revised rear end.

While Australian specification is yet to be confirmed, overseas the Polo Mk VI will be offered in five different equipment levels, Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, the sporty GTI and the Polo Beats – a collaboration with the American headphone and speaker manufacturer.

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the Beats, which features a 300-watt sound system, 16-inch alloy wheels, black painted exterior mirror housings, decorative decals and badging and sports seats, will be coming to Australia.

  • Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the Beats, which features a 300-watt sound system, will be coming to Australia. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the Beats, which features a 300-watt sound system, will be coming to Australia.
  • The Polo Beats will have 16-inch alloy wheels, black painted exterior mirror housings, decorative decals and badging and sports seats. The Polo Beats will have 16-inch alloy wheels, black painted exterior mirror housings, decorative decals and badging and sports seats.

The GTI, which has swapped out the old 141kW 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine for a 147kW 2.0-litre unit, will be hitting Australian showrooms after the release of the rest of the range, around Q3 next year.

Stylistically, the new hot hatch gets all the standard GTI trimmings including a red stripe on the radiator grille, honeycomb air vents, rear diffuser, lip spoiler, LED tail-lights, dual-tip exhaust, 17-inch rims, red brake calipers and tartan pattern sports seats.

The current Polo range is offered with the Trendline and Comfortline variants, but no Highline, and a replication of the current range is the most likely outcome for Australia.

In international models, 14 different colour choices are available, as well as 12 wheel combinations, 13 decors, eleven seat covers, two interior trim versions, and three packages (R-Line, Black and Style).

  • In international models, three packages are available: R-Line (pictured), Black and Style. In international models, three packages are available: R-Line (pictured), Black and Style.
  • The current Polo range is offered with the Trendline and Comfortline variants, but no Highline, and a replication of the current range is the most likely outcome for Australia. The current Polo range is offered with the Trendline and Comfortline variants, but no Highline, and a replication of the current range is the most likely outcome for Australia.
  • All will likely come with the choice of a manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All will likely come with the choice of a manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Overseas, diesel and natural gas-powered engines are available, but Australians will only get a mix of petrol engines, expected to be a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit in either 70kW or 85kW tune, and possibly the 110kW 1.5-litre four, to go with the 2.0-litre in the GTI.

All will likely come with the choice of a manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With the new generation, the Polo will get a number of technological safety improvements usually reserved for the more expensive Golf and Passat, including front assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rear traffic alert, park assist, and LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Volkswagen has updated its interior styling which includes a trim strip that can be optioned in a number of different colours as well as a new 'Active Info Display' all-digital instrumentation.

Entry-level variants will make use of a 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, which can grow to 8.0-inches in higher spec versions, while other options include wireless phone charging and keyless entry.

Local pricing and specification will be announced closer to its release date.

Is the styling of the new Polo an improvement over the outgoing version? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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