Volkswagen Polo News

A fresh all-electric hatchback is fast approaching.

One of Europe’s cheapest small cars will live on in Australia – for now. While the Skoda Scala’s future hangs in the balance due to shifting buyer preferences, plunging sales and a new-model onslaught that includes value EVs like the coming Epiq, its Fabia kid brother is treading just enough water to justify continuing importation.

Volkswagen have added to the Polo range with the CityLife offering, an upgrade from the entry-level Life.The CityLife starts from $32,790, which is $2000 more than the Life.It is powered by the Polo’s familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque delivered to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. At 5.5L/100km, the CityLife is more fuel efficient than the 2.0-litre engine in models that drink at a rate of 6.7L/100km. The CityLife borrows some of the kit from the more expensive Style grade such as keyless access and 16-inch alloy wheels. It features a proactive occupant protection system and park assist. Sitting in the middle of the Polo range, the CityLife pitches to buyers looking for something to bridge the gap to more expensive options.The Polo CityLife will be available in dealerships from November. The Polo has kept its two engine options with the 1.0-litre and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol units.8.0-inch multimedia screen15-inch alloy wheelsDarkened rear tail lights clustersHeat insulating tinted glassCustomisable digital cockpitApple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB)Automatic dimming rear-view mirrorElectrically foldable, heated and adjustable exterior mirrorsLeather steering wheelMetallic gloss inlays on dashboard, front centre console and door trimsWireless device chargerSix-speaker stereo16-inch alloy wheelsKeyless accessWireless phone charger Carpet front and rear floor matsNavigation, audio and telephone connectivityComfort sport front seatsComfort sport cloth upholsteryInterior chrome elementsLower air intake with chrome trim18-inch alloy wheelsBush stainless steel finish accelerator and brake pedalsRed inlays on dashboard, front centre console and door trimsGTI sports cloth upholsterySports seats with additional side bolsteringExtended Electronic Differential LockRear roof spoilerDiffuserSeven airbagsDriver attention alertLane keep assistFront and rear parking sensorsRear view cameraAdaptive cruise controlPark assistSide assist with rear traffic alertProactive occupant protection systemVolkswagen covers its vehicles with a five year/unlimited km warranty. Volkswagen offer a pay as you go capped price servicing program (see table below) or you can prepay for a three or five-year service packs. Three years costs $1566 or $2870 for five years, which both deliver savings on the pay as you go. 

The Volkswagen Polo name will live on, rather than be sidelined by the incoming production version of the brand’s ID.2all concept car.

The little Yugo hatchback made by now long-gone Serbian brand Zastava Automobili appears to be making a return to a market that's increasingly being dominated by new Chinese brands, and in another twist, it won't be electric.Made from 1980 to 2008 the Yugo was popular in the United States, India, Egypt and Eastern Europe. The little car was also sold in Australia before Zastava Automobili ended operations.The Yugo brand, however, has been bought by German university professor, Dr Alexander Bjelic, who plans to resurrect the small hatch that's yet to be named.While a production version is still far off, Dr Bjelic used the recent 2025 Munich Car Design Event to show off a concept version. The catch is, it's a tiny scale model in a plastic box for now with Dr Bjelic aiming to have a full-size prototype ready for the 2027 Belgrade Expo. The model shows off the little hatch’s retro-cool looks with a modern twist on the Yugo hatch. The futuristic looks may be reminiscent of a tiny version of Hyundai's Ioniq 5 electric SUV, but Yugo says its upcoming car will be powered by an internal combustion engine. The brand said an electric variant may also become available at a later point.The original Yugo hatch was known for its affordability but had a poor reputation for reliability and build quality. While the car was sold in Australia along with 76 other countries, it's uncertain whether the resurrected version will be sold in Australia.If the Yugo hatch did make it Down Under it would be up against fierce tiny rivals such as Volkswagen's Polo, the Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, MG3 and Mazda2.Still, if Yugo can price the car lower than its competitors and arrive with a design that looks as good as the concept then it could be onto a winner. 

Volkswagen is no longer offering a car under $30,000 in Australia after announcing a minor update to its Polo and T-Roc models.For 2025, the base model Polo Life will start at $30,790, before on-road costs, an increase of $1300 on last year’s price.That puts it at $2,290 more than its key rival in the Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport, which starts at $28,500, before on-road costs, while it is nearly $7000 more expensive than the MG 3 Excite, which starts at $23,990 before on-road costs.The T-Roc, meanwhile, gets a $2000 bump in price from last year to $38,990, before on-road costs, meaning it is at least $5090 more than the hybrid-only Toyota Yaris Cross ($33,900) and $6490 more expensive than the petrol Hyundai Kona ($32,500, both at before on-road costs).In exchange of the price increase, Polo buyers will get standard Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keep Assist across the range.The biggest updates are reserved for the mid-spec Polo Style, however, which adds keyless entry, push-button start, satellite navigation and wireless charging.For the base model T-Roc CityLife, there is the addition of Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, which combines blind-spot monitor via a mirror-mounted illumination and an audible alert when an object or vehicle is detected behind the T-Roc while reversing.The T-Roc R-Line also gets a new sports leather-appointed steering wheel with buttons for audio, trip computer and adaptive cruise control functions.All new T-Roc customers now have access to VW’s GoConnect smartphone app, which allows five-year access to several functions including live technical status, vehicle location, recent trips, warning light and error notification, plus direct dealer communication.The upgraded Polo and T-Roc are available to order now with deliveries commencing during Q1 2025.Remaining supplies of the existing MY24 T-Roc CityLife are in run-out until March 31, which buyers can nab for $37,990, drive-away. Volkswagen sold 2154 Polos last year, an increase of 132.1 per cent on the previous year, while selling 7777 T-Rocs, a decrease of 13.0 per cent on the year prior.All prices are at before on-road costsAll prices are at before on-road costs

Volkswagen Australia has announced it will increase prices for much of its model range, effective July 1 - the second time the brand will increase its pricing this year.

Skoda is taking charge of the development of one of the key mechanical elements withing the Volkswagen Group - its entry-level EA211 engines.

Manual gearboxes are being killed off by the soulless, unromantic savages who want a car with an automatic transmission. Which is nearly everybody. So, the car manufacturers are making hardly any manual cars now. But for the few beacons of hope trying to save this rare animal from extinction we’ve made a list of new cars still with manuals that are for sale in Australia. But for how much longer?

Congratulations. You’ve secured $30,000 and need a new car.