Volkswagen has officially revealed the all-new, sixth-generation Polo. With a more mature design, a considerable growth in size and a range of new engines, the Polo will take on the latest Ford Fiesta and SEAT Ibiza when it goes on sale later this year.
It's a full eight years since the current Polo first arrived on the scene, so big changes hide behind the modest exterior update. The new car sits on a brand new VW-Group small car platform, called ‘MQB A0’, which is shared with the new Ibiza and future versions of the Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia.
The new supermini has grown in every dimension except height: at 4,053mm long it’s 81mm longer than before and only slightly shorter than the Mk4 Golf of the late nineties. It’s also 69mm wider and has a full 94mm added to the wheelbase, which is claimed to have greatly improved passenger space; boot capacity rises from 280-litres to 351 litres. It’ll also be offered only as a five-door this time, with the three-door axed due to dwindling sales.
VW’s head of design, Klaus Bischoff, describes the new Polo as having “an expressive design… compact, sportier, cleaner and unique within the brand’s range”. The muscular front-end look benefits from C-shaped LED daytime running lights fitted as standard across the range, while the rear end is more square-edged than before. Sportier R-Line models gain chunky air intakes, a rear diffuser and a roof spoiler. Increased colour options and new alloy wheel designs enhance the scope for customisation.
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Inside, as well as the growth in cabin space Volkswagen claims quality and technology has reached new heights. The layout, said to be “structured for the digital world” sees the upper dash dominated by a new glass touchscreen infotainment system that varies from 6.5 to 8 inches, depending on trim. Also new to the Polo is VW’s Active Info Display, already updated from the recently launched Golf Mk7.5 with a clearer layout and redesigned steering wheel controls.

New Volkswagen Polo Beats - dash
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Ambient lighting (expected to be standard on top-spec cars) and a variety of soft-touch surfaces boost perceived quality. Higher-end models feature a different dash trim, while there are 13 colour choices for the dash and eleven upholstery options.
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UK trim levels and pricing is yet to be announced, but we know that prices are expected to rise by around £500 over today's model. In Germany an entry-level model starts from €12,975 (about £11,300). It comes with 14-inch alloys, a speed limiter, City Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Front Assist. Other features on top models will include adaptive cruise control, full LED headlights, adaptive dampers, a panoramic sunroof and blind spot detection.

New Volkswagen Polo R-Line - rear action

Engine options include a 65bhp 1.0-litre petrol, two 1.0-litre turbos with 95bhp or 114bhp, and a larger 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo which features cylinder deactivation to save fuel. Two 1.6-litre TDI diesels, with 80bhp and 95bhp complete the standard range. VW has also unveiled the Polo GTI at the same time, with a new and enlarged 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine producing 197bhp.
Five and six speed manual gearboxes and a seven-speed DSG automatic are available depending on engine. All Polos will come with stop-start and regenerative braking as standard, too. UK orders for the new Polo are expected to begin in October, with deliveries commencing in January.