The Polo is a very important car to Volkswagen. Since its debut in 1975, the model has already sold over 16 million units. Enthusiasts of the Polo in the states will continue to stare at it from afar as the automaker is not about to ship the polo stateside. The model has never been sold in the U.S. The 2018 Volkswagen Polo which is in its 6th generation looks larger and more premium than the car it replaces. The Polo is the trend-setter of the segment and the 6th generation is set to introduce a host of innovative safety technologies. Sales are scheduled to commence late this year; sales will be preceded by a public debut of the model at the Frankfurt Auto show in September.
2018 Volkswagen Polo Exterior
VW designers took their time in designing the exterior profile of the 6th generation Polo. Although the new design retains the angular look we associate the polo with, the design has been freshened up to look more modern. The front fascia has an upgraded grille that has a horizontal chrome strip right at the middle. Slimmer headlights featuring a wavy LED pattern flank the grille. Below the grille is a bumper that is integrated with the grille as one piece in a black trim with an option for body-color with black inserts on some models.
On the sides, the new model is sportier compared to the outgoing one. It features a prominent character line that cuts through the upper part of the door. There is also a sharp crease that emanates from the wheel arches at the front and stretches to the taillights passing through the door handles. It makes the Polo look more masculine. Compared to the outgoing model, the rear quarter windows and rear door are narrower while the side skirts look beefier.
At the back, the Polo has a new taillight design with P-shaped clusters and thin stripes on the sides. The tailgate sports a new character line. The tailpipes have been revised on standard models to imitate those of the GTi.
Buyers will choose from the 14-color palette on offer for the exterior paintwork which is slightly better than 12-color palette the Ford Fiesta offers.
As said earlier, the Polo is larger which is better as passengers will have a roomier cabin while still leaving plenty of space for cargo. The new model is 159.56 inches long, 68.93 inches wide and 56.92 inches tall. Its wheelbase stretches 100.94 inches.
Interior
The cabin has also undergone major changes. To start with, the old dash has been replaced with a new one that has an angular shape and looks more modern. There is also a new center stack which features a huge infotainment screen mounted above the A/C vents. The dash comes with lively inserts such as red and orange inserts as seen on the photos in our possession. These multi-color inserts trim continues on the center console and on door panels. Speaking of the door panels, the new units are simple and clean. The 6th generation model becomes the first Polo to sport a digital instrument cluster; it is also the first VW model to showcase the automaker’s second-generation Active Info Display.
Moving to technologies, the Polo comes with a host of new safety systems even on base trims. Speaking of which pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking are standard features. Adaptive cruise control with a stop & go function is optional. Also optional on lower trims and standard on top trims is blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert and semi-automatic parking assist. There is also a maneuvering function that helps drivers avoid denting the vehicle in tight parking spaces. Keyless start is also optional.
The growth in size means the cargo space has also increased. The new Polo has a cargo space of 351 liters up from 280 liters.
Engine and performance
The Polo is offered in an array of engines starting with a 1.0 L, naturally-aspirated unit that produces 66 hp. There are two 1.0 L, turbocharged gasoline engines where one produces 96 hp and the other 115 horses. Moving on, there is a 1.5 L, turbocharged gasoline mill good for 150 hp. The most powerful mill is a turbocharged 2.0 L, gasoline unit good for 200 horses. This mill will power the range-topping Polo GTi and will utilize a 7-speed quick-shifting DSG transmission system. This gearbox will be an available option for almost all mills. The less powerful engines will have an option for a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
There are also a number of diesel mills including a TDI mill with a displacement of 1.6 liters but offered in two flavors. The less powerful flavor produces 81 hp while the more powerful version produces 96 hp.
Buyers can also opt for the adaptive dampers to help relax or stiffen the car’s suspension and cylinder deactivation to help save gas.
Price and release date
The base 2018 Volkswagen Polo will fetch €12,975 ($14,800), a slight premium over the last model in its native Germany. Higher trims will fetch more with the range-topping GTi attracting over €20,000 ($22,800).
Competition
The Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio and Hyundai i20 are the Polo’s top rivals.
