New Volkswagen Polo goes official

The new model draws a lot of design elements from its elder sibling, the VW Golf, and is significantly larger than the outgoing model.

First launched in 1975, Volkswagen’s Polo hatch has officially entered its sixth-generation. Unveiled in a media reception held at VW’s headquarters in Germany, the new Polo is all set to succeed the current fifth generation car which has been on sale globally since 2009.

As expected, the new Polo has gained dimensions over its predecessor. Based on Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform, the Mk6 Polo is 81mm longer, 63mm wider and 7mm lower than the Mk5 Polo. The wheelbase too is now longer by 94mm.

While the design of the new Volkswagen Polo may be evolutionary, it is with the kit on offer that VW aims to revolutionize the super-mini segment. The cabin of the car is all new and features an optional Active Info Display to replace the analog dials in the instrument cluster, similar to the Virtual Cockpit system used by Audi.

Another segment first feature in the sixth generation Volkswagen Polo is Automated Driving. It brings with it premium technology like city emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind spot detection, park assist with maneuvering function among many others.

Typical of any VW, the engine range on offer is extensive. There are three petrol engines - 1.0 litre MPI, 1.0 litre TSI and 1.5 litre TSI available in five different states of tune, and a 1.6 litre diesel engine in two different states of tune. Volkswagen’s 7-speed DSG automatic will be available as an option on the higher state of tune engines. The sporty GTI version, which churns out around 200 horses has also been unveiled.

However, the spotlight is stolen by a brand new offering – a new 1.0L TGI motor that will be powered by natural gas. This motor is capable of developing 88bhp and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Internationally, the new Volkswagen Polo will go on sale by end 2017. However, for India, the company has recently entered an alliance with Tata Motors to use the latter’s AMP platform to develop bespoke models for India. In this case, whether the sixth generation Polo will make it to Indian soil will remain a mystery until VW officially confirms.