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This will be the nicest looking car in its class. Aside from the Fit, the rest are not good on the eye at all. Versa being the ugliest imo.
No it won't... The pics you see are of the euro version, the US version is going to be bigger (and probably uglier) like the fit...
However, the hatchback model destined to be sold in the u.s. Will not be identical to the new polo model that graced the vw stage at this year’s geneva motor show. Instead, the u.s.-variant will be larger to better gel with american buyers.
Volkswagen’s all-new 2010 Polo has yet to reach the market, but the little hatchback is already causing quite a stir. Volkswagen has reportedly taken more than 13,000 German pre-orders for the new Polo, with more than a full month remaining before the hatchback hits the German market.
According to Automotive News, VW dealers have already taken 13,000 orders for the 2010 Polo. Although the new Polo promises to be a competent little hatch, most of its early success has been chalked up to Germany’s scrapage program.
Under German law, those trading in older, less efficient vehicles on new models are eligible for up to 2,500 euros, or about $3,400. Since Germany put its scrappage law on the books earlier this year new car sales have been way up, with some months seeing 40 percent sales increases.
The Polo has actually already begun production but won’t hit the German market until the last week of June. Two months after its German launch the Polo will hit dealers across Europe. The new Polo is also slated to hit the U.S. market in 2011.
Source: LLN
13,000 pre-orders!?!? How big is the auto market in Germany to begin with???
The VW Golf GTI "Wörthersee 09" has been seen. Now it's the turn of little brother Polo Woerthersee 09, a sort of preview of what a higher performance Polo could look like. The Polo Woerthersee 09 is actually based on a standard 1.4 MPI Polo with 63kW (83hp).
Painted in the same flaming red colour as the Golf GTI "Wörthersee 09", the Polo features two contrasting black rally stripes that flow from the bottom front bumper all the way to the rear bumper. The black color is also found on the front mesh grille, the backdrop of the headlights, and on the side mirrors. The five-blade 18-inch alloys that are wrapped by low profile tyres are highlighted in black as well. While the single tailpipe remains, its sound has been enhanced to reflect the sporty nature of the rest of the car.
The interior received black nappa leather seats with contrasting white sides and red stitching. This stitching is also found around the flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, on the handbrake lever, the gear lever and the door trims.
Volkswagen’s all-new Polo is just rolling into European showrooms now but the German automaker still has big plans for the small offering. VW already plans to offer the Polo as a five-door hatchback, three-door hatchback and sedan, and now comes word that the company is also planning coupe and MPV variants.
According to AutoExpress, the Polo coupe will hit the market late next year and essentially hold the positions of a ‘baby’ Scirocco. The Polo coupe will share many of the Scirocco’s design cues, giving it a decidedly sportier look than the standard Polo three-door.
Underhood the Polo coupe will reportedly use the same 1.4L earmarked for the Polo GTI. Although small, the 1.4L cranks out a healthy 180 horsepower, thanks in large part to turbo and supercharging. Shifting duties will be relegated to VW’s seven-speed DSG.
Also in the works for the Polo range, according to Autocar, is a small MPV to compete with the likes of the Opel Meriva. Not much is known about the Polo people hauler at this time, but it remains possible it could be based off the U.S. version of the car. Back in March, VW CEO Stefan Jacoby revealed the U.S.-spec Polo will be “a cross between a compact minivan and a hatchback.”
Volkswagen has unveiled its Polo three-door model ahead of the car’s Frankfurt Motor Show debut next month. The Polo three-door is based on the standard five-door version of the hatch, but offers buyers a slightly sportier option.
The new Polo three-door will be available with six different engine options (three gas, three diesel) – ranging from 60 horsepower to 105 horsepower – including a highly-efficient BlueMotion diesel. The Polo BlueMotion churns up a rather pedestrian 75 horsepower, but more than makes up for any lack of power with fuel economy topping 70 mpg.
Buyers can choose between a traditional manual or VW’s seven-speed duel-clutch DSG gearbox.
The Polo three-door will be available in three trim lines — Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The Trendline is the cheapest Polo three-door model at 12,150 euros, but offers buyers standard stability control, power windows and day-time running lights.
Stepping up to the mid-level Comfortline (14,150 euros) adds color-matched side mirrors and door handles, chrome trim, 15-inch wheels, air conditioning, remote unlock and split-folding rear seats. Buyers opting for the 15,900 euro Highline will be rewarded with integrated fog lights, leather wrapped steering wheel, hand brake and gear knob, center armrest, a multi-function display and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Polo three-door is slated to hit the European market before the end of the year
Volkswagen’s small Polo hatchback was named European Car of the Year over the weekend by a panel of automotive journalists in Europe. The Polo narrowly beat out Toyota’s even more diminutive iQ.
The German automaker says that the latest award marks the first time a Wolfsburg product has won the award since the new-for-1992 Golf took it home.
European journalist Hakan Matson, who presided over the panel, said, “It was the Polo’s comprehensive safety equipment and its advanced range of engines that impressed us the most. On the Polo BlueMotion Volkswagen was also able to add a very fuel-efficient yet affordable car to its car program.”
Some 24 years after the debut of the original Polo G40, later known as the GTI, the new tiny hot hatch steps onto the stage rocking Volkswagen's 1.4-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, available at just 2000 RPM. With a curb weight just a tick over 2600 pounds and a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox onboard, VW says the Polo GTI will hit 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds and top out at 142 mph, all the while getting 47 mpg on the European combined cycle and emitting just 0.49 pounds of CO2 per mile.
Read more at MotorTrend
i'm guessing because it would be too pricey here. people would just pony up the few extra bucks for a golf or less for competitors.
If they build it in Mexico, that shouldn't be an issue ... But likely it's that the Golf can't go further upmarket so there's no way they can sell this car in the $15-20k range.
I hope that changes if the Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta do well.
If they build it in Mexico, that shouldn't be an issue ... But likely it's that the Golf can't go further upmarket so there's no way they can sell this car in the $15-20k range.
I hope that changes if the Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta do well.
They already do. I've seen these cars all over Mexico. Not this current design (yet) but older models. They look pretty nice.
They already do. I've seen these cars all over Mexico. Not this current design (yet) but older models. They look pretty nice.
Right, and thanks for clarifying. I just meant if they build the Polo in Mexico that I want sold here, the cost would be more in line with what they could charge in the US than if it were built in Germany.
Right, and thanks for clarifying. I just meant if they build the Polo in Mexico that I want sold here, the cost would be more in line with what they could charge in the US than if it were built in Germany.
Very true. It would compete pretty well with the Fit, Versa, upcoming Fiesta, etc.
In a move prompted by stringent future fuel economy regulations, Volkswagen will enter the subcompact segment in the United States with a pair of new models.
The German automaker plans to offer the next-generation Polo and a new sub-Tiguan crossover to U.S. buyers, according to a Motor Trend report. The Polo is a subcompact that's positioned under the Golf and sold in Europe and a variety of other markets.
Relatively little is known about the pair, but the soft-roader is expected to be similar in size and concept to Honda’s upcoming Fit-based crossover.
Both are expected to utilize Volkswagen Group’s MQB modular components set, which has the flexibility to support a wide range of gasoline, diesel, hybrid and all-electric variants. Exactly what’s in store for the U.S. isn’t yet known, as the crossover’s debut is at least three years down the road the new Polo won’t arrive until next year at the earliest.
While the two should help bring more first-time car shoppers and price-conscious buyers into Volkswagen showrooms, the primary reason they will be offered in the states is reportedly to help with CAFE obligations – after all, the automaker does have an awful lot of thirsty Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini models to offset.
Hot 192bhp GTI heads up new Polo range – the sixth generation of VW’s Fiesta rival
There are five versions and three packs, but we’ll kick off with the one that’ll make most sense to you. This is the brand new, sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo, and, in turn, the brand new Volkswagen Polo GTI.
Three letters that will pique your interest. It’s the range-topper (unless VW is secretly planning a Polo R), and gets a slightly bigger engine than its predecessor. And more power.
So there’s now a 2.0-litre turbo with 192bhp (compared to the outgoing GTI’s 1.8-litre unit and 187bhp), matched to your choice of six-speed manual (tick yes) or seven speed DSG (maybe, but probably no), driving the front wheels.
There’s a standard ‘sport’ chassis, and an optional ‘sport select’ chassis (adaptive dampers), along with a specially designed GTI front bumper, GTI badges, optional LEDs, a roof spoiler (‘how’s it going, fellow kids?’), sill extensions and the classic GTI interior. You know, tartan seats, sport steering wheel and red stitching.
It’s spun on VW’s ‘MQB A0’ platform, which – if you don’t spend your evenings reciting VW Group chassis nomenclature – is the company’s base for compact cars. We’re told it allows for a more wheelbase, length and width, but similar height. So longer base, shorter overhangs and other such things.
For the GTI, it means 18in wheels, which if you think about it, is pretty huge for a small hot hatch. In fact, the standard new Polo is a much bigger car – we’re told that while it’s shorter than the fourth generation VW Golf, it’s actually got a slightly longer wheelbase and more space for the driver, passengers and luggage.
If you don’t fancy a GTI, there are many, many other trims you can go for. Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, a Beats special edition, and more packs in the form of R-Line, Black and Style. Just try and get your head around that.
There are 14 options for the paint, too, many nice tech things (LED lights, for example, or wireless smartphone charging, or a panoramic roof), and other engines that you probably don’t want but might end up buying.
Engines like a 1.0-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel with up to 94bhp, and even a 1.0-litre natural gas offering, with 89bhp.
There’s also lots of automated driving functions, naturally, such as active cruise control with braking and park assist. Inside, there’s a new dashboard and cockpit layout, centring on digital things that the modern world demands of a new car. And to be quite frank, it looks quite fantastic. There’s a new generation of active info display, centre screens ranging from 6.5in to 8in, better, clearer graphics and background lighting.
Then comes connected stuff like ‘WePark’ (an app that recognises parking and shows the prices, then bills it automatically), and other stuff like wireless charging and keyless entry. In fact, VW intentionally wanted the interior it to appear like it was from the ‘class above’. “The Polo is no longer just the small sibling of the Golf when it comes to its interior,” VW explains. “It is no longer the car that people only buy when they cannot afford the Golf.”
Yay, the fast one.
Oh yes. New Polo means new Polo GTI – and this is good news for many reasons. Chief among which is a man called Karsten Schebsdat, VW’s Head of Chassis Engineering & Dynamics. He had a hand in the first Ford Focus, then he went to Porsche for a bit and did GT3s and much besides. Now he’s at VW – leading a team whose credits include the Golf GTI Clubsport S and Up GTI. Make no mistake, this is a man who knows how a car should handle.
Give us the headlines.
First thing you notice is how much bigger it is. ‘Cause it’s based on the new MQB A0 platform, like the Seat Ibiza, the new Polo is a chunky 7cm longer, 7cm wider and 2cm taller than the old one. Its proportions, stance and aesthetic scream Golf. And so does the engine. It’s the entirely familiar 2.0-litre turbo from the Golf GTI and Golf R et al. Here it makes a nice, round 200 PS (197bhp in old money) and 236lb ft of torque, which is enough for 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and 147mph. Fast enough, but those of you who’ve driven a fast Golf will feel short-changed. Feels a bit hamstrung - which of course, it is.
At launch the only available gearbox is a six-speed DSG, but a manual will follow before long. This is excellent news.
Why’s that?
Because the DSG has issues. Even locked in manual mode it’ll still upshift (impressively swiftly, at that) for you. And if you coincidentally pull a paddle as it starts to swap cogs you get two gears instead of one, taking you, say, from second to fourth in a split-second and killing any momentum you might’ve built up. Annoying. As is the kick-down switch, which is super-easy to accidentally trigger when you put your foot down. Left to its own devices this is a decent gearbox – smooth and quick-shifting, if a little indecisive – but we’d hold-off for the manual. Karsten tells us it’ll be 20kg lighter over the nose, too, which is nice.
Message received.
Not to worry. Karsten’s head is awash with numbers that prove the new Polo GTI is measurably better than the car it replaces. Factually, quantifiably, unarguably more capable than the old one. Because Germans love that kind of thing.
He tells us it has different front suspension knuckles to the regular Polo, that the steering is totally different and that the anti-roll bar bushes are 350 (!) per cent stiffer. Front lateral stiffness is up by 55 per cent over the old GTI, he says, and the bespoke twist-beam rear-axle is 60 per cent stiffer. Roll angles are down 10 per cent from its predecessor, he adds, as our eyes glaze over and we sink to the ground in a daze brought on by an unending barrage of unarguable German logic.
But ‘measurable betterness’ doesn’t always equal more fun.
True. Two suspensions are available – a 15mm lower, stiffer conventionally-damped setup with revised springs, dampers and ARBs is standard, but you can order ‘Sport Select’ suspension which also gives two-mode switchable (not adaptive, they stress) damping. We tried the latter, and we’re pleased to report it’s really quite good.
This is not as pointy, frenetic or playful a car as a (now old) Fiesta ST or 208 GTI by PS, but it is very capable indeed. Rides well in either of its modes (on smooth, Spanish roads anyway), changes direction with a real sense of poise and agility and steers faithfully, with a degree of feel and reasonable weighting. Grip is good, and because the chassis has been engineered for neutrality it resists understeer pretty well (unless you’re driving like a tool). Body control is up there, too.
GTIs have never really been about balls-out fun as much as they have about everyday refinement and composure, and sure enough the Polo follows the familiar party line. It’s not as much outright fun as either the Fiesta or 208, but certainly fun enough to please the kind of people who’ll buy it. And of course it’s more comfortable/usable day-to-day than either of those two. It’s not really fair to compare interiors or tech because those cars are a generation behind and soon to be replaced, but the Polo does well here nonetheless. For more on that you can read our full review of the normal Polo, with which the GTI shares all, at the link.
Looks a bit boring…
From a distance you’d have no idea it was anything other than a regular Polo. Its bodykit is a subtle one – the most obvious exterior enhancement are the big wheels. Inside it’s as per the new Polo, bar the tartan upholstery. In all, very good, if a bit plain. But surely that’s the point…
What?
Small hot hatches are traditionally young people’s cars – but the Polo GTI is particularly adult. Which of course has always been its great success or crippling flaw, depending on which way you want to look at it. A 50 year-old would feel at home in one of these, when he/she probably wouldn’t in a Fiesta or 208.
You could have a Polo over a Golf GTI and it would keep you just as happy for just as long, but there’s an argument to be made that you may as well just buy the Golf, that you’d regret it if you didn’t somehow find the extra money and buy the car everyone really lusts after. Or save your money and buy an Up GTI, which is juvenile, playful and therefore entertaining in a way the Polo just isn’t.
In all, this is a reasonably fun (not-so) little car. It’s earned our respect, because it’s technically very capable. VW nailed the brief it created for itself - this is as good as a fast Polo has been in (my) living memory, and super close to the bigger Golf. But it’s not entirely free from the reputation that’s dogged it for generations – that it’s simply too grown up for a hot hatch of this size.
The Polo: built in Pamplona, Spain and Uitenhage in South Africa, it will soon be on its way to countless markets across the world. With more than 18 million units built, the Polo is one of the world's most successful compact cars. The Polo may be small in size, but it is one of the greats of the Volkswagen brand: for years, it has been regularly claiming a place among the top three best-selling model series. Now the Volkswagen Polo has evolved once again. The design, technologies and specification matrix of the bestseller have had a comprehensive update, as is immediately obvious when you see the vehicle's new front and rear. The bumpers and boot lid have been given a new look, as have the headlights and tail light clusters, which now come with LED technology as standard. Thanks to the new lighting design, this Polo has a particularly charismatic daytime and nighttime signature. And for the first time, this striking signature includes an LED light strip along the radiator grille crossbar - this is in conjunction with the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights (optional/dependent on specification package), which are also new for the Polo. In this regard, the new VW Polo takes its cue from the ID models as well as the new Golf and Arteon - these were the first Volkswagens to have an LED crossbar at the front. Moving to the interior, the Polo boasts the Digital Cockpit, now fitted as standard, a redesigned multifunction steering wheel which likewise comes as standard, and new-generation infotainment systems including the online control unit (eSIM) and App-Connect Wireless (both dependent on specification). Customers who opt for Climatronic in their Polo will now be able to operate the automatic air conditioner via touchscreen, as is also the case in larger models like the Tiguan, Passat and Arteon.
To mark the 25 years of the Polo GTI!, Volkswagen is launching the special-edition model Polo GTI Edition 25. It was in 1998 that the Polo first added those three iconic letters to its name: GTI. Now, a quarter of a century after the launch of the Polo III GTI, VW presents a limited edition of the current 152 kW (207 PS) Polo GTI. The powerful drive is impressive, but it's not the only thing that stands out about this sporty compact car: with features including sports suspension, the electronic differential lock XDS, a comprehensive range of standard equipment and some special design highlights, the anniversary model is something special. The Polo GTI Edition 25 will be available to order in Germany from 1 June 2023, priced at €35,205.
Just like its "older sibling" the Golf GTI, the Polo has a long history and a number of sporty predecessors: VW is now marking a quarter of a century of the Polo GTI with the special anniversary model Polo GTI Edition 25, limited to 2,500 units. "Volkswagen has a rich heritage and the Polo is one of our most iconic vehicles", says Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales. "GTI fans are very important to us and our anniversary model is a way of marking this milestone together with them: celebrating 25 years of power, performance, sportiness, and fun driving in the Polo class."
Performance and vehicle handling
The powerful two-litre TSI engine offering 152 kW (207 PS) and a torque of 320 Nm propels the front-wheel drive Polo GTI Edition 25 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. In addition, the model is equipped with a specially tuned sports suspension as standard. This lowers the body by 15 millimetres and, in combination with the electronic differential lock XDS, ensures the synthesis of excellent driving dynamics, improved traction and precise handling that is typical of GTI models.
Exclusive anniversary equipment
The new special model also visually underlines its exceptional position: It has the classic GTI look, with red brake calipers and trim strips, a honeycomb design on the radiator grille and chrome-plated tailpipes. And that's not all: the Polo GTI Edition 25 has a host of other exclusive equipment features including 18-inch Adelaide alloy wheels in Black Glossy, a black roof and black exterior mirrors, all of which help create its sporty look. The interior is equipped as standard with premium sport seats in perforated black-red leather finished off with stitched GTI logos, and glossy black decorative trim with red GTI lettering. Owners will be reminded that their vehicle is one of a limited number by the "One of 2500" logo on the sill panel trim. In addition to the GTI colours Pure White, Kings Red Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Smoke Grey Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect, the Polo GTI Edition 25 is also available in Ascot Grey.
Innovative technologies
Features that come as standard include IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with Dynamic Light Assist and LED daytime running lights which ensure highly homogeneous illumination of the road. There is also the multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with paddles and the "25" logo, as well as a number of assist systems that belong to higher vehicle classes. The optional Travel Assist forms part of the IQ.DRIVE assist package and allows for partly automated driving. The Travel Assist system can take over steering, braking and acceleration of the new Polo GTI at speeds from 0 km/h up to the system's limit of 210 km/h. To do so, Travel Assist relies on familiar systems including Adaptive Cruise Control for longitudinal guidance, and Lane Assist (fitted as standard) for lateral guidance. The instruments and Infotainment system in the new special-edition model are arranged on one visual axis, making them easy to see and operate at all times. The Infotainment system Ready2Discover is fitted as standard and boasts a high-resolution, 20-centimetre (8-inch) display, ensuring state-of-the-art connectivity. Two other systems are also optionally available.
A look back at 25 years of the Polo GTI
When it launched back in 1979, the GT variant of the first Polo product line caused quite a stir. But it wasn't until 1998 and the third Polo generation that the car was allowed to bear the iconic three letters. VW limited production of the first Polo GTI to 3,000 units and announced not long afterwards that the model was sold out. The next GTI version appeared several years later in 2006. The 132 kW (180 PS) Cup Edition was a true treat for fans as it was visually based on the racing cars used in the Polo Cup.
Then there was the fifth generation from 2010: the 1.4-litre TSI engine with turbo and supercharging proved to be a hit with GTI enthusiasts, and won over new fans too. The successor in 2014 was a force to be reckoned with: the brand new TSI engine offered 141 kW (192 PS) and top speeds of 236 km/h.
The Polo continued to evolve, and the GTI tradition evolved with it: the sixth Polo generation from 2021 set new standards for compact cars. It was based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB), which stands for technological progress across all product lines as well as high body strength, exemplary low vehicle weight and excellent crash properties.
South Africa - The home of the Polo GTI
Like the majority of other Polo models, the Polo GTI Edition 25 is manufactured in Kariega (South Africa). "Our team in South Africa is really proud of this car", says Martina Biene, Managing Director and Chairperson of Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA). "The Polo has a long tradition here - especially the Polo GTI." The factory, opened in 1951, is located near Port Elizabeth and is the largest car plant on the African continent. VWSA produces the Polo Vivo, the Polo and - exclusively - the Polo GTI.
The Volkswagen Polo will be turning 50 next year. Since its launch in 1975, it's been sold as a hatchback, sedan, wagon, and even as a crossover—remember the Polo Cross? This year, the company's Brazilian division is revisiting the idea of a more rugged Polo with a raised suspension.
Called the Polo Robust, the new flavor of the supermini has been engineered specifically for farmers. VW Brazil claims the new crossover-esque derivative has been "developed and tested with customers in the agricultural segment" in mind. Since it has to tackle rougher roads, the hatchback on stilts has better ground clearance. Think Dacia Sandero Stepway.
There's more to the Polo Robust than its lifted suspension since VW Brazil is also giving it vinyl seats. It's the easiest type of upholstery to clean after a hard day of work at the farm. In addition, you also get rubber floor mats and even a trailer hitch. However, owners won't be able to tow heavy loads since the workhorse is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter gasoline engine. It only makes 84 horsepower and 75 pound-feet (101 Newton-meters) of torque routed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
The raised hatchback is a car alternative to the two pickup trucks available locally, the new Saveiro and the larger Amarok. The latter is still in its first generation in Brazil where VW continues to sell the original model it developed in-house. Launched last year, the second-generation model is based on the Ranger and is even built by Ford.
03-17-2009, 08:20 PM
Polo GTI Previewed with Wörthersee 09 Edition
It's about time!
