Say hello to the brand-new 2018 Volkswagen Polo. Yes, Volkswagen has taken the wrapped-off its new sixth-generation Polo at its Wolfsburg headquarters in Germany.
The new car certainly looks more mature, but design looks identical to its predecessor in many ways that said also the differences are visible. The B-segment hatch rival to the Baleno and Jazz is fronted by a new radiator grille and headlamps (now with optional LED units available) placed lower than before, the overall design has adopted the latest industry trend of using a wide and low stance while growing in length and wheelbase.
New 2018 Polo is based on the same platform as the fifth-gen Seat Ibiza. Outgoing model used the old PQ25 platform, the sixth-gen model is based on a MQB platform that brings big changes to its proportions, with a 4053 mm in length, 1751 mm in width, 1446 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2564 mm. This when compared to current model, is larger by 81 mm, wider by 63 mm, has a slightly smaller height by 7 mm and has a 94 mm longer wheelbase. The boot space has also been increased from 280 litres to 381 litres.
Inside, the revision sees a major makeover – a revolutionary one. A new dashboard features a fresh horizontal architecture, instead of the vertically-oriented ones on the predecessor. The second-generation Volkswagen’s Active Info Display digital instrument cluster makes debut here on the Polo. It offers more information, a more logical structure and even better clarity along with a wide number of connectivity functions, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and keyless access are offered as options. There are 13 dashpad colours and 11 seat covers available this time round.
Tech-wise the new Polo gets Front Assist area monitoring system with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring – standard on all European models. A new Adaptive Cruise Control system is available as an option, which includes a Stop & Go function. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert, plus Park Assist with manoeuvring braking function can also be had.
Lastly, what’s under the hood. There’s a choice of nine engine options – a 1.0 TGI with 90 PS (runs on natural gas), 1.0 MPI mills with 65 PS or 75 PS, 1.0 TSI with 95 PS or 115 PS, 1.5 TSI Evo with 150 PS, 2.0 TSI with 200 PS (on the Polo GTI), 1.6 TDI diesels with 80 PS or 95 PS – with a choice between 5-speed/6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG.
An India launch of the new 2018 Polo doesn’t appear to be in the pipeline, as Volkswagen had scrapped plans to bring the MQB platform into India, due to high-cost involved. Instead the company is working on enhancing the existing Polo architecture PQ25 – it is internally called VW x26 IN NF or PQ26. Furthermore, the new-gen Polo measures more than 4-meters, thus, doesn’t qualify to avail the tax benefits here in the country.
What do you think of the Polo’s new appearance?
To read more on Volkswagen India, Click here
Also see: 2018 VW Polo (6th-gen) & Touareg (3rd-gen) sighted at South Africa
GALLERY: Volkswagen Polo (2018)
