2018 VW Polo Highline/Beats Exterior & Interior – Video
The Polo, which has sold more than 14 million units worldwide, is a giant among small cars. Now a completely redeveloped sixth generation has arrived. Pre-sales of the best-seller have already started in the first European countries. Standard on every model: four doors and the area monitoring system Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring as well as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The Polo, which has been upgraded comprehensively, is now less expensive when price-adjusted for added features. For example, in Germany the well-equipped basic model costs 12,975 euros (Polo 1.0 Trendline with 48 kW / 65 PS1). The sixth generation Polo’s concept and configuration are a reflection of automotive progress and the new status quo among compact automobiles. Four trim lines form the basis for the new Polo configuration: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and Beats (which includes a 300-watt sound system). Following on from these, towards the end of the year will be the next Polo GTI2.
Three high production volume engines at market launch. Customers of the sixth generation Polo will, in time, be able to choose from a total of nine efficient petrol, diesel and natural gas engines. The three powerplants that can be ordered at market launch are three-cylinder petrol engines at the three most popular output levels: two 1.0 MPI engines, one with 48 kW / 65 PS1 and the other with 55 kW / 75 PS3 as well as a turbocharged 1.0 litre TSI with 70 kW / 95 PS4. All models are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode. It is possible to combine a dual clutch gearbox (DSG) with any engine with a power output of 95 PS5 or more. Another important aspect for buyers of the new Polo who drive it in personal or business use is that all three engine versions offered at market launch attain best-in-class figures for comprehensive insurance classifications and cost of ownership.
Six more engines by the end of the year. Six additional engine options will be introduced in stages by the end of the year: three petrol, two diesel and one natural gas engine. The petrol engine range will be completed by a 1.0 TSI with 85 / 115 PS2 and the further developed 1.5 TSI ACT with 110 kW / 150 PS2 and Active Cylinder Management (cylinder shut-off). The top petrol engine will also follow by the end of the year: a potent 2.0 TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS2 in the Polo GTI. Another new development is the first natural gas engine of the Polo: the 1.0 TGI with 66 kW / 90 PS2. The engine range will be rounded out by two efficient diesels: the two 1.6 TDI engines deliver 59 kW / 80 PS2 and 70 kW / 95 PS2 respectively.
Expressive design. The sixth generation Polo has been designed on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) vehicle platform. This offers the ability to create significantly more dynamic proportions with a long wheelbase, short body overhangs and a sporty ratio of its key dimensions (longer, wider, lower overall height but improved headroom). The design has been made more powerful, masculine, charismatic and expressive than previously. This has resulted in a completely new vehicle.
Designers also gave the interior an expressive and avant-garde flavour. It is an interior without precedent, developed for the digital era. The Polo is the first car in its class to offer fully digital instruments – the Active Info Display – as an option. The instruments are arranged on the same viewing, with infotainment system displays up to 8.0 inches in size (which, on top versions, are glass-encased). Digital interfaces for smartphones allow easier access to their apps and various online services on board. Not only can smartphones be charged by wire, but also wirelessly (inductively) as an option. Interior dimensions of the sixth generation Polo are also much larger. As a result, the car offers more space for five occupants and a boot volume that has increased significantly from 280 to 351 litres.