Volkswagen has unveiled a new Polo which adopts many features from the Golf. It will be available at its lowest price yet in Australia.
The launch price for the 2014 Polo starts at a drive-away $15,990. The price gives the German manufacturer a much needed competitive edge as the Polo has not faired well compared to direct rivals in the light car segment in the first seven months of 2014.
Currently the Polo currently ranks ninth in sales behind the i20, Mazda2, Yaris, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Ford Fiesta, Holden Barina and Hyundai Accent. The all new Polo will come up against some well-known names in the segment as the new Toyota Yaris goes on sale next month, while the Mazda2 arrives in October, with the new Hyundai i20 arriving next year.
The latest Polo is the first to be launched with drive-away pricing, and the first to be cheaper than its most direct Japanese and Korean rivals. The unprecedented drive-away launch price undercuts the Polo’s most direct five-door hatchback competitors, including the Hyundai i20 ($16,590 plus ORCs), Mazda2 ($15,790 plus ORCs) and Toyota Yaris (from $15,690 ORCs).
In its class, VW says the Polo offers the widest range of assistance systems and is the first car in this segment that comes equipped with a multi-collision braking system and, as part of an optional package, with adaptive cruise control.
Thanks to new engines and the inclusion of BlueMotion Technology (start/stop and brake energy recuperation), Volkswagen says it realised fuel economy improvements of as much as 21% for the Polo 66TSI Trendline. Official figures for the manual and DSG Polos stand at 4.8L /100km and 4.9L/100km – a 20% saving on the outgoing model.
Many of the assistance systems of the Golf class are now making their way into the new Polo. They include the standard multi-collision braking system as well as an optional driver comfort package which includes driver fatigue detection system, “front assist” ambient traffic monitoring system with city emergency braking and adaptive cruise control (ACC).
The new Polo also includes new electro-mechanical power steering. Six exterior paint colours will be available including the flat Pure White and Cornflower Blue, the metallic Sunset Red, Pepper Grey and Reflex Silver, and the pearl-effect Deep Black – all fitted with black interior trim.
Globally, Volkswagen has sold nearly 14 million Polo’s over five generations, including about 721,000 last year alone. Australia’s version, sales of which are up 11% year to date, is built in South Africa.
VW Polo Pricing
- Volkswagen Polo pricing (plus on-road costs):
- 66TSI Trendline – $16,290
- 66TSI Trendline (a) – $18,790
- 81TSI Comfortline – $18,290
- 81TSI Comfortline (a) – $20,790
Introductory drive-away pricing (first three months only):
- 66TSI Trendline – $15,990
- 66TSI Trendline (a) – $18,490
- 81TSI Comfortline models – TBA
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