As reported previously, Volkswagen is about to undergo a design renaissance that puts a premium on simplicity, style and, apparently, more Scirocco design cues. According to AutoExpress, the first model to benefit from Walter Da'Silva's new dictum is the 5th generation Polo, which is expected to go on sale sometime next year sporting a new front end inspired by the recently released Scirocco.
The new model is based off the PQ25 small car platform that currently underpins the SEAT Ibiza. As such, the dimensions will remain, but the interior will be larger and will include upmarket materials, soft-touch surfaces, a Scirocco-inspired dash, MP3 inputs, Bluetooth connectivity and the possibility of a sat-nav docking station that allows portable units to be removed on the go.
A range of gasoline and diesel mills, including 1.4- and 1.6-liter FSI fours, a supercharged, 138 hp 1.4-liter and a 168 hp GTI version, will provide motivation and all models will have the option of being fitted with VW's new seven-speed DSG. Expect three- and five-door models to be released at launch and then joined by a coupe-cabrio version sometime in 2010.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Xcountryflyer @ Jul 1st 2008 1:07PM
I wish we got the Polo here, regardless of front-ends. We need some more subcompacts/compacts on this side of the Atlantic. At least the new front-end doesn't look like an Audi rehash.
PJ @ Jul 1st 2008 2:34PM
I can't imagine that Mazda's swoopy new 2 would have any trouble finding buyers Stateside, either.
The new Polo, as rendered above, looks nice. But it also looks an awful lot like a Fiat Punto. VWs are attractive enough even in their current dilute form; what they need is to be distinctive.
hydrogenvodka @ Jul 1st 2008 5:52PM
You may like the idea of a Polo, but the funny thing is that this looks just like the Brazilian Gol.
I know, the underpinnings are important and the Gol is very primitive, though ver very unexpensive and quite good looking.
Kumail @ Jul 1st 2008 1:10PM
i don't know why vw dosen't sell the polo here. i am sure many people will take it over the yaris and depending on how big and usable it is, maybe even the fit.. maybe..
Jeff Banks @ Jul 1st 2008 1:59PM
Probably because it won't be profitable. VW needs to take a cue from Honda/Toyota and start building stuff in the states. I'm no economist, but considering how weak the dollar is, it would be a relative bargain to produce cars here and ship them back to Europe.
info @ Jul 1st 2008 2:42PM
"VW needs to take a cue from Honda/Toyota and start building stuff in the states."
Apparently you haven't heard that VW is right now in the process of deciding if they want to build their US production facility in Tennessee or in Alabama. Production is supposed to start in 2010
Xcountryflyer @ Jul 1st 2008 3:42PM
I thought VW did tons of manufacturing in Brazil and Mexico, so can't they be built there in the meantime? The current crop of subcompacts are much nicer than the 80s ones like someone said.
montoym @ Jul 1st 2008 7:40PM
@ Xcountryflyer:
They do, and the Polo is actually built in Brazil currently. Being that the Rabbit and Jetta keep getting larger with each iteration, a Polo would slot in nicely under the current MkV Rabbit.
Bring me the Polo GTI and the Polo TDI!
SPG @ Jul 1st 2008 1:13PM
The last time sub-compacts were popular in North America they were not nearly as nice as they are now.
Think 80's Nissan Micra, not Versa. Rebadged Kia Pride and the Aspire, not the upcoming Fiesta. GM's Aveo/Wave is not much better then what it had then, I can imagine that will change though.
What I'm trying to say is bring over the current Polo, it should sell decently. Once the Scirocco themed Polo comes out... Bring that over too.
martin @ Jul 1st 2008 1:15PM
that is damn ugly
Torrent @ Jul 1st 2008 1:32PM
Really. It looks like a Pokemon.
Torrent @ Jul 1st 2008 1:23PM
OMG.
shadysi @ Jul 1st 2008 1:32PM
I guess I'm alone here, but I really like it.
Jared @ Jul 1st 2008 1:35PM
You're not alone. I like too. I like much better than the current Audi/VW guppy look.
rouse42 @ Jul 1st 2008 2:01PM
anybody here work for VW?
what happened a few months back when VW held that dealer conference to ask them if the USA needed the Polo?
cause HELL YEAH we need it.
Richard @ Jul 1st 2008 2:08PM
It makes sense to bring the sport version to market first, then distill some of its essence into the more pedestrian models.
Now if only there was some build quality associated with the brand.
HeyHuub @ Jul 1st 2008 2:54PM
Build quality isn't a problem with VW
DS @ Jul 1st 2008 2:13PM
i think it looks great! yes VW, please bring this polo stateside since the scirocco won't be.
n1 walter
PatC @ Jul 1st 2008 2:24PM
Kinda looks like the new Honda Fit.
Kotse @ Jul 1st 2008 4:15PM
I've read somewhere Autoblog that the new VW Da Silva design cues would be based on the Up...esp for this size.