Next Volkswagen Polo could get the Scirocco treatment
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]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Xcountryflyer 1:07PM (7/01/2008)
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.
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PJ 2:34PM (7/01/2008)
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 5:52PM (7/01/2008)
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 1:10PM (7/01/2008)
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..
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Jeff Banks 1:59PM (7/01/2008)
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 2:42PM (7/01/2008)
"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 3:42PM (7/01/2008)
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 7:40PM (7/01/2008)
@ 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 1:13PM (7/01/2008)
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.
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martin 1:15PM (7/01/2008)
that is damn ugly
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Torrent 1:32PM (7/01/2008)
Really. It looks like a Pokemon.
Torrent 1:23PM (7/01/2008)
OMG.
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shadysi 1:32PM (7/01/2008)
I guess I'm alone here, but I really like it.
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Jared 1:35PM (7/01/2008)
You're not alone. I like too. I like much better than the current Audi/VW guppy look.
rouse42 2:01PM (7/01/2008)
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.
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Richard 2:08PM (7/01/2008)
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.
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HeyHuub 2:54PM (7/01/2008)
Build quality isn't a problem with VW
DS 2:13PM (7/01/2008)
i think it looks great! yes VW, please bring this polo stateside since the scirocco won't be.
n1 walter
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PatC 2:24PM (7/01/2008)
Kinda looks like the new Honda Fit.
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mr.ed 5:17PM (7/01/2008)
VW desperately needs this. They can build it in Mexico. It's entirely conventional looking, which should score in the US, where there are few imaginations.
Thank goodness we don't have FIAT to kick around anymore. They left a bad taste that no amount of chianti will wash away.
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