REPORT: VW logs 13,000 orders for new Polo ahead of launch
2010 Volkswagen Polo: Click above for a high res-gallery
The new Volkswagen Polo is all-new for 2010, and early returns show plenty of interest in the little European hatchback. VW is reporting 13,000 pre-orders for the B-segment five-door; news that is sure to have executives at the German automaker doing their best Mazda3 impression. The Polo has been in production since March, but it won't officially hit showroom floors until June.
The brisk interest in the handsome little Polo is doubtlessly partly attributable to the German government's "cash-for-clunkers" bill which provides €2,500 to scrap old cars ($3,400 USD) in favor of a new model. The legislation has prompted German car buyers to pick up new cars at a brisk pace. In Europe, the compact Polo will receive powertrains that can produce between 59 and 103 hp, with a BlueMotion diesel that's capable of 61.9 mpg (US).
The U.S. is reportedly likely to receive two versions of the Polo within the next two years. If the models come through, both models will likely receive the automaker's new 1.2-liter TSI gas engine. Direct injection and turbocharging help the little four-banger reach 103 hp and 42.8 mpg (U.S.) combined.
Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo
[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
lemireb@gmail.com 2:08PM (5/12/2009)
Why can't the US get the diesel? I'd love a car that could get upwards of 60MPG. Even my Harley-Davidson doesn't get above 45MPG.
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Rob 2:22PM (5/12/2009)
Marco!
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James 5:28PM (5/12/2009)
A Ralph Lauren Edition, perhaps...
James 5:32PM (5/12/2009)
A Ralph Lauren Edition, perhaps...
Alan44 2:30PM (5/12/2009)
Like your "smiling like a Mazda 3" comment. As the happy owner of a 2006 Mazda 3, I recently saw my first "smiling" Mazda 3 and it is horrible! What a joke, as much as I like my present 3, I would not consider buying a new one.
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Rich 4:08PM (5/12/2009)
I used to think so, until I saw one. It's not quite as ugly as it appears in photographs: only about 84.37% as ugly. However, if I bought one, it wouldn't be me that has to look at it, so I wouldn't mind. I'm not that vain.
It's a completely different scenario to if I bought a sports car, because aside from performing well, they should also look good. Mazdas? feh.
Harley Cook 2:34PM (5/12/2009)
Give me the diesel and a manual transmission thank you!
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Richard 2:37PM (5/12/2009)
The profile looks exactly like my 2003 Mazda Protege 5
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James 4:04PM (5/12/2009)
You must have gotten a really eff'd up Protege then.
It's funny how anytime a new hatchback comes out, people on AutoBlog always comment that it looks like a Protege5 or Mazda3. C'mon, people, Mazda didn't event the hatchback, even if that was the first time you saw one. That's like saying every new sedan looks like a Camry.
Richard 4:26PM (5/12/2009)
I don't think every sedan looks like a Camry; or that all hatchbacks look alike; but look at the VW's profile, and check out this profile to see the resemblance.
http://www.twesterh.com/images/protege5.jpg
Auari 2:41PM (5/12/2009)
Can some of you guys explain why you like driving small cars, other than MPG please, because honestly I have no idea.
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PJ 3:22PM (5/12/2009)
I personally find B-segment hatchbacks hilarious fun to drive. Where else can you beat the hell out of a car, redlining with all four tires screaming, and still be within sight of the speed limit?
Alan44 2:57PM (5/12/2009)
I can't imagine why anyone would drive a large car. Plain old cars are to get you from here to there and a small car does the job just as well. I don't need to massage my ego with some large POS.
italy430 3:00PM (5/12/2009)
Alan44.... I didn't know something that is a POS would actually boost your ego by owning it?? Something new to me. You have a very skewed opinion.
Redline 3:10PM (5/12/2009)
Can someone explain to me why they like driving huge big ass SUV's and trucks when they never even use the space because I have no idea.
Ken Stamper 3:25PM (5/12/2009)
They are nimble and handle better because they weigh less- in Northern Virginia where I currently live, we have mostly twisty two-lane roads. A big, heavy car feels ponderous here. At the same time, I live near Washington DC, I and don't need the extra sheetmetal when parallel parking on my frequent trips into the city. I am single, and I don't need big-car space, although my sister's Honda Fit, for example, has plenty of space for four adults to sit comfortably for a short trip.
I know people living in the middle of the country have different road conditions (arrow-straight roads, cities with ample parking, long distances between population centers, etc.) that favor big cars. But where I live they make little sense unless you have a large family or need to tow something. Neither of which apply to me.
tpp 3:51PM (5/12/2009)
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe because they're lighter and therefore accelerate faster than heavier cars.
Or maybe because they handle better.
Or maybe because they're easier to drive, because they fit in spaces largers cars don't.
Or possibly because of all the above, they're more fun to drive.
Rich 4:03PM (5/12/2009)
...says the guy with the VW engine check light.
The reason is simple: the girth and length of your parts are inversely proportional to your vehicle's weight and engine capacity.
EEL 4:05PM (5/12/2009)
Flexibility and ability to park it anywhere (like practically every inch of San Francisco). Plus when you have a stick, it makes it so much easier and pleasing to use every ounce of power. I used to own a Mk III and Mk IV Golf and I miss them both. I would love to have another but preferably with a diesel someday soon.
Duke 5:07PM (5/12/2009)
The small cars are a bit more fun to drive. They are quicker feeling and more nimble. While a large sedan has its place (I've had a few) the smaller vehicles are often simply more fun to drive.