ALTHOUGH it appears no mannequin can come near matching the MG3’s recognition in Australia’s light-car phase, Volkswagen has specified its facelifted Polo to entice consumers who would in any other case be out there for a small hatchback to “purchase down” with out the necessity to compromise on options.
However the Polo’s notably larger customary specification displays in its steeper pricing, which now begins from $25,250 earlier than on-road prices; the whole line-up has gone up by between $5560 and $6460 relying on variant.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the South African-built Polo definitely appears smarter and extra upmarket, because of revised bumpers and LED headlight clusters with daytime operating lights, in addition to two-part LED tail lights.
Adjustments to the German model’s sixth-generation mild hatchback are way more obvious on the within, the place aside from up to date trim, all variants now function a Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster of least 8.0-inches in dimension, DAB+ digital radio, and wi-fi smartphone mirroring and charging – “options from extra senior passenger automobiles,” as Volkswagen places it.
The bottom Polo Life is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol that produces 70kW/175Nm when paired with a five-speed handbook gearbox or 85kW/200Nm with the seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission (DSG).
Volkswagen claims mixed gas consumption of 5.4L/100km for each variations.
Specification of the entry-grade Polo relies on the outgoing Comfortline, although is something however primary with computerized headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, entrance seat lumbar adjustment, cruise management, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 8.0-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment array, a entrance centre armrest and illuminated vainness mirrors.
The mid-range Polo Type rides on 16-inch alloy wheels (versus the Life’s 15-inch rims) and is additional distinguished by entrance fog lights, an illuminated LED grille strip, IQ Mild Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam and premium LED tail lights with dynamic indicators.
Sports activities entrance seats, a ten.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional instrument panel, dual-zone local weather management and LED inside ambient lighting are customary on the Type, together with the semi-autonomous Journey Help suite that features adaptive cruise management, aspect help and rear cross-traffic alert and computerized reverse parking help.
Lastly, the flagship Polo GTI – arch rival to the Ford Fiesta ST – is propelled by a 147kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with seven-speed DSG and mentioned to devour 6.5L/100km on the mixed cycle.
It appears suitably racy courtesy of its 18-inch alloys and GTI physique styling, whereas tartan inside trim and sports activities seats add to the range-topping Polo variant’s sense of event.
An 8.0-inch Uncover Media touchscreen infotainment array with built-in navigation and voice management, keyless entry with push-button begin and a safety alarm system full the bundle.
For its meant viewers of driving lovers, the Polo GTI options drive mode choice, adaptive dampers and paddle-shifters mounted on the sports activities steering wheel.
Metallic paint is customary on this variant, though premium metallic paint is accessible for $300. On different Polo variants (Life and Type respectively), a metallic end is a $600 possibility, whereas a panoramic glass sunroof might be ordered for $1500.
On the DSG model of the Polo Life, a Imaginative and prescient and Tech Package deal together with built-in navigation, 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional, voice management, journey help and adaptive cruise management is accessible for $1700.
The Polo Type might be specced up with a Sound and Tech Package deal that features built-in navigation, voice management, keyless entry and begin, and a 300W Beats premium audio with six audio system and digital eight-channel amplifier for $1900,
GTI consumers can improve with a $1500 Sound and Tech Package deal that includes a Uncover Professional 9.2-inch navigation touchscreen array and Beats premium audio.
When it comes to customary security specification, all up to date Polo variants are geared up with seven airbags together with centre entrance airbag, entrance help with pedestrian and bike owner monitoring, adaptive lane-keep help, parking sensors entrance and rear.
VW factors out that these options are upgrades over the outgoing Trendline variant’s customary security suite and extra to what got here on the pre-facelift Comfortline.
Practicality of the Polo GTI and Beats audio-equipped Polos has additionally been expanded, with boot quantity growing from 305 litres to match all different Polos at 351 litres.
Model director of Volkswagen passenger automobiles Michal Szaniecki referenced the Polo improved customary spec and the supply of security, driver help know-how from the model’s new Golf 8.
“We have moved the Polo farther from the sticker-driven rat race into its most premium type to this point,” Mr Szaniecki mentioned.
“Already within the pre-updated type, the sixth era Polo asserted its technical superiority over perceived opponents as a result of its environment friendly turbo engines and MQB platform.
“With this mid-life improve, (our) entry vary is positioned to satisfy buyer necessities. Simply because the Golf 110TSI is provided and priced to replicate the truth that it has all the time performed most of its enterprise properly above the entry level, Polo prospects have usually chosen closely optioned variants.”
All variants are lined by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee and one yr’s roadside help.
2022 Volkswagen Polo pricing*:
Volkswagen Polo Life (m) $25,250 (+$5960 over outgoing Trendline)
Volkswagen Polo Life (a) $28,250 (+$6460 over outgoing Trendline)
Volkswagen Polo Type (a) $31,250 (+$5560 over outgoing Comfortline)
Volkswagen Polo GTI (a) $38,750 (+$5860 over outgoing GTI)
*Pricing excludes on-road prices.
