The Polo turns 50 this yr. Hardly breaking information. Effectively, Volkswagen is giving the newborn Golf a particular version to mark half a century for the reason that authentic mannequin, penned by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini, got here out. It goes on sale right this moment in Germany, however the price ticket jogged my memory simply how costly automobiles have gotten in Europe lately.
The Polo Version 50 begins at €28,200, equal to roughly $32,500 at present change charges. Positive, it’s a generously geared up model with heated entrance seats and whatnot. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless not a totally loaded configuration. VW costs further for niceties comparable to two-zone computerized local weather management, keyless performance, and the panoramic sunroof. Extra importantly, it’s removed from being a GTI when it comes to energy.
Picture by: Volkswagen
In its most elementary kind, the particular version makes do with a turbocharged 1.0-liter engine hooked as much as a five-speed guide transmission. The three-pot produces simply 94 horsepower, however you may improve to stronger variations of the 1.0 TSI with as much as 114 hp. The marginally extra highly effective variations may be ordered with a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission. Choosing the DSG will increase pricing additional.
The Version 50 might price about as a lot as a Golf GTI in america, however it’s not even the most costly Polo accessible in Germany. The GTI kicks off at €35,450 (almost $41,000). Step as much as its greater brother, and VW will cost you €45,710 (virtually $53,000) for a Golf GTI. Pricing for the Golf R begins at €55,000 ($63,400), and there’s additionally an R Black Version for a staggering €59,645 ($69,000).
We’re not completed but. Within the Polo and Golf world, the most costly mannequin was a German market-only Golf R 333, priced at a whopping €76,410 ($88,000). It was much more costly than an Audi RS3, however nonetheless, VW bought all 333 automobiles in simply eight minutes. Think about how profitable a five-cylinder Golf R could be with the two.5 TFSI engine. Rumor has it Audi refused to lend its inline-five just a few years again.
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Supply: Volkswagen
However these loopy costs will not be an remoted case. Automobiles bought in Europe are typically dearer in comparison with the US. The discrepancy largely stems from the value-added tax. VAT is nineteen% in Germany, however it may be as excessive as 27% in Hungary. The EU’s common normal VAT charge is 21.8%.
Except for VAT, further native taxes primarily based on emissions end in ridiculous costs for some efficiency automobiles. That’s why a Honda Civic Sort R is over $100,000 within the Netherlands, whereas a Toyota GR Yaris can be a six-figure automotive in France.
Europeans might have a better number of choices than People in terms of selecting their subsequent automotive, however they’re paying dearly.
