Volkswagen Polo: Old vs New

Volkswagen has introduced the new generation Polo with a newer platform, newer engines and the powerful GTI version as well. The sixth generation Polo is an evolution over the outgoing car and is an important vehicle for the German giant both internationally and in the Indian car market. The new Polo is more powerful, more efficient and more mature than its predecessor. Here’s a detailed look at the differences between the two.  

Exterior and Styling

The design of the new Polo is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Volkswagen has played it safe and not deviated from the conservative and familiar face of the Polo. The design is subtle, yet edgy, with sharp creases all around. The headlamps design change makes it look like a facelift over the previous car. The fifth generation Polo was around for eight years. The subtle styling of the German hatch was its speciality and the carmaker hasn’t meddled with it in the new generation.

The new generation Polo is built from the ground up on a new MQB-A0 platform and is a step away from the previous PQ25 architecture. The hatchback has increased dimensions on all sides - at 4,053mm long it is 81mm longer than before. There is an increase of 94mm to the wheelbase at 2,564mm, resulting in more cabin space; boot capacity rises by 25 per cent from 280-litres to 351-litres.The track widths are up by 62mm up front at 1,525mm and by 49mm at the rear at 1,505mm providing the new Polo a larger footprint than before. It sits 7mm lower than the older car, lending it a sportier stance. Volkswagen has also done away with the two-door variant of the GTI in the new generation owing to poorer sales.

Despite the new platform, design tweaks and bump in dimensions, the new generation supermini is still unmistakably Polo.

Interior and Features

The most prominent changes are evident once you enter inside. Volkswagen has given the new Polo a completely new cabin with a more upmarket flair to it. Many bits of technology from the elder Golf has filtered down into the Polo, however, what grabs the deal is the personalization option available for the first time. Out with the boring cabin of the old Polo, the customers can now choose from 14 body paints, 12 wheel designs and 13 different settings for the dashboard with two trim and 11 upholstery options.

The dash is dominated by a new infotainment system varying from 6.5- to 8-inches depending on the trim. The analogue instrument cluster is standard whereas the new Active Info Display from Golf is also available along with various connectivity options, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and keyless access. The new Polo also boasts of features such as Air Care Climatronic system with humidity and sun sensor plus allergen filter and one of the biggest panoramic sunroofs in this class.

Volkswagen has put in a good amount of effort to make the cabin of the new Polo keep up with the modern competition since the older Polo’s cabin, although functional, was a tad boring. With a spacious cabin, modern features and safety options, the new Polo have become a commendable package in its segment.

Engine and Gearbox

For the first time ever, the Polo will be available with a natural gas engine option. A newly developed 1.0-litre TGI engine with 90bhp output will join the option of four petrol and two diesel engine options.The petrol engines are 1.0-litre turbocharged MPI engine 64/74bhp or a 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct-injection engine offering either 94bhp or 114bhp. Further up, there is a 1.5-litre four cylinder with 148bhp output with cylinder deactivation. On the oil burner front, there are two 1.6-litre TDI engine options with 80bhp and 95bhp. 

The top-of-the-line GTI trim will be powered by a potent 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine producing 197bhp, thus upping the game up in the hot hatch segment. Transmission options include five- and six-speed manual gearboxes along with a seven-speed DSG automatic, depending on the engine. The new Polo, in a bid to be greener, will come fitted with stop-start and regenerative braking as standard, as well.

Conclusion

The new Polo is bigger, better and more efficient with several added features and equipment over its predecessor. The new platform helps the new Polo to be even lighter, more spacious and will cost lesser to build too. This will help the carmaker reposition the new Polo strategically in different markets. The new Polo will hit the roads only next year following which it will make its way to India. However, it would be interesting to see how the German giant brings the new Polo to Indian shores given that the Vento, Ameo and an upcoming SUV is also going to be based on the new Polo in India.