The fifth generation of Volkswagen's evergreen supermini, the Polo, was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, 34 years after the original went on sale. It's sharper, lighter, safer and more cutting edge than ever before and is set to establish new standards in the small car class. Not only does the new Polo weigh 7.5% less than the vehicle it replaces - despite being marginally wider and longer - it's also stronger, promises greater refinement and efficiency and features new packaging to make it the most versatile iteration yet.
The stylish Polo debuts a new-look as well as highly efficient TSI and common-rail TDI engines to set new benchmarks in efficiency. In addition, advanced safety systems and an all-new construction allow it to meet the criteria for the recently introduced five-star EuroNCAP standard.
Styled by a team led by Walter de Silva (Head of Design, VW Group) the Mk5 Polo establishes a distinctive look that draws on the design direction established by the Scirocco and Golf.
Clean, uncluttered lines mix with a thin, horizontal grille element framed by a set of sleek light units. The use of horizontal lines in the grille and lights allows the Polo to appear lower and wider than it really is. The simple design approach continues to the back of the car, which features a set of distinctive rear lights and a wider track to underline the impression of solidity.
The slightly larger dimensions and a longer wheelbase mean there's greater space inside the new Polo. Head, shoulder and legroom have all increased, as has the load volume.
Up front, elegant white backlit dials are set into a dashboard constructed out of high-quality, soft touch plastics. Volkswagen's renowned attention to detail remains apparent in the new Polo with subtle aluminum highlights dotted around the interior and the option of a handy air-conditioned glovebox and an easily accessed connection point for an MP3 player. In addition, and for the first time on a Polo, the RNS 310 touchscreen satellite navigation system can be specified along with a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel.
Continuing the program of efficiency improvements established by VW, the new Polo is powered by a mix of advanced naturally aspirated 1.2- and 1.4-liter engines as well as a new turbocharged 1.2-liter TSI petrol unit joining another all-new 1.6-liter TDI common-rail diesel engine. All are equipped with either five- or six-speed manual transmissions as standard and, for the first time on the Polo, selected variants can be specified with Volkswagen's advanced and lightweight seven-speed DSG gearbox.
A Polo BlueMotion model will also join the range shortly after launch. Powered by a highly efficient 1.6-liter 90 PS TDI common-rail diesel engine and linked to a five-speed transmission with lengthened ratios in third, fourth and fifth, the new BlueMotion achieves 74mpg - bettering the outgoing Polo BlueMotion model which is itself one of the most fuel efficient vehicles currently on sale.
The gains in efficiency don't stop there: in 2010 the second generation BlueMotion will follow. Shown as a concept at Geneva, and equipped with an all-new 1.2-liter three-cylinder common-rail diesel engine developing 75hp, the BlueMotion II will be capable of returning 85mpg on the combined cycle. Making this possible is a package of modifications including the new engine, automatic Stop-Start and regenerative braking, a gearbox with revised ratios, optimized aerodynamics beneath the vehicle, suspension lowered 15mm and low-resistance tires.
The new Polo features a comprehensive roster of standard safety equipment including for the first time on all models four airbags, anti-lock brakes and Electronic Stabilization Programme (ESP).