Meet The All-New Sixth-Generation Volkswagen Polo

Agencies Updated at: 17 Jun 2017 12:30 AM (IST)

The Polo Mark VI steps up its game in almost every imaginable aspect thanks to its new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.

Volkswagen took the wraps off the all-new sixth-generation Polo at a special event which was held in Berlin, Germany on June 16. The new 2018 Polo will go on sale in most European countries along with the Latin American markets and China this year.

(In Picture: Fifth-gen Volkswagen Polo)

The 2018 Polo has not been confirmed for the Indian market yet. And it might not even make it here considering it’s based on the relatively expensive MQB platform and VW Group’s partnership with Tata Motors to utilise the latter’s new AMP platform for the developing markets in the near future. The outgoing Polo was based on VW’s PQ25 platform.

Even if VW decides to launch the sixth-gen Polo in India, don’t expect it in the country until the second half of 2018. Here’s what the new Polo has to offer.

(In Picture: Fifth-gen Volkswagen Polo)

Dimensions

Length: 4,053mm (81mm more than the fifth-gen Polo)

Width: 1,751mm (69mm wider than the fifth-gen Polo)

Height: 1,446mm (decreased by 7mm compared to the fifth-gen Polo)

Wheelbase: 2,564mm (94mm more than the fifth-gen Polo)

Boot Space: 351-litres (71-litres more than the fifth-gen Polo)

If the new Polo ever makes it’s way to India, the overall length will be trimmed just under 4 metres like what Honda did with the Jazz - keeping the hatchback tax-friendly by subtly reducing the width of the bumpers.

Platform

(In Picture: Official Sketch Of The 2018 Volkswagen Polo)

The sixth-generation Polo uses the smaller avatar of the Volkswagen Group’s famed Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform – MQB A0. While the Seat Ibiza which was revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show became the first small car from the VW Group to be based on the MQB platform, the 2018 Polo will be the first small car from VW to feature the same platform. This platform will also underpin the upcoming second-gen Vento/Polo Sedan as well.

(In Picture: 2018 Seat Ibiza)

Design

The 2018 Polo has adopted the same formula seen in newer cars nowadays – put the wheels to the extremities along with a low-slung silhouette and relatively wider profile. The MQB platform has helped the Polo achieve all these attributes effortlessly with its flexible nature.

(In Picture: Fifth-gen Volkswagen Polo)

Compared to the previous version, the 2018 Polo’s nose dives in, which in turn pushes its face further down with a relatively elongated bonnet.

It has a typical VW grille which is flanked by the rectangular-ish headlights. The full-LED headlamps feature a snake-like LED daytime running lamp (DRL) which is likely to double as turn signals as well.

Also, like the current crop of VWs, the DRLs merge with the horizontal slat in the grille and enhances the sense of width.

If you place the current hatchback next to the latest one, you’ll find that the side profile is relatively busy this time around. There’s a very sharp line that runs from the headlamps and merges with the window line. Then, there’s another line which starts from the A-pillar and runs through its entire silhouette of the car. (check out the images above and below)

However, the defining design element of the Mark VI Polo is its arrow-shaped 'tornado' double sided shoulder line. (check out the image below)

The ‘tornado’ line begins from the rear and swoops rapidly before ending where the front fender and the door meet. The ‘tornado’ line makes the new Polo shoulder-heavy and imparts pseudo width to the already wider sixth-gen model.

The A-pillar is raked more sharply than the outgoing model and the hatchback’s relatively short overhangs make the sixth-gen model look bigger than it actually is. The front fenders are small thanks to its huge and pronounced wheel arches, there’s even a hint of the previous-gen BMW 3 Series here!

At the rear, it looks Polo’s traditional squarish-ish tail lamps and the rear bumper-mounted licence plate remain. There’s a new character line which runs across the width of the hatchback passing through the LED tail lamps before finally merging with the ‘tornado’ line. (check out the image below)

All in all, the new Polo looks wider, meaner and low along with a pressed down face. The substantial gain in length, width and wheelbase has really helped the 2018 Polo gain a sportier low-slung appearance.

As we mentioned before, the cabin of the 2018 Polo will be similar to the final production-spec version the of the Polo-based SUV, the T-Cross Breeze. (check out the image below)

Features

Offers Full-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps

Large panoramic sunroof

Up to 18-inch alloy wheels (Polo GTI)

Volkswagen’s second-gen full-digital instrument cluster called Active Info Display makes its debut with the 2018 Polo. Not only will this be a segment-first feature, it will also be customisable like Audi’s Virtual Cockpit

Gets VW’s latest-gen, glass-encased range of infotainment systems with display size ranging from 6.5 to 8.0-inches.

D-shaped flat-bottom steering wheel is identical to the outgoing model

'Air Care Climatronic' system with air quality sensor and allergen filter

Wireless charging for smartphones (optional inductive aerial connection)

Passive keyless entry with push-button engine start-stop

14 body colours and 13 dash pad colours on offer (white dash pad of the Polo GTI shown below)

Optional 300-watt sound system from Beats in the special Polo Beats model

The Euro-spec Polo also receives active safety tech and comfort features such as front assist, city emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, active cruise control, park assist among others

Mechanicals

In all, the Euro-spec VW Polo will have nine engine options

Petrol: 1.0-litre MPI in two states of tune (65PS and 75PS), 1.0-litre TSI in two states of tune (95PS and 115PS), VW’s all new 1.5-litre TSI EVO (150PS) with ACT (active cylinder deactivation) and 2.0-litre TSI (200PS) which will be limited to the Polo GTI

(In Picture: 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI)

Diesel: 1.6-litre TDI in two states of tune (80PS and 95PS)

CNG: 1.0-litre TGI (90PS) (makes its debut on this nameplate)

Transmission options include 5- and 6-speed manuals and 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic)

If it ever enters the Indian market, the sixth-gen Polo is likely to be powered by the 1.0-litre TSI (95PS or 115PS) motor and the 1.5-litre TDI diesel (90 PS and 110PS)

Stay tuned to CarDekho as Volkswagen releases more information on the new Polo in the coming months.

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