PoloDriver

Volkswagen India has replaced the petrol-powered Polo 1.2 with a new version packing a 1.0 engine. The new Polo 1.0 produces almost identical power to the now discontinued 1.2-litre engine – 75bhp as opposed to 74bhp – but is slightly down on torque (1.2: 81lb ft / 110Nm at 3,750rpm, 1.0: 70lb ft / 95Nm at 3,000-4,300rpm). As before, a five-speed manual gearbox is standard.

The new three-cylinder Polo 1.0-litre MPI is between 14kg to 24kg lighter than the outgoing 1.2-litre car dependent on specification. Volkswagen India quotes official fuel economy of 18.78km/l, an improvement of 2.31km/l over the 1.2. Indian Autos Blog also reports that the new multi-point-injected 1.0 engine is likely to power the new MQB platform-based sixth-generation Polo when it arrives in India, around 2020.

New Polo GTI considered for India
Reports are also circulating that the new Polo GTI is also being considered for India. The fifth-generation Polo GTI is already sold in the country, but with a slightly altered specification with smaller wheels than the now-discontinued European versions. If the sixth-generation car made it to India, it would appear as a ‘CBU’ (Completely Built Up car) and sold in limited numbers, as seen with the current car, and although the first 99 units sold as fast as the GTI accelerates, the second batch needed to be discontinued to shift.

Indian Autos Blog reports that a price over INR 25 lakhs would have to be stomached, which would put the MQB-A0-based Polo GTI perilously close to the Mini Cooper S. For comparison, the much larger Skoda Octavia RS can be had for around INR 26 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The new Polo has yet to arrive in India, as complexities with the MQB platform make it expensive to produce locally, although Volkswagen India is said to be working on a budget version of the chassis module, codenamed ‘MQB A0 IN’ to reduce costs.

Limited edition Polo Pace launched
In the meantime, Volkswagen India has also announced a new limited edition version called the Pace, based on the current Indian-market fifth-generation Polo. Taking the INR 6,10,700 to INR 6,20,700 (ex-showroom Delhi) Polo Comfortline as a starting point, the Pace gets 15-inch ‘Razor’ alloy wheels, dual-beam headlamps and airbags as standard. Powered by either the new 1.0-litre MPI engine with 75bhp or an 89bhp 1.5-litre TDI, the special Polo Pace model also features ambient interior lighting, electric windows, and front fog lamps.

2017 was yet another busy year for the Volkswagen Polo. The launch and introduction of the all-new sixth-generation model has been the major news, and although there has been no Polo rally action in 2017, the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTI has dominated the World Rallycross Championship in the hands of Johan Kristoffersson.

But, with a debut for the new Polo GTI R5 later in 2018, the stages look set for a Polo return to asphalt and gravel action. The Engen Volkswagen Cup in South Africa is due to run new-generation Polo GTIs, too, in 2018, so next year’s Polo motorsport activity is shaping up very nicely.

Right now, though, we round up the Polo’s biggest achievements in 2017. (Bold entries are illustrated by the picture above that particular month’s list of events.)

January

• Al-Attiyah confirms no Polo R WRC in 2017 FIA World Rally Championship
• PSRX and Volkswagen Sweden rallycross team confirmed
• Polo Sound special edition launched in Germany
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins Autocar India’s Performance Hatchback of the Year award
• Polo is the tenth best-selling car in Europe (JATO).

February

• FIA prohibits complete homologation of 2017 Volkswagen Polo R WRC
• Polo GTI 230 special edition for Switzerland
• Guy Wilks confirmed for Polo RX in 2017 World Rallycross Championship
• Polo-based VW Ameo wins Car India and Bike India’s ’Compact Sedan Of The Year’ award
• Polo is the seventh best-selling car in the UK.

March

• Citi Vivo special edition launched in South Africa
• 1,250,000th Polo production jubilee celebrated by Volkswagen South Africa
• Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line launched in South Africa
• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden reveals 2017 World Rallycross Polo GTI Supercar
• Volkswagen Motorsport announces new Polo R5 rally car testing plans
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins the Thrill of Driving Award at the Times Auto Awards
• Polo-based VW Ameo wins the Compact Sedan of the Year at the Times Auto Awards
• Polo is the seventh best-selling car in the UK.

April


• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTIs show pace at World RX of Barcelona
• Kristoffersson drives Polo GTI Supercar to World RX of Portugal podium
• Volkswagen India launches limited edition Polo GT Sport
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins Flywheel Auto Awards’ 2017 Performance Hatchback of the Year award
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins BBC Top Gear Awards’ 2017 Hot Hatch of the Year award
• Polo is the ninth best-selling car in the UK.

May

• Fifth-generation Polo-based Volkswagen Vento Allstar and GT launched in Malaysia
• World RX of Hockenheim podium place for Kristoffersson and Polo GTI
• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTIs dominate World RX of Belgium with double podium
• Sixth-generation Polo prototype drives and ‘sneak peek’ video published
• Solberg and Kristoffersson do the double at World RX of Great Britain
• Polo is the fifth best-selling car in the UK.

June

• Volkswagen launches sixth-generation Polo ‘teaser’ video campaign
• Johan Kristoffersson takes second 2017 World RX victory in Norway
• First images of new Polo revealed ahead of 16 June world premiere
• New sixth-generation Polo unveiled at Berlin world premiere event on 16 June
• Polo is the eighth best-selling car in the UK.

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Despite a new model waiting in the wings, the Volkswagen Polo is still one the of the UK’s most popular cars. According to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 2,703 fifth-generation Polos were registered in October 2017, the model sitting in eighth place in the UK top 10 passenger car registrations chart. Overall, 43,158 Polos have found new UK homes in 2017 so far.

The SMMT’s October 2017 figures state that the new car market saw a double-digit decline when compared to the same period in 2016. A fall of 12.2 per cent saw a total of 158,192 new cars registered last month, with the year-to-date tally of 2,224,603 cars down 4.6 per cent on last year. Diesel sales have slumped 29.9 per cent. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during October 2017 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Ford Fiesta: 7,256 (83,070, 1st)
2 Volkswagen Golf: 5,547 (62,565, 2nd)
3 Ford Focus: 4,503 (62,029, 3rd)
4 Nissan Qashqai: 3,923 (57,120, 4th)
5 Mercedes-Benz A Class: 3,390 (37,937, 10th)
6 Kia Sportage: 2,850
7 Audi A3: 2,764
8 Volkswagen Polo: 2,703 (43,158, 6th)
9 BMW 4 Series: 2,558
10 Ford Kuga: 2,493

(The UK’s 2017 year-to-date top 10 most popular cars absent from October’s registration figures were the fifth-placed Vauxhall Corsa, the seventh-placed Vauxhall Astra, the eighth-placed Mercedes-Benz C Class and the ninth-placed Mini with 43,315, 43,116, 41,281, and 38,964 registrations recorded respectively.)

Free insurance offer on new Polo
With the sixth-generation Polo already on sale in the UK from £13,855 (RRP OTR), Volkswagen has announced a free insurance offer on the new model, the first deliveries of which should arrive in January 2018. One year’s free comprehensive cover applies to qualifying customers aged between 18 and 80*, and customers can also receive a deposit contribution of £500 when they buy a new Polo with a Volkswagen Financial Services’ Solutions Personal Contract Plan** at 5.9 per cent APR representative.

While Volkswagen’s free insurance offer for the new Polo provides a great incentive for car buyers, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of securing one’s life. Life insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring financial protection for individuals and their families, offering peace of mind beyond the realm of automotive concerns. As prospective Polo owners explore the comprehensive cover provided for their vehicles, it’s also an opportune moment to consider the broader spectrum of insurance needs. To gain a better understanding of available options, individuals can explore LIFE INSURANCE QUOTES that align with their specific requirements, providing a holistic approach to safeguarding both assets and loved ones. Planning for the future encompasses not only the safety of your car but also the well-being of your loved ones.

The new Polo has also been added to the list of models included in Volkswagen’s Scrappage Upgrade scheme. Owners of diesel vehicles registered before 2010 that comply with pre-Euro 5*** emissions legislation will qualify for the scrappage upgrade. The vehicles can be traded-in to benefit from incentives ranging from £1,800 to £6,000 against the new Polo and other VWs and have been owned by the customer for at least six months. Orders must also be placed by 31 December 2017.

For more details on the Volkswagen Scrappage Upgrade scheme, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/scrappage.

Polo Vivo number one in South Africa
Elsewhere last month, the Polo surrendered its second most popular car status in South Africa, slipping to fourth spot with 1,950 examples registered. With 2,851 cars registered, the entry-level Polo Vivo held onto its number one position. Based on the revised fourth-generation Polo sold in Europe from 2005 to 2009, the Vivo has dominated the South African new car sales charts since it was introduced in 2009, when it took over from the fondly remembered Citi Golf as Volkswagen South Africa’s lowest-priced model.

*One year’s insurance included at no extra cost from Volkswagen Insurance is available on new Polo models ordered from 3 October 2017 to 2 January 2018 and registered by 31 March 2018 for drivers aged 18-80 (GTI is 25 and over). Drivers under 18 are not eligible. Excludes Northern Ireland. Drivers aged 18-24 are required to share their driving style data with a telematics product. Other eligibility criteria apply. Go to www.insurewithvolkswagen.co.uk/polo for full terms and conditions. This offer may be extended, changed or removed at any point. Volkswagen Motor Insurance from Volkswagen Financial Services is arranged and administered by Carrot Risk Technologies Limited.

**At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Subject to Status. 18+. T&Cs and exclusions apply. Indemnities may be required. Offer available when ordered by 02/01/18 from participating Retailers. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication 07/11/2017. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services.

***Euro emissions standards: the ‘Euro 1’ standard was introduced in 1992 to help reduce vehicle emissions. Progressively more stringent Euro standards have been implemented since then – helping to lower emissions still further – with Euro 5 being introduced in 2009/2010. ‘Euro 6’, the standard that all new petrol and diesel cars must meet, is currently the toughest yet.

Continuing its success story, the Volkswagen Polo remains one of the most popular cars in the UK according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). During September 2017, it was in sixth place in the UK top 10, with a tally of 8,189 Polos registered. A total of 40,455 examples of Volkswagen’s small car have found new homes in 2017 to date. It’s even more impressive given that these figures refer to the outgoing fifth-generation model, the sixth-generation car has just gone on sale with first deliveries expected in January 2018.

With 426,170 units registered, the September 2017 UK new passenger car market dropped by 9.3 per cent, the sixth consecutive monthly decline. It’s also the first time the traditional new registration month of September has fallen in six years. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during September 2017 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Nissan Qashqai: 13,499 (53,197, 4th)

2 Volkswagen Golf: 12,800 (57,018, 3rd)
3 Ford Fiesta: 10,826 (75,814, 1st)
4 Ford Focus: 10,235 (57,526, 2nd)
5 Vauxhall Corsa: 8,562 (46,600, 5th)
6 Volkswagen Polo: 8,189 (40,455, 7th)
7 Mini: 8,137 (36,784, 9th)
8 Nissan Juke: 7,757
9 Mercedes-Benz A Class: 7,672 (34,547, 10th)
10 Mercedes-Benz C Class: 7,584 (39,055, 8th)

(The 2017 year-to-date top 10 most popular car absent from September 2017’s registration figures was the sixth-placed Vauxhall Astra with 41,250 registrations recorded.)

Elsewhere last month, the Polo held onto its second most popular car status in South Africa with 2,324 examples registered. Once again the entry-level Polo Vivo claimed the number one spot, with 2,942 cars finding new homes. Based on the revised fourth-generation Polo sold in Europe from 2005 to 2009, the Vivo has dominated the South African new car sales charts since it was introduced in 2009, when it took over from the fondly remembered Citi Golf as Volkswagen South Africa’s lowest-priced model.

In a repeat of July, the Volkswagen Polo steadfastly remains one of the UK’s most popular cars, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It held on to fifth place in the UK top 10, the position it climbed to in July. A total of 1,834 Polos were registered in August, with an overall tally of 32,266 examples of Volkswagen’s small car finding new homes so far in 2017.

The Polo’s larger sibling, the Golf, sat atop the August UK chart, 43 units ahead of the Ford Fiesta in second, with 2,236 registrations. The small Ford is still king of the pile when it comes to year-to-date figures, though, its 64,988 units and 17,697 unit-lead over the Focus looking unassailable.

With a total of 76,433 units registered, August 2017’s UK new passenger car market dipped by 6.4 per cent, the fifth consecutive monthly decline. The SMMT states that demand still makes it the third largest August in 10 years. Superminis – of which the Polo is one – and family cars remained the most popular choices. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during August 2017 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Volkswagen Golf: 2,279 (44,218, 3rd)

2 Ford Fiesta: 2,236 (64,988, 1st)
3 Vauxhall Mokka X: 2,063
4 Ford Focus: 1,995 (47,291, 2nd)
5 Volkswagen Polo: 1,834 (32,266, 7th)
6 Ford Kuga: 1,769
7 Vauxhall Corsa: 1,659 (38,038, 5th)
8 Kia Sportage: 1,541
9 Vauxhall Astra: 1,485 (36,360, 6th)
10 Nissan Qashqai: 1,484 (39,698, 4th)

(The 2017 year-to-date top 10 most popular cars absent from August 2017’s registration figures were the eighth-placed Mercedes-Benz C Class, the ninth-placed Mini, and the tenth-placed Mercedes-Benz A Class with 31,471, 28,647 and 26,875 registrations recorded respectively.)

In South Africa, the Polo retained its second best-selling car status with 2,096 examples rolling off the forecourts. Predictably, the entry-level Polo Vivo claimed the number one spot, with 2,340 cars registered. Based on the facelifted fourth-generation Polo sold in Europe from 2005 to 2009, the Vivo has dominated the South African new car sales charts since it was introduced in 2009, when it took over from the fondly remembered Citi Golf as Volkswagen South Africa’s entry-level model.