PoloDriver

Following Europe, Brazil, and South Africa, the new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo lands in Australia next month. Priced from $17,990, the more accomodating MQB-A0-based car is largely the same as the European and South African versions which have already been launched.

Available to order now, the new Polo for Australia is available in Trendline and Comfortline trims, with a special Launch Edition model also offered. Engines are limited to two three-cylinder petrol units – both turbocharged TSIs, with outputs of 70kW / 94bhp (Trendline) and 85kW / 113bhp (Comfortline). The Launch Edition is exclusively available with the 85kW engine. Polo Beats and Polo GTI models will arrive mid-year.

‘Most significant generational change’
Volkswagen Australia states that the Polo represents ‘the most significant generational change to a Volkswagen since the arrival of the class-leading Tiguan SUV two years ago’. ‘Even the entry-level manual Polo 6 features the Golf’s elegant, flat bottomed leather steering wheel with multimedia controls,’ said Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia’s General Manager of Product and Marketing.

‘That literal touchpoint is emblematic of the Polo having graduated from its class not only in terms of physical growth, but in sophistication. The Polo 6 is obviously more upmarket than rival cars. We’re talking less than $18,000 for fixtures such as a soft-touch dash top, wide touch screen and dual USB charging ports.

‘Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard. In terms of safety there’s autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, stability control, fatigue monitoring and a reversing camera as standard,’ he continued.

Trendline, Comfortline and Launch Edition
The entry Polo Trendline features 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a rear view camera, and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth / USB / Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Standard safety kit includes front assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, driver fatigue detection, and a low tyre pressure indicator. Five-speed manual and seven-speed DSG transmissions are available.

The Polo Comfortline builds on the Trendline’s comprehensive specification and adds 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights / rear view mirror / wipers, a front centre armrest, and ‘Comfort’ cloth upholstery. Launch Edition cars offer 16-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint rear window glass, front fog lights, inductive wireless charging, and tinted tail lights. These ‘85 TSI’ models gain an extra ratio for the manual gearbox.

An optional $1,400 Driver Assistance package can be added to Comfortline and Launch Edition cars and includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and park assist systems, and electrically-folding door mirrors. Five colours – Pure White, Energetic Orange, Limestone Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver and Deep Black Pearl Effect – can be chosen on Trendline and Comfortline models, while all bar Pure White cost an additional $500. Launch Edition new Polos lose the Reflex Silver and Deep Black Pearl Effect options.

Find out more details about the Australian-market new Polo by visiting the Volkswagen Australia website, where ‘runout’ deals on the outgoing fifth-generation Polo can also be found.

2018 VOLKSWAGEN AUSTRALIA NEW POLO: RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICES

Trendline
1.0 TSI 70kW, five-speed manual, 5dr: $17,990
1.0 TSI 70kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $20,490

Comfortline
1.0 TSI 85kW, six-speed manual, 5dr: $19,490
1.0 TSI 85kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $21,990

Launch Edition
1.0 TSI 85kW, six-speed manual, 5dr: $20,490
1.0 TSI 85kW, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: $22,990