The reviews are in, the group tests have been conducted, and the new Polo has finally been released for sale in Germany. With advance orders of over 24,000 units before the general public has driven the car, it looks to continue the success of its four predecessors. Volkswagen UK has also confirmed an ‘on sale’ date of 16 October, and released pricing details for the new car.
Available to order now in five-door form only for the time being, the stronger, and safer fifth generation Polo is also more efficient, more refined, and more comfortable than ever. Initially seen at the Geneva Motor Show way back in March, the new model is also the priciest Polo ever, with entry-level 1.2 S models pegged at £10,035. The top of the range 1.6 TDI SEL comes in at £14,910.
It lives up to its upmarket image and heritage then, but, more kit comes as standard, and it’s the most grown-up Polo yet. ESP is standard on all models, and as the car is both lighter and more technologically advanced than the model it replaces, it should offer good value for money and class-leading residual values, long a Polo virtue.
At launch, the new car is available in four flavours with five engines. Three petrol and three diesel can be slotted into S, SE, Moda, and SEL trims, with an ‘A/C’ model exclusively for buyers who are keen on climate control. All models come with four airbags and ABS, with the Moda designed to appeal to a younger audience than the Polo has previously attracted.
Once again bringing many ‘big car’ comforts to small car drivers, the new Polo can be specced with a wide range of optional kit including touchscreen satellite navigation, a DAB digital radio, tyre pressure sensors, and electronic climate control.
The much talked about (and arguably most exciting new Polo) 1.2 TSI turbocharged SEL with 105 PS comes late to the party, though; expect it to swagger in at the turn of the year. 2010 will also see the arrival of the latest GTI and BlueMotion models. The only question that needs asking is, when will the three-door break cover? Ah, that’ll be December.
Continuing the success of the outgoing car (which now dates from 2002 remember), Volkswagen anticipates UK Polo sales of around 7,000 units in 2009, increasing to around 37,000 in 2010. Full details of the new Polo can be found here; prices below.
S
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£10,035.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£10,645.00
S A/C
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£10,635.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,245.00
Moda
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,995.00
Moda A/C
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,985.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£12,595.00
SE
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,995.00
1.4 85 PS/5 spd manual/£12,450.00
1.4 85 PS/7 spd DSG/£13,650.00
SE TDI
1.6 75 PS/5 spd manual/£13,205.00
SEL
1.4 85 PS/5 spd manual/£13,575.00
1.4 85 PS/7 spd DSG/£14,775.00
SEL TDI
1.6 90 PS/5 spd manual/£14,910.00
