This VW Polo is another Value For Money compact car Malaysians will NOT get.
The Volkswagen Polo is currently in its sixth generation and was launched for the global market in April this year. The very first VW Polo was introduced to the UK market in 1975. More than 18 million have been produced during its 46-year lifespan.
This latest version which is the mid-life enhancement of its sixth iteration rationalizes the model’s trim line-up into the familiar Y-structure of other Volkswagen models and this is why it looks very much like the just arrived VW Golf Mk8.
There are four engine and gearbox configurations available across the standard Polo line-up and they are all 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engines, ranging in power output from 80 PS to 110 PS.
A five-speed manual gearbox accompanies the entry-level 80 PS with 93 Nm unit but this will never be introduced to our part of the world, while the 95 PS with 175 Nm power plant is available with both 5-speed manual and 7-speed DSG (this automatic version has arrived in some ASEAN nations starting with VW Singapore).
The range-topping 110 PS, 200 Nm engine is available exclusively with the 7-speed DSG, and ahead of the Polo GTI, is the most rapid Polo in the range, taking 10.4 seconds to reach 62 mph.
With an equipment list containing even more features and technologies than the outgoing Polo, the enhanced model introduces big-car technology to this compact Volkswagen.
LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control and an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit are also among the enhanced Polo’s factory-fit equipment, with handy features such as two front and two rear USB sockets, power-folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors, and automatic rain-sensing wipers also included as standard.
The VW Polo’s 8.0-inch Ready 2 Discover infotainment system is built on the third-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) and therefore brings App-Connect, which uses either a USB connection or Bluetooth link to activate smartphone mirroring via the central touchscreen.
Style trim is available exclusively with the Polo’s 95 PS engine and 5-speed manual transmission, and majors on comfort and innovation. It includes IQ.Light intelligent LED matrix headlights, which allow individual settings for different driving conditions and environments.
This is yet another example of Volkswagen democratizing technology, this feature now offered in Volkswagen’s super-mini, having first being seen on the Touareg in 2018. Also standard-fit for the Polo Style are front and rear parking sensors; 16-inch ‘Palermo’ alloy wheels; 2-zone climate control; an upgraded 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro dashboard display; and a Discover Navigation infotainment system.
The Volkswagen Polo R-Line is identifiable from the outside by its 16-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels and bespoke bumpers, with distinct styling at the rear bringing the sporting model in line with its larger R-Line siblings, incorporating exhaust trim mimicking a trapezoidal quad-tailpipe setup.
Inside, the model features a sporty black roof lining; stainless steel pedals; and sports comfort seats for the driver and front passenger, with upholstery in ‘Karoso Artvelours’ microfleece.
The R-Line also shares many of its luxury features with the Polo Style, with a Discover Navigation infotainment system, Digital Cockpit Pro, ambient lighting and 2-zone climate control as standard, as well as Dynamic Road Sign Display and High Beam Assist aids.
So, it all sounds really great, the exterior styling is very inviting and somewhat evergreen which means it will remain modern and fresh for years to come.
However, like many other compact European cars from Renault, Ford, Peugeot, Opel and FIAT, our compact car segment is dominated by the national car brand Perodua followed by the Geely-Proton partnership and then there are the Japanese automotive giants, Toyota and Honda who have large local assembly facilities and localized vendors to take advantage of tax incentives.
Unless the Polo is local assembled and with possible high volume sales, there is no business case for Volkswagen to bring and sell this compact hatch in a very crowded and price competitive segment.
