Volkswagen‘s
fourth generation Polo is completely restyled using design cues from both the
current model and the smaller Lupo. The body structure is completely new and there
are also new engines and a variety of technology upgrades.
The new VW compact gets its first public outing at next month’s Frankfurt
motor show and goes on sale in Europe in the autumn with RHD sales commencing
in spring 2002.
The new Polo will be launched with three and five-door bodystyles and a choice
of two petrol and three diesel engines.
The entry-level petrol option is a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder developing
65 bhp while the 1.4-litre 75 bhp four cylinder unit from the existing range
will also be available with either five speed manual or four speed automatic
transmission.
Two diesel engines are carried over from the current line-up: the four cylinder
1.9-litre 64 bhp SDI and three-cylinder 1.4-litre 75 bhp TDI PD. A range-topping
100bhp 1.9-litre TDI PD (from the Passat) will also be on offer.
Three
further petrol units will follow later, including a 1.4-litre 85 bhp FSI (direct
injection petrol) and 1.2-litre three-cylinder 55 bhp petrol engine. The existing
100bhp 1.4-litre unit will also become available.
The new Polo is 154mm longer than the current model with the wheelbase has
been lengthened by 53mm.
In conjunction with the optional electronic stability program (ESP), Volkswagen
is also offering a hydraulic brake assistant (HBA) designed to cut emergency
braking distance.
Other options will include Climatic, a semi-automatic air conditioning system
which uses less fuel than a conventional system, and integrated rear child seats.
Enhanced security features will also be more widely available.
Right hand drive UK market cars will be offered with four trim levels –
E, S, SE and SPORT – with driver, passenger and side airbags as standard
across the range, along with anti-lock brakes. Specifications in other markets
will vary according to decisions made by national distributors.
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