Police are ensuring...
Police are ensuring they dispose of their cars with reasonable mileages. Most are less than three years old and have some manufacturer warranty left
Exclusive images in...
Exclusive images in this week"s issue show VW"s reinvented Polo! The daring new model is set to replace the current car in around 18 months’ time – and Auto Express has all the details about the exciting arrival.
Having gained a reputation as a no-nonsense, grown-up supermini, the fifth-generation machine will build on its predecessor’s core values by introducing more distinctive styling, whilea better-quality interior and hi-tech super-turbo engines will feature.
As you can see from these images, which have been based on exclusive insider information, the Polo draws on VW’s Concept A – revealed at March’s Geneva Motor Show – with a bold chrome grille, slatted air intakes and lights similar to the Eos coupé-cabrio’s.
Integrated spotlamps complete the looks at the front, while a rising waistline and multi-spoke alloy wheels mark the car out in profile. At the rear, distinctive tail-lights contribute to what is a much more confident shape – giving the Polo the style to match Fiat’s new Grande Punto and the imminent next-generation Corsa from Vauxhall.
Under the skin, the model is likely to be underpinned by a modified version of the current car’s platform. VW is understood to have a limited budget for the project, and so is keen to keep costs down as far as possible.
The shared platform means that, unlike its rivals, the Polo won’t sig-nificantly increase in length, but VW will improve interior space by making it wider.
Inside, both the three and five-door models will offer a cabin that shows big leaps forward in material quality. The firm has been criticised over falling standards, but the fifth-generation Polo will be the best-built supermini in its class, with soft-feel dashboard plastics and bright upholstery colours replacing the drab greys of previous models.
To match that step up in fit and finish, air-con will comeas standard across the range, while sophisticated stereos will include connectivity for digital music players. Safety is boosted with knee airbags and the latest ESP stability systems.
Although the newcomer is unlikely to match the driver-pleasing handlingof the nextFord Fiesta, engineers will dramatically improve the supermini’s road manners with sharper steering and a more comfortable ride. Engines will include 1.4 and 1.6-litre FSI direct-injection petrol units plus 1.9-litre TDI turbodiesels.
The Polo will also make use of VW’s 1.4-litre TSI engine – which features a supercharger and a turbocharger – with a 138bhp version for a warm hatch model and a 168bhp unit for the GTI. Expect the firm’s DSG twin-clutch gearbox to appear as an option on the range-topper.
A coupé-convertible, with an electric folding metal roof, and an SUV to replace the current Dune are also being developed. These won’t arrive until 2009 at the earliest, while the hatchback will go on sale in 2008. Prices will start at around ÷£9,000.