As always, the Polo follows the Golf for the look and the same happens today. Change the bumpers and especially the optical groups. In front there is the new grille and the luminous signature with the LED strip under the headlights (now also with LED matrix) and the upper one that unites them for the entire width of the grille; at the rear, the lights extend towards the center of the tailgate by acquiring the directional arrows and the click-clak stop lights, which, in addition to intensifying the brightness, become vertical to attract the gaze of those following and shorten the reaction time. New rims and 4 new body colors arrive with the possibility of having a contrasting black roof for some versions.
Inside we find softer surfaces, a better padded dashboard and new upholstery and the dashboard becomes all digital for all versions. The instrumentation has an 8 or 10.25 inch panel while in the center there are the 6.5 “, 8” or 9.2 “screens of the new generation infotelematic systems. They now have an autonomous connection module, update over-the-air, have Android Auto and Carplay wireless, allow remote connection via app and can be integrated with additional functions (including navigation) directly online. There is also induction charging for the smartphone and the air conditioning (also bi-zone) has a new touch control panel.
Important updates also for security. The seat belts have double pretensioners and there is a central airbag that better protects the front passengers in the event of a side impact. All restraint systems are pre-alerted in the event of an accident risk and, in this unfortunate event, multiple anti-collision braking intervenes. Level 2 assisted driving, further perfected for precision and gradual intervention, can be activated with a button on the steering wheel now equipped with capacitive sensors in order to sense the driver’s degree of presence through touch, without the need for movement. Autonomous braking incorporates the city stop function and active lane keeping intervenes if there is a vehicle in the blind spot.
The engines are all 3-cylinder mille petrol engines. It starts with the aspirated unit with indirect injection of 80 hp with 5-speed manual gearbox to continue with the two turbos with direct injection: of 95 hp which offers a choice of the 7-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox, the only option is the 110 hp variant (195 km / h, 0-100 km / h in 10.4 s.). The 90 hp TGI methane version with 6-speed gearbox remains in the range. The 13.8 kg tanks reduce the luggage compartment from 351 to 271 liters, but allow a CO2 reduction of at least 18%. The declared consumption is 5.6-5.9 m3 / 100 km and the autonomy is about 350 km, but in the case there is the 9-liter emergency tank for petrol. At the moment it is worth a third of Polo sales in Italy.
So we drove this and the 95hp version. No surprises for the road behavior, marked by comfort, ease and compactness of driving. The Polo is a relaxing car, equipped with precise steering and brakes that always respond in tone. The 5-speed gearbox maneuvers well, but we recommend spending 1,500 euros for the DSG which adds rest to the left foot, but above all allows a wider use with 2 more ratios and enhances the qualities of the 3-cylinder by removing the inevitable small inertia. that this splitting entails. The methane version is even quieter, but is a little less brilliant for the 130 kg more, the 5 hp less and a less favorable torque (160 Nm between 1,800 and 3,800 rpm instead of 175 Nm between 1,500 and 3,600 rpm).
Finally, the articulation of the range changes. The basic set-up costs 18,700 euros, with 1,500 euros more you go to Life (which will cover 40% of sales) with and with another 1,800 you make the leap towards the Style or the R-Line: they have the same price, but one looks more at the equipment and comfort, the other has a more captivating and sporty look. The methane TGI version starts at 20,750 euros, the GTI asks for 29,500 euros. Apparently, the increase in price lists is substantial, in reality, with the same equipment, for the customer there is a very slight (100 euro) customer advantage that increases (from 10% to 33%) if you opt for packs that allow you to complete every trim level of this new Volkswagen Polo 6.2.