2017 VW Polo vs. 2014 VW Polo - Old vs. New [Update]

Update: Story updated with officially released images and information.

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the 2017 VW Polo in Berlin, marking a new milestone for the European supermini. Here's a pictorial comparison between the 2017 VW Polo and 2009 VW Polo.

The sixth generation VW Polo has adopted the latest industry trend of using a wide and low stance while growing in length and wheelbase.

Featuring a VW Golf-inspired front, the redesigned VW Polo measures 4,053 mm in length, 1,751 mm in width and 1,446 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,564 mm. The boot volume has grown by 25% from 280 litres to 351 litres.

Compared to the 2009 VW Polo Mk5, the Polo Mk6 is 81 mm longer, 69 mm wider and 7 mm lower, and 94 mm longer in wheelbase. The lower height makes the car sportier, and the expanded length and width translates to a roomier cabin. The headroom has improved by 15 mm at the front and 21 mm at the rear. Also, note that the all-new model does not have a 3-door variant.

The fifth generation VW Polo uses the old PQ25 platform, while the sixth generation VW Polo shares the MQB A0 platform with the fifth-gen Seat Ibiza. The superior platform, among other benefits, provided for the car's more dynamic proportions and a significantly longer silhouette. MQB underpinnings also mean the car is future-ready for electrified powertrains as and when Volkswagen sees the market feasibility.

Volkswagen has announced the 2017 VW Polo in nine mechanical configurations:

• 48 kW (65 PS) 1.0-litre MPI petrol, 5-speed manual transmission
• 55 kW (75 PS) 1.0-litre MPI petrol, 5-speed manual transmission
• 70 kW (95 PS) 1.0-litre TSI petrol, 5-speed manual transmission/7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission
• 85 kW (115 PS) 1.0-litre TSI petrol, 6-speed manual transmission/7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission
• 110 kW (150 PS) 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol, 6-speed manual transmission/7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission
• [GTI-only] 147 kW (200 PS) 2.0-litre TSI petrol, 6-speed manual transmission/7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission
• 66 kW (90 PS) 1.0-litre TGI CNG-petrol, 5-speed manual transmission
• 59 kW (80 PS) 1.6-litre TDI diesel, 5-speed manual transmission
• 70 kW (95 PS) 1.6-litre TDI diesel, 5-speed manual transmission/7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission

This is the first time that Volkswagen is offering a natural gas option in the VW Polo.

The new generation model gets a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode as standard, while the 1.5-litre TSI Evo model features cylinder deactivation. Front-wheel drive drivetrain layout is standard.

The 2017 VW Polo launches in three familiar grades: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, and the 'Beats' special edition. In addition, the R-Line, Black and Style packages are extended for those looking for something over and above the standard car.

Full-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, (Volkswagen Group-first) second generation Active Info Display fully-digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch glass-encased infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, wireless charging, inductive aerial connection, Air Care Climatronic climate control system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert and semi-automated Park Assist system are the key features of the 2017 VW Polo.

The 2017 VW Polo GTI gets a unique exterior styling with a specially designed bumper with integrated spoiler lip, LED headlights with a red winglet which merges with the red stripe on the radiator grille and honeycomb air vent screens, 18-inch alloy wheels, side sill extensions, red brake calipers and a large roof spoiler in high-gloss black (underside: matte black) are the styling on the body for differentiation.

On the inside, the range-topping variant features a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel with red stitching, a GTI gear shift grip, top sport seats with 'Clark' tartan pattern, roof lining and roof pillars in black, and ambient lighting. Sport chassis is standard in the 200 PS Polo, but like some features, Sport Select chassis is available optionally.

Also Read: Volkswagen confirms 5-seat VW Atlas variant

The 2017 VW Polo will go on sale in Germany later this year with prices starting at €12,975 (INR 9,33,798.58).