Polo takes swing at Fiesta!

It's a hole new look for the Polo. Volkswagen is upping the stakes for its long-serving supermini in a bid to keep up with the trendy new Ford Fiesta.

As our exclusive images reveal, the styling will closely mimic that of the new Golf MkVI as VW aims to revamp its look throughout the brand. Destined to arrive in May 2009, the fresh baby will boast familiar robust build quality along with generous spec.

Top models will get luxury kit such as touchscreen sat-nav, automatic park assist and a rear view camera. Both safety and handling are boosted, too, due to improved structural rigidity and a tweaked chassis. The engine range kicks off with two petrol-powered three-cylinders delivering 59bhp or 69bhp.

Due later in summer 2009, the Polo Bluemotion will arrive, powered by a 74bhp 1.2-litre TDI diesel with 180Nm of torque. Longer gearing and modified aerodynamics will bring emissions down to only 89g/km of CO2, meaning the model is exempt from road tax.
The remaining engines should cater for every need. Three 1.4-litre petrol units – a standard 84bhp, 104bhp TSI and 168bhp TSI GTI – will be followed by a trio of diesels. These 1.6-litre powerplants come with 69bhp, 89bhp or 104bhp. The VW Group’s brilliant seven-speed double-clutch DSG box may also find its way on to some variants, but most models are likely to get a standard manual, with an auto on offer with some engines.