Polo MPV has Note in sight

THE new Polo is about to get bigger! Auto Express understands that Volkswagen is planning a fresh compact MPV based on its supermini.

Plugging a vital gap in the manufacturer’s range, a Polo people carrier would be ideal for buyers seeking to downsize from the larger Touran. Its chief rival is likely to be the Vauxhall Meriva.

The car will enable VW to compete in an ever-expanding market sector: as well as the Meriva, Nissan’s Note has proved a hit, while Ford is set to launch a B-MAX mini-MPV, too. A flexible cabin with sliding seats and a twin-height boot floor would set the car apart.

The newcomer is due on sale within two years, powered by common-rail diesel engines or small-capacity TSI turbo petrols. VW is also likely to offer an eco-friendly BlueMotion variant.