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New-look Polo Is A Hole Lot Better

Months ahead of its official launch, Auto Express magazeine has caught the facelifted VW Polo in showroom-ready trim for the first time.

By Chris Thorp

02nd March 2005

It's not actually out and about in public, but was caught on camera during its first brochure photoshoot. And the mag's exclusive pictures reveal exactly what buyers have got to look forward to when it goes on sale here in June.

But the Polo's new look won't be totally unfamiliar to Auto Express readers. In issue 813, we printed exclusive images revealing VW's plans for the car. The final design takes on a mixture of styling cues from the latest Golf and the Concept C two-seater cabrio first seen at last year's Geneva Motor Show.

The biggest changes to the current model's looks have been made at the front, where the sharp headlights mimic those of the drop-top exhibition car. Not only do the lamps give a more aggressive look, their shape also emphasises the lines of the revised grille.

Dropping the Polo's twin headlights is a bold move, and once the Lupo replacement, the Fox, arrives early next year, the traditional VW hatch hallmark will be absent from the line-up.

While the revised model remains very similar to the car it replaces in profile, the rear has been freshened up with a new tailgate and light clusters. The chunky shape is given a less imposing finish with a curved edge on the back window.

VW's engineers have taken a more restrained approach under the bonnet, too, where only the diesel line-up has been revised. The existing 1.9-litre SDI is recognised as the least capable unit on offer, and it will be replaced by a 70bhp version of the 1.4 TDI, to go on sale alongside an 85bhp oil-burner. Petrol choices are set to remain largely unchanged, but all engines will comply with Euro IV emissions rules. Chassis engineers, meanwhile, are likely to take the opportunity to make some alter-ations to the Polo's suspension.

And although the mag's spies couldn't get close enough to see inside, cabin upgrades are not expected to go further than new plastics and fabrics. Equipment is also likely to be boosted.

Recently revealed by Auto Express as Britain's best value new car (in issue 846) - taking price, running figures and residual values into account - the Polo is set to cost the same. The supermini is already the cheapest model in the VW range - undercutting the smaller Lupo by ΂£885 - and its relatively low depreciation should ensure that it continues to be a good choice for cost-conscious buyers.

Despite being one of the most eagerly anticipated VWs in the 2005 line-up, the Polo wasn't revealed at this week's Geneva Motor Show. Bosses did not want it to steal the limelight from the all-new Passat - so the wraps will come off the revised Polo at next month's Leipzig Motor Show in Germany.

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Polo visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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