Range Rover

Volkswagen is extending the Polo model range with a spirited three-door version. Its longer doors, new side window styling and the dynamic lines of its C-pillars – compared to the five-door version – give the car a near coupe-like appearance in side profile.

At its market launch this autumn, the extremely stylish, efficient and safe three-door hatchback will be available with seven engine options (from 44 kW / 60 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS) and three equipment versions (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline). The entry-level model will be the three-door Polo 1.2 Trendline with ESP at a price of 12,150 Euros. It will also be available as the new Polo BlueMotion in three and five-door formats; the production version was shown at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September. This, the world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class (55 kW / 75 PS), has a fuel consumption of 3.3 litres diesel per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 87 g/km CO2). With all these additional versions the Polo range really begins to gather commercial pace. The declared goal of Volkswagen is to accelerate sales of the Polo to match those of Europe’s most successful car, the Golf.

Distinctive styling proportions



The three-door Polo becomes the latest Volkswagen model range to follow the new
"design DNA". This "DNA" was developed by Group Design Chief Walter de Silva.
The brand’s identifying new face is a key aspect of this styling. It exhibits a
strong horizontal orientation of basic surfaces and a clarity of forms that de
Silva refers to as "La Semplicità".



In the design process, high priority is given to the car’s proportions. Walter
de Silva: "A ‘bella automobile’ has perfect proportions. The Polo confirms this
to be true." Striking in this context are the short body overhangs, the car’s
broad width in proportion to its height, its prominent wheel housings and
powerful shoulder sections. Style defining is the side profile of the three-door
Polo. As on every Volkswagen designed under the leadership of de Silva, there
are just two key lines here: the upper shoulder line, known as the "tornado"
line, and another supportive lower line. Resting atop the dominant tornado line
between the upper borders of the headlights and taillights is the roof. The
strong shoulder section is also developed from the tornado line. Even more: The
upper and lower lines generate an exciting interplay of light and shadow, and
despite the design’s simplicity they also create a very muscular modulation of
surfaces.



Overall, the three-door Polo has an appearance that is lower to the ground and
extended. The reason: Visually, the practically invisible B-pillar and more
slender C-pillar give the side windows a longer appearance. This effect is
reinforced by the longer upward curve of the side windows from the B-pillar
back. This results in an even more dynamic overall feeling.



The body dimensions of the three and five-door versions are identical with a
length of 3,970 millimetres, width of 1,682 millimetres and height of 1,462
millimetres. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacities (280 to
952 litres).

Generous standard features



Even the base version – the Polo Trendline – is being launched with an extensive
package of safety and convenience features. A standard feature in all large EU
countries is the electronic stabilization program ESP. Other standard features
include daytime running lights, power-assist steering, electric windows in
front, central locking, loadspace area lighting, warning buzzer for light left
on, height adjustment on driver’s seat, vanity mirrors, tinted windows and hill
hold control.



Identifying features of the mid-line equipment version, the Comfortline
(starting at 14,150 Euros and 51 kW / 70 PS), are body-coloured door mirrors and
door handles, H7 dual headlights, chrome trim inserts in the radiator grille and
15-inch wheels. On the convenience side, the car is supplemented by standard
features such as an air conditioning system, electrically adjustable and heated
door mirrors, Easy-Entry System (three-door), height-adjustable front
passenger’s seat, sliding storage drawers under the front seats, front centre
armrest, various accents in aluminium look, split folding rear bench
seat/backrest, dual cargo floor, storage pockets on the backrests of the front
seats and RF remote central locking.



The exclusive Polo Highline (starting at 15,900 Euros and 63 kW / 85 PS) is
characterised by a wide range of individualising features. It is differentiated
from the Comfortline equipment version by exterior features that include
additional chrome trim inserts in the lower front air intake, 15-inch alloy
wheels and front fog lamps. Inside, the Polo Highline upgrades feature a
three-spoke leather steering wheel, heated front seats, multi-function display
and tyre pressure indicator, height-adjustable sport seats and leather-trimmed
handbrake grip and gear knob.

Advanced, fuel efficient engines



At this time, seven engines are offered on the three- and five-door Polo: four
petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines are available with power outputs of
44 kW / 60 PS, 51 kW / 70 PS and 63 kW / 85 PS. For the first time, Volkswagen
is also offering an automatic 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) as an option on
the Polo in conjunction with the 85-PS petrol engine. Also soon to be available
is a fourth petrol engine, a new fuel efficient TSI. This engine too will be
offered with an optional DSG transmission.



In the area of diesel engines, Volkswagen is exclusively offering new common
rail TDI engines with particulate filters on three- and five-door Polos. Power
outputs are 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The 90-PS version
may be ordered with DSG. The fourth TDI to be offered is the new 1.2-litre TDI
Polo BlueMotion. This will be introduced at the beginning of 2010 (advance sales
begin in 2009).

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