Volkswagen Polo - 7th Generation

Volkswagen Polo 2022

As many as 14 Million Volkswagen Polo sold on the planet earth so far since its first generation was launched back in the year 1975, now in 2021 Volkswagen has showcased the seventh-generation past week for the international market which looks fairly inspired by the Volkswagen Golf and seventh-gen Polo no doubt can be called as “Hot Hatch”.

Currently, the fifth generation Polo is on sale in the Indian market for quite a long time, Volkswagen India is not considering to introduce the sixth generation Polo present in the European market as it will be around 5 years old by 2022. However, Volkswagen Polo enthusiasts in India have to wait a while to own the latest generation vehicle as the car will hit the showroom only by 2022 or maybe 2023. The 2022 Polo has got significant updates on the interior and exterior as well and you can say the updates are indeed eye-catching.

Platform

Seventh generation Polo is based on the MQB-A0 platform, this platform is the root in different Volkswagen Group of cars like Audi A1, Skoda Scala, Seat Ibiza, etc., and also its own model Volkswagen Golf, due to its flexibility MQB allows a range of vehicle to be designed and produced in a cost-effective manner. New Polo is larger in dimension compared to the present generation vehicle which measures 4053mm in length that needs to be customized for the Indian market to bag the sub-4-meter tax benefit.

Design

On the front Polo gets new headlights that are linked to the grill through a LED strip which seems to be a new fashion statement for the carmaker these days. Bigger opening on the grill along with larger air intakes on the bumpers for the car to breathe with ease. Volkswagen will be offering LED headlights as standard while Matrix LED headlamps set up with I.Q. technology will be available on the top-spec i.e. ‘R-Line’ variant. The DRL’s comprised of two parts where the upper part work as turn indicators and hazard lights while the lower ones are always on LEDs.

In the rear, there are completely redesigned two-part taillights that give a wider look to the boot. The tail lamps are made of Matrix LED lights while the second portion of the tail lamps is neatly integrated into the boot lid which opens up with the boot. Polo lettering is placed under the VW logo, stalk turn indicators now are cascading lights. The latest generation Polo will likely get 16-inch wheels as standard instead of the 14-inch and 17-inch alloys in top variant ‘R-Line’ model.

Engine

Engine options available will be a 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine which will produce 80HP and 95Nm torque, second engine option could be Turbocharged petrol producing 108HP and 175Nm torque while there can be a third engine option of a four-cylinder petrol producing 110HP coupled to a 6-speed manual/ DCT automatic gearbox and the GTI version will be power by a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 200HP.

Interior

The interior looks refreshing with a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster screen and a 9.2-inch infotainment system touch screen with 'We Connect' and 'We Connect Plus' services. The driver can customize the instrument cluster screen as per his/her requirements like an analogue speedometer & tachometer with maps in between or can switch between audio, telephone, vehicle status, driving data, navigation or can also opt for a full-screen navigation display. The Infotainment system is loaded with Navigation, Android Auto & Apple Carplay, Radio, Media, Telephone, Vehicle statistics etc., capacitive buttons on the side of the screen for direct access to the Menu and Volume adjustments.

The car also gets a multifunctional steering wheel with cruise control, lane assist, volume controls on the left while on the right are the controls for the digital instrument cluster. Manual knobs for A/C controls in base trim and digital A/C controls with sliding feather and touch buttons facility on the top of the line variant. 2 USB Type-C ports, wireless charging pad, two cup holders and ignition button is included in the R-line package.

Variants

7^th generation Polo will be launched in 3 variants in the international market viz. Life, Style and R-Line however Volkswagen India may or may not carry forward international variants name or they may stick to Trendline, Comfortline, Highline.

Colour

The international variant will be available in Ascot Gray, Kings Red, Vibrant Violet and Rauchgrau, along with Pure White, Reflex Silver and Reef Blue and Deep Black colours.

Safety
The talking point of the latest generation Volkswagen Polo is the Central Airbag which is located on the driver’s side near the armrest. The airbag opens towards the centre in the event of an accident offering protection to both driver and front passenger.

Competition
One of the biggest competition for seventh-generation Polo in India will be the third-generation Hyundai i20 with the features like six airbags, ABS and EBD, i20 also has the added advantage of Diesel motor, which can keep the Polo behind in the competition. Other brands like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, TATA Altroz and Honda Jazz will also compete with the latest generation Volkswagen Polo.

Hyundai i20