The 6th generation Polo will not be launched here due to tax incentives that does not favor European brands.
This Polo was launched for the global market in April 2021. To date some 18 million units have already been produced and delivered to customers around the globe and this is the 6th generation of this globally successful compact car.
Riding along the success of its bigger brother, the VW Golf, this latest Polo continues to look very much like the just arrived VW Golf Mk8 which is slated for a Malaysian launch in a couple of weeks in two variants.
The Polo is sold in ASIA with four engine and gearbox configurations, however it is the 95 PS with 175 Nm power plant that interest us as it comes available with both a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG (this automatic version has arrived in some ASEAN nations starting with VW Singapore).
The range-topping 110 PS, 200 Nm engine is available exclusively with the 7-speed DSG is the most rapid Polo in the range, taking 10.4 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill.
With an equipment list containing even more features and technologies than the outgoing Polo, this revised 6th generation introduces big-car technology to a compact Volkswagen.
Standard across the range are LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control and an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit. Plus, there are handy features such as two front and two rear USB sockets, power-folding, adjustable door mirrors and automatic rain-sensing wipers to keep up with its Korean and Japanese rivals.
The VW Polo’s 8.0-inch Ready 2 Discover infotainment system is built on the third-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) and therefore brings App-Connect, which uses either a USB connection or Bluetooth link to activate smartphone mirroring via the central touchscreen.
This new Polo also gets VW’s IQ.Light intelligent LED matrix headlights, which allow individual settings for different driving conditions and environments. Also standard-fit for the Polo Style are front and rear parking sensors; 16-inch ‘Palermo’ alloy wheels; 2-zone climate control; an upgraded 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro dashboard display; and a Discover Navigation infotainment system.
Inside the more premium Polo you get a sporty black roof lining; stainless steel pedals; and sports comfort seats for the driver and front passenger, with upholstery in ‘Karoso Artvelours’ microfleece.
The R-Line also shares many of its luxury features with the Polo Style, with a Discover Navigation infotainment system, Digital Cockpit Pro, ambient lighting and 2-zone climate control as standard, as well as Dynamic Road Sign Display and High Beam Assist aids.
Unless the Polo is local assembled and with possible high volume sales, there is no business case for Volkswagen in Malaysia to bring and sell this compact hatch in a very crowded and price competitive segment which is dominated by Proton, Perodua, Honda, Toyota, Suzuki and Mazda.
