Exclusive drive of next-generation version of VW’s big-selling supermini. We deliver first verdict on this crucial model.
VOLKSWAGEN’S new Polo isn’t due in showrooms until the end of the year, and we won’t even see official pictures until the car’s unveiling in the summer, but Auto Express has already been behind the wheel of this crucial new model on a secret test with VW engineers in South Africa.
There are currently no official details on anything other than engines, but we drove the new, three-cylinder 94bhp 1.0- litre in an early, disguised prototype. In spite of the car’s camouflage inside and out, it’s clear that the new Polo’s styling will be evolutionary. Our exclusive image (opposite) gives you an idea of how it’ll look. However, what lies underneath is more revolutionary – it’s the VW Group’s new MQB A0 small-car platform that will be used in everything from the new SEAT Ibiza (driven in Issue 1,467) to a brand new range of small SUVs.
Although the Polo’s overall dimensions look pretty similar to the outgoing car’s, it’s clear that the wheels have been pushed further apart to increase the wheelbase – possibly equalling the Ibiza’s own wheelbase boost of 95mm. That means there’s excellent rear space for a supermini, enabling larger adults to sit comfortably in the back. Head and shoulder room seems to have been improved, too.
Denne historien er fra April 19, 2017-utgaven av Auto Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 19, 2017-utgaven av Auto Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PEUGEOT E-2008 GT
Our Peugeot EV and classic BMW may be the perfect two-car garage
SHOW 'N' TELL
Our 2024 Performance Car of the Year, Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N EV, takes on the revamped Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
F1 EXHIBITION IS GO GO GO
Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill shows us around a celebration of the greatest sport on Earth
BYD Dolphin Active
Lower power means a more affordable price, but the new entry-level Dolphin is left wanting in other areas
Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé
FIRST DRIVE We get behind the wheel of new CLE that aims to offer both comfort and a scincillating driving experience
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ergonomic improvements are a welcome enhancement to VW's iconic hot hatch, but there's still no manual version
Toyota Prius
FIRST UK DRIVE Toyota's hybrid pioneer finally returns to these shores in fifth-generation guise and exclusively as a plug-in hybrid
INSURANCE SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
INSURANCE FRAUD BUREAU EXPERT GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON THE LATEST SWINDLES
Honda's updated HR-V sports sharp new look
Brand's best-selling model in Europe has also received some interior revisions and extra safety kit
Audi sets £70k start price for new A6 EV
ORDER books for the new Audi A6 e-tron are open now, with prices from just under £70,000 and deliveries starting next February.