Volkswagen
/ VW Polo - Front Angle, 2014
Since its introduction in 2010, the Polo hasn't really been the kind
of success Volkswagen had hoped it to be. And during the last four years, apart
from a subtle facelift in 2013, VW's only hatchback has looked pretty much the
same. The Polo brand got a bit of a boost from the peppy GT TSI variant but in
terms of sales, they didn't push the numbers up by much. Now, Volkswagen have
given the Polo its first real makeover and the facelift definitely injects a
dose of freshness in the design. So, what has changed? Disappointingly, not all
of the changes of the international facelift were carried out on the Indian car
but, the list is still pretty long. We've got our hands on photographs of a
completely undisguised car and from a visual standpoint, have taken note of the
differences.
The majority of the external changes have
been carried out to the nose. The headlamps' shape has been redesigned and
apart from the black housing that's been carried over from its predecessor, the
lamps feature matte silver detailing too. Though a small touch, the Polo looks
more up-market. What's missing on this version though are the European
version's attractive daytime-running lights that could have added a lot more
aspirational value to the Polo amongst Indian customers. Also as part of the
facelift, now, just the lowest bar on the grille gets treated with chrome
instead of all three in the earlier model. The front bumper is completely new
too. It features a prominent, larger black air dam and is surrounded by a strip
of chrome that nicely complements the chrome on the grille.
Volkswagen
/ VW Polo - Interior, 2014
Looking at the new Polo in profile, it's hard to spot any
significant difference apart from the alloys. The rear too has undergone
limited updates; the bumper looks a tad more muscular and there is a slight
change in the tail-lamp design.
The new Polo will also feature at least one additional paint shade -
the striking orange seen here. The cabin isn't radically changed, but there is
a brand new steering wheel. The tastefully detailed wheel makes the interiors
feel even more premium. The new wheel features a piano black base for the
steering mounted controls and the buttons have been rearranged to improve
functionality as well.
Sadly, the global car’s new, technical-looking instrument cluster
isn't visible on this version. So, instead of the bolder 3-D looking dials and
chrome-lined instrument binnacle, you get the same meters as the current Polo.
Also unchanged is the audio system head unit (at least visually) and the gear
knob.
With a new face, Volkswagen is expected to offer new engines as
well. Apart from the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, customers will
have the option of choosing between the 1.2 TSI turbo-petrol and an all new
1.5-litre diesel engine as well. The diesel will be offered with either 89bhp
in the standard car or a more powerful 104bhp in the GT TDI model.
“Changes aren't just cosmetic, there's an all-new 1.5 diesel engine
too.”
Considering we caught this facelifted Polo
being driven around completely undisguised, it shouldn't be long before it
lands up at the dealerships. Interestingly, Volkswagen has halted production of
the current Polo, and isn't taking any new bookings if stocks have run out for
that particular model. Only a few dealers who have stock of the old Polo are
taking bookings to clear their inventories.
Volkswagen
/ VW Polo - Engine, 2014
The Polo has always sported an elegant design and the facelift makes
it look even more upmarket now. Also, the new 1.5-litre diesel engine promises
to deliver a better driving experience than the one it replaces.
