2010 Volkwagen Polo unveiled at Geneva show

Volkswagen is unveiling the 2010 version of their Polo sub-compact hatchback at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. It is a complete makeover, although the exterior and interior will be very familiar to any VW owner. The most prominent feature is the undistinguished new corporate face.

Comfort, quality and safety have all taken a considerable leap forward. One example: the Polo was specifically designed to attain the recently established, stricter and more comprehensive, 5-star EuroNCAP rating. The higher structural rigidity of the Polo’s bodyshell contributes to these results. In the footwell area alone, intrusion – related to the car body’s deformation strength in a frontal crash – was lowered by 50 percent. In the case of a side impact, the intrusion value was reduced by 20 percent.

In addition, the European version of the Polo now being presented is equipped with standard ESP electronic stabilization program with Hill Hold Control, and it has a highly effective network of airbags on board, including combined head-thorax airbags (integrated in the front seatbacks), belt tensioners and belt force limiters plus seatbelt warning indicator and head restraints that counteract the risk of whiplash injury (both front seats), three rear head restraints and Isofix child seat preparation.

Despite significant improvements in all aspects of the car, it was possible to reduce the Polo’s body weight by 7.5 percent. The introduction of new TDI and TSI engines, as well as the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG), has resulted in considerably reduced fuel consumption and emissions over a wide range of engine power outputs. An example here is the new 1.2 TSI. This turbo-charged four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine produces 105 hp, yet it consumes just 5.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, 19 percent less than on the equivalent model of the previous generation.

In total, seven different engines will be offered on the new Polo in its first year – four gasoline and three diesel – spanning a power range from 60 hp to 105 hp. Five of these engines are entirely new or are being used for the first time in the Polo.

Available for selection here are the base version “Trendline”, the mid-level “Comfortline” and the top of the line “Highline”. Options that Polo drivers will be able to order on their new Volkswagen include static turning lights integrated in the front fog lights, (from “Comfortline” up), side curtain airbags (head airbag system for front and rear passengers), radio and radio-navigation systems and integrated hands-free telephone systems. A panorama sunroof and bi-xenon headlights will follow at a later time.

Start of production of the five-door Polo is scheduled for the end of March, while hitting European showrooms in June. Expect the GCC-spec cars to hit Dubai and UAE showrooms after the summer, with a starting price above Dhs 50,000.