PoloDriver

2017 was yet another busy year for the Volkswagen Polo. The launch and introduction of the all-new sixth-generation model has been the major news, and although there has been no Polo rally action in 2017, the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTI has dominated the World Rallycross Championship in the hands of Johan Kristoffersson.

But, with a debut for the new Polo GTI R5 later in 2018, the stages look set for a Polo return to asphalt and gravel action. The Engen Volkswagen Cup in South Africa is due to run new-generation Polo GTIs, too, in 2018, so next year’s Polo motorsport activity is shaping up very nicely.

Right now, though, we round up the Polo’s biggest achievements in 2017. (Bold entries are illustrated by the picture above that particular month’s list of events.)

January

• Al-Attiyah confirms no Polo R WRC in 2017 FIA World Rally Championship
• PSRX and Volkswagen Sweden rallycross team confirmed
• Polo Sound special edition launched in Germany
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins Autocar India’s Performance Hatchback of the Year award
• Polo is the tenth best-selling car in Europe (JATO).

February

• FIA prohibits complete homologation of 2017 Volkswagen Polo R WRC
• Polo GTI 230 special edition for Switzerland
• Guy Wilks confirmed for Polo RX in 2017 World Rallycross Championship
• Polo-based VW Ameo wins Car India and Bike India’s ’Compact Sedan Of The Year’ award
• Polo is the seventh best-selling car in the UK.

March

• Citi Vivo special edition launched in South Africa
• 1,250,000th Polo production jubilee celebrated by Volkswagen South Africa
• Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line launched in South Africa
• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden reveals 2017 World Rallycross Polo GTI Supercar
• Volkswagen Motorsport announces new Polo R5 rally car testing plans
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins the Thrill of Driving Award at the Times Auto Awards
• Polo-based VW Ameo wins the Compact Sedan of the Year at the Times Auto Awards
• Polo is the seventh best-selling car in the UK.

April


• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTIs show pace at World RX of Barcelona
• Kristoffersson drives Polo GTI Supercar to World RX of Portugal podium
• Volkswagen India launches limited edition Polo GT Sport
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins Flywheel Auto Awards’ 2017 Performance Hatchback of the Year award
• Indian-market Polo GTI wins BBC Top Gear Awards’ 2017 Hot Hatch of the Year award
• Polo is the ninth best-selling car in the UK.

May

• Fifth-generation Polo-based Volkswagen Vento Allstar and GT launched in Malaysia
• World RX of Hockenheim podium place for Kristoffersson and Polo GTI
• PSRX Volkswagen Sweden Polo GTIs dominate World RX of Belgium with double podium
• Sixth-generation Polo prototype drives and ‘sneak peek’ video published
• Solberg and Kristoffersson do the double at World RX of Great Britain
• Polo is the fifth best-selling car in the UK.

June

• Volkswagen launches sixth-generation Polo ‘teaser’ video campaign
• Johan Kristoffersson takes second 2017 World RX victory in Norway
• First images of new Polo revealed ahead of 16 June world premiere
• New sixth-generation Polo unveiled at Berlin world premiere event on 16 June
• Polo is the eighth best-selling car in the UK.

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With the sixth-generation Polo about to hit UK roads, Falken Tyres has been selected as an official tyre supplier for the new car. The German manufacturer will supply VW factories with its premium Azenis FK453, Sincera 832A Ecorun, and Ziex ZE914A Ecorun offerings, as well as its winter Eurowinter HS449 fitment.

The high-performance Azenis FK453 has particularly impressed in independent testing, with motoring magazine Auto Zeitung praising the 225/50 size. The tyre was ‘Highly Recommended’ by the publication for its top performance in agility, braking and high speed in wet conditions on the test circuit.

Cutting-edge technology
The Sincera 832A Ecorun meanwhile was developed using the latest cutting-edge technology (the 4D-Nano Design simulation system was used in developing the tread compound) and was also highly praised by independent testers. The Ziex ZE914A Ecorun is also a multiple award-winner, rated ‘Good’ for size 185/60R15 84H from testers at Auto Bild magazine and ‘Recommended’ for size 215/60′ from the Auto Motor und Sport title.

Finally, the Eurowinter HS449 has received three ‘Recommended’ ratings. The Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) and the Swiss Touring Club (TCS) tested the 165/70R14 81T tyre and praised its handling in dry and icy conditions as well as its fuel economy. A further ‘Recommended’ commendation was also awarded by the testers at Auto Bild.

All of the tyres are produced at the SRI plant in Thailand, one of the largest and most modern tyre plants in the world, and Falken will supply the following sizes: Azenis FK453 – 215/45′ 91Wn; Sincera 832A Ecorun – 185/70R14 88H, 185/65R15 88H and 185/65R15 88H; Ziex ZE914A Ecorun – 195/55R16 91V; and Eurowinter HS449 – 185/65R15 88T.

Christian Stolting, Key Account Manager OE at Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, said: ‘The range and attributes of our tyres complement the broad requirements of the VW Polo. From tyres for drivers seeking a sporting ride through to tyres for drivers whose priorities are energy efficiency and mileage, we will deliver tyres to suit every application.’

‘Consistent high performance’
‘We offer an extensive portfolio of tyres that regularly convince independent testing organisations as well as being praised by drivers themselves and we are delighted to hear that this has been underlined by Volkswagen. We see the decision as confirmation of our consistent high performance in both development and production,’ he continued.

We previously reported that the UK order books for the brand-new sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo opened on 3 October, with a limited range of three trim and two 1.0-litre engine options. Today, Volkswagen UK announced a further two engine choices, in addition to a further, range-topping SEL trim level.

The new options start at £15,060 for the normally-aspirated 1.0-litre 74bhp SE, while the same model in Beats trim is priced at £16,110 ‘on the road’ (OTR). The most powerful 1.0-litre petrol unit with 113bhp is available in SEL trim starting at £18,180 OTR with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £19,530 with a seven-speed automatic DSG transmission.

Polo SELs sit at the top of the ‘non-sporting’ new Polo family tree and offer 16-inch ‘Las Minas’ alloy wheels, chrome interior accents and LED lighting, front fog lights with static cornering function, front sports seats, and an eight-inch Discover Navigation colour infotainment system over SE models.

Seven-model Polo family
The sixth-generation Polo is available from £13,855 OTR, and the range will eventually expand to feature a seven-model family, including a 197bhp GTI and an enhanced-specification GTI+ trim. Prices and availability for the R-Line, GTI, GTI+ and the 1.6-litre TDI cars have yet to be released.

Entry-level S cars include air conditioning, auto headlights with LED daytime running lights, eight-inch ‘Composition Media’ infotainment system and Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring system. SE cars gain 15-inch ‘Sassari’ alloy wheels, the ‘Car-Net App Connect’ smartphone connectivity system, and a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel.

Similar to its fifth-generation predecessor, the new Polo Beats gets a 300-watt sound system as standard, as well as ‘Beats’ bonnet and roof decals, 16-inch ‘Torsby’ alloy wheels, front fog lights, front and rear carpet mats, a ‘Red Velvet’ dash pad, and 65 per cent-tinted windows from the B-pillar back. Sporty R-Line Polos are fitted with 16-inch ‘Sebring’ alloy wheels, LED rear lights, an R-Line body kit (front and rear bumpers with gloss black rear spoiler), and stainless steel pedals.

GTI models meanwhile boast 17-inch ‘Parker’ alloy wheels (the same design as the latest Golf GTI), red brake calipers, 15mm lower sports suspension, and Volkswagen’s XDS electronic differential. Finally, GTI+ models gain the Active Info Display digital instruments (optional on other new Polos), adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, Light & Sight pack, and keyless entry with start-stop button.

Standard-setting trends
The new Polo continues the standard-setting trends of its predecessors. Class firsts include the debut of Volkswagen’s second-generation ‘Active Info Display’ digital instruments, as well as a new level of assistance systems in the small car sector. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, City Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Monitoring technologies.

All new Polos also have a stop-start system and regenerative braking, while cars with an output of 94bhp or more can be ordered with a six or seven-speed DSG gearbox as an option to the standard five or six-speed manual gearbox. For more details on the all-new Polo, together with brochures and pricing of the versions available – and to use Volkswagen’s online configurator – visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

NEW VOLKSWAGEN POLO PRICES (UK, RRP OTR)

S
1.0 64bhp, 110g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £13,855

SE
1.0 64bhp, 108g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £14,630
1.0 74bhp, 108g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £15,060
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 101g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £15,930
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 105g/km*, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: £17,280

Beats
1.0 64bhp, 110g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £15,680
1.0 74bhp, 110g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £16,110
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 103g/km*, five-speed manual, 5dr: £16,980
1.0 TSI 94bhp, 107g/km*, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: £18,330

SEL
1.0 TSI 113bhp, 107g/km*, six-speed manual, 5dr: £18,180
1.0 TSI 113bhp, 109g/km*, seven-speed DSG, 5dr: £19,530

*Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (Directive 93/116/EEC). This allows a direct comparison between different manufacturer models but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in ‘real world’ driving conditions. More information is available on the Volkswagen website at www.volkswagen.co.uk and at www.dft.gov.uk/vca

Despite a new model waiting in the wings, the Volkswagen Polo is still one the of the UK’s most popular cars. According to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 2,703 fifth-generation Polos were registered in October 2017, the model sitting in eighth place in the UK top 10 passenger car registrations chart. Overall, 43,158 Polos have found new UK homes in 2017 so far.

The SMMT’s October 2017 figures state that the new car market saw a double-digit decline when compared to the same period in 2016. A fall of 12.2 per cent saw a total of 158,192 new cars registered last month, with the year-to-date tally of 2,224,603 cars down 4.6 per cent on last year. Diesel sales have slumped 29.9 per cent. The UK’s top 10 most popular cars during October 2017 and the year-to-date (sales figure and position in brackets) were as follows:

1 Ford Fiesta: 7,256 (83,070, 1st)
2 Volkswagen Golf: 5,547 (62,565, 2nd)
3 Ford Focus: 4,503 (62,029, 3rd)
4 Nissan Qashqai: 3,923 (57,120, 4th)
5 Mercedes-Benz A Class: 3,390 (37,937, 10th)
6 Kia Sportage: 2,850
7 Audi A3: 2,764
8 Volkswagen Polo: 2,703 (43,158, 6th)
9 BMW 4 Series: 2,558
10 Ford Kuga: 2,493

(The UK’s 2017 year-to-date top 10 most popular cars absent from October’s registration figures were the fifth-placed Vauxhall Corsa, the seventh-placed Vauxhall Astra, the eighth-placed Mercedes-Benz C Class and the ninth-placed Mini with 43,315, 43,116, 41,281, and 38,964 registrations recorded respectively.)

Free insurance offer on new Polo
With the sixth-generation Polo already on sale in the UK from £13,855 (RRP OTR), Volkswagen has announced a free insurance offer on the new model, the first deliveries of which should arrive in January 2018. One year’s free comprehensive cover applies to qualifying customers aged between 18 and 80*, and customers can also receive a deposit contribution of £500 when they buy a new Polo with a Volkswagen Financial Services’ Solutions Personal Contract Plan** at 5.9 per cent APR representative.

While Volkswagen’s free insurance offer for the new Polo provides a great incentive for car buyers, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of securing one’s life. Life insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring financial protection for individuals and their families, offering peace of mind beyond the realm of automotive concerns. As prospective Polo owners explore the comprehensive cover provided for their vehicles, it’s also an opportune moment to consider the broader spectrum of insurance needs. To gain a better understanding of available options, individuals can explore LIFE INSURANCE QUOTES that align with their specific requirements, providing a holistic approach to safeguarding both assets and loved ones. Planning for the future encompasses not only the safety of your car but also the well-being of your loved ones.

The new Polo has also been added to the list of models included in Volkswagen’s Scrappage Upgrade scheme. Owners of diesel vehicles registered before 2010 that comply with pre-Euro 5*** emissions legislation will qualify for the scrappage upgrade. The vehicles can be traded-in to benefit from incentives ranging from £1,800 to £6,000 against the new Polo and other VWs and have been owned by the customer for at least six months. Orders must also be placed by 31 December 2017.

For more details on the Volkswagen Scrappage Upgrade scheme, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/scrappage.

Polo Vivo number one in South Africa
Elsewhere last month, the Polo surrendered its second most popular car status in South Africa, slipping to fourth spot with 1,950 examples registered. With 2,851 cars registered, the entry-level Polo Vivo held onto its number one position. Based on the revised fourth-generation Polo sold in Europe from 2005 to 2009, the Vivo has dominated the South African new car sales charts since it was introduced in 2009, when it took over from the fondly remembered Citi Golf as Volkswagen South Africa’s lowest-priced model.

*One year’s insurance included at no extra cost from Volkswagen Insurance is available on new Polo models ordered from 3 October 2017 to 2 January 2018 and registered by 31 March 2018 for drivers aged 18-80 (GTI is 25 and over). Drivers under 18 are not eligible. Excludes Northern Ireland. Drivers aged 18-24 are required to share their driving style data with a telematics product. Other eligibility criteria apply. Go to www.insurewithvolkswagen.co.uk/polo for full terms and conditions. This offer may be extended, changed or removed at any point. Volkswagen Motor Insurance from Volkswagen Financial Services is arranged and administered by Carrot Risk Technologies Limited.

**At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Subject to Status. 18+. T&Cs and exclusions apply. Indemnities may be required. Offer available when ordered by 02/01/18 from participating Retailers. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication 07/11/2017. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services.

***Euro emissions standards: the ‘Euro 1’ standard was introduced in 1992 to help reduce vehicle emissions. Progressively more stringent Euro standards have been implemented since then – helping to lower emissions still further – with Euro 5 being introduced in 2009/2010. ‘Euro 6’, the standard that all new petrol and diesel cars must meet, is currently the toughest yet.

The new Volkswagen Polo has been awarded the highest safety rating from Euro NCAP, in the latest round of results released by the car safety body. Both it and the new T-Roc compact SUV achieved a five-star rating due to their myriad safety and protection systems. Even the entry-level new Polo models are equipped with six airbags and an automatic post-collision braking system.

‘Democratising safety for decades’
Both new Volkswagens topped the listings in the Euro NCAP key test areas: ‘Adult Occupant’, ‘Child Occupant’, ‘Pedestrian’ and ‘Safety Assist’ (assistance systems). ‘Volkswagen has been democratising safety for decades. The outstanding Euro NCAP ratings for the Polo and T-Roc demonstrate once again how we are making maximum safety available to the drivers of mini and compact models as well,’ said Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development.

During the tests, Euro NCAP examined the loads to which adult occupants are subjected in various accident scenarios. The new Polo scored 96 per cent (out of a maximum of 100) in its class and also received an impressive rating in the more challenging side-impact test. Euro NCAP commented that ‘the protection of all critical body areas is good; and the Polo attained maximum points’ in relation to the the side barrier and side pole crash tests.

2017 Volkswagen Polo: Euro NCAP test

2017 Volkswagen Polo: Euro NCAP test

2017 Volkswagen Polo: Euro NCAP test

2017 Volkswagen Polo: Euro NCAP test

Top figure in its segment
The Polo scored 85 per cent – the top figure it its segment – when it came to child occupant protection. It also boasted high figures in the pedestrian protection test – 76 per cent – and in the ‘Safety Assist’ assistance systems category (59 per cent). The full sixth-generation Polo Euro NCAP ratings can be seen here, and come after the latest small Volkswagen also scored top marks in similar Latin NCAP tests.

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is an international and independent consortium of governments and non-governmental organisations. The mission of Euro NCAP is to provide automobile buyers with information on the safety of the most popular vehicles sold in Europe in a timely manner.