PoloDriver

Although the engine technology may have been refreshed, there are a whole host of innovations which make the new Polo the safest and most technologically-advanced model yet to wear the nameplate.

Borrowed from the larger Golf, all new Polos in the UK will be fitted with an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, which automatically brakes the car after a collision to reduce kinetic energy significantly and minimise the chance or consequences of a second impact.

The driver can ‘override’ system at any time, if accelerating for instance, or if hard braking is initiated which induces greater deceleration than the system itself. A range of optional driver assistance systems are available for the new Polo.

Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a front-mounted radar sensor to maintain a prescribed and preset vehicle speed and distance ahead, automatically braking or accelerating in flowing traffic. Adjustments can be made via the systems specific driving programmes.

DSG-equipped cars are automatically braked to a halt when traffic comes to a stop. Two further systems come specified on new Polos fitted with ACC: Front Assist and City Emergency Braking.

Front Assist
Front Assist is an ambient traffic monitoring system which uses the radar sensor to continually monitor the traffic ahead. It assists the driver in critical situations by preconditioning the braking system and alerting the driver by means of visual and acoustic warnings.

If the driver needs to react, it will also give a short jolt of the brake in a secondary stage. If not action is taken, Front Assist will brake automatically.

City Emergency Braking
City Emergency Braking is a system extension of Front Assist. The system operates at speeds below 18mph. If the driver does not react in a situation with an impending collision with a vehicle ahead that is moving or stationary, then the brake system is preconditioned as in Front Assist.

If necessary, City Emergency Braking will then automatically initiate hard braking to reduce the severity of the accident. In addition, the driver is assisted with maximum braking force if the pedal force by the driver is insufficient.

A module that includes both Front Assist and City Emergency Braking may be ordered separately, without ACC being specified.

Driver Alert System
The Driver Alert System detects waning concentration of the driver and emits an acoustic warning for five seconds, and a message appears in the instrument panel recommending a break from driving. If the driver does not take a break within the next 15 minutes, the warning is repeated.