Volkswagen Polo (2010)

Visually speaking, the Volkswagen Polo was developed 1:1 from the principles of the new Volkswagen "Design DNA". The Scirocco, the first model with this pedigree, was sent to the races in 2008 to take pole position among the world's best cars. Today, this coupé retains its value more consistently than any other car in Germany. The second wave of the new DNA also debuted in 2008 in the new Volkswagen Golf and its high-roofed counterpart, the Volkswagen Golf Plus. These models have since regained number 1 rankings in the eyes of buyers, a fact born out in car registration statistics. Arriving now is the third model based on the new Volkswagen Design DNA - the Polo.

Close network of designers, development engineers and production experts

A precondition for implementing this design philosophy, which is characterized by the greatest precision and clarity, are progressive and highly innovative development and production methods. Designers, development engineers and production experts at Volkswagen work together in closer interaction than is otherwise usual. Their goal was to produce a level of quality, both technical and visual, that is generally only found in cars several classes higher. This alliance was implemented with great success over the past two years by a leadership team under the direction of Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. On this team, experts such as Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann (Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Group; Production), Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand; Development) and Walter de Silva (Head of Group Design) combine their creative energies to design and produce cars like the new Volkswagen Polo.

Design and dimensions

Thanks to the new design DNA defined by Walter de Silva, the impression that this Volkswagen Polo makes - in contrast to many other cars in the so-called A0 or supermini class - is not contrived or 'cute'; instead it is mature.

New Volkswagen Polo shows the new Volkswagen family face

The VW Polo, with its distinctive new Volkswagen family face, is instead a purposeful and impressive car, which - measuring just 3,970 millimeters in length (+54 millimeters compared to previous model) and 1,682 millimeters wide (+32 millimeters) - offers space for up to five people and a lot of luggage (280 to 952 liters). The car's generous gain in width combined with a reduction in height (-13 to 1,453 millimeters) lends the Volkswagen Polo a more dynamic stance and purposeful appearance. The design itself is defined by sharp, precise lines without stylistic gimmicks that quickly fade in popularity; because in the long run, less is more - and the consistently high resale values of Volkswagens are longstanding proof of this claim.

Walter de Silva's creative touch in a style of "Semplicità"

This explains why Walter de Silva intentionally declared "La Semplicità" - "the simplicity" - as his credo here. "La Semplicità" in no way means a diminishment of features. The opposite is the case. Walter de Silva: "Elegance and emotionality, sportiness and dynamics, continue to guide design and styling. In pursuit of simplicity and clarity, one must carefully consider how to express the intentions of designers while speaking to those of the observer."

The starting point for all of these deliberations is the car's reflection on the Volkswagen brand, its history and its values. "Certain distinctive design elements", says de Silva, "have evolved as typical of the brand. Mastery of the architecture and a balance of proportions have formed the foundation, the emphasis on horizontal lines has evolved into a unifying characteristic across models, and a literal love for details has become an essential means of expression." Above all, there is a very high level of quality that can be clearly seen in the unmistakable precision of the car's lines and in the treatment of its surfaces. The new Volkswagen Polo reflects these design principles par excellence.

"The Polo," underscores de Silva, "displays self-assured proportions. As soon as you see the car, you are struck by its dynamic looks, while the design is clean and the overall appearance very purposeful. Reduced radii, tight seams and extremely sharp panel edges in its side profile, engine hood and tailgate underscore the car's logical design concept. Above all, the gain in width leads to a very full, powerful image from every perspective."

Front end

The Volkswagen family face that has been specially adapted to the VW Polo with its flat grille and band of headlights that has typified the brand ever since the Scirocco - emphasizes the car's additional width. Moreover, it conveys an image of the car's very low center of gravity. Harmoniously integrated in this face are the Volkswagen Polo's body-colored bumpers beneath the black grille.

In a third horizontal line below this, there is another large air inlet that supplies the engine and brakes with ample air. At its sides, this black band incorporates the daytime running lights and fog lights with integrated turn indicators. The daytime running lights save up to 0.15 liter of fuel per 100 kilometers compared to conventional continuous running lights. Just a few centimeters above the road, the narrow body-colored front spoiler catches the eye. This spoiler has been moved forward, and it makes a decisive contribution towards the car's exemplary pedestrian protection credentials.

Volkswagen offers the Polo with two different headlights, depending on selected options: the "Trendline" base version is fitted with H4 headlights. H7 dual headlights are installed starting with the "Comfortline". Also integrated in the headlights are the turn signal lights. In terms of styling, external and internal design features of the headlights with their different lighting elements combine with the lines of the radiator grille to form one unit.

Rear end

The rear of the car is characterized by geometric order and sportiness. The design cue from the headlights, with their line breaking off with an upward turn, is taken up again in the taillights. They also display a very distinctive night look and extend into the Volkswagen Polo's broad shoulder. Supported on these shoulders - in the area of the car's lateral "character line" that can be seen from every perspective - is the roof section. Meanwhile, the tailgate extends right down to the bumper. Just as on the Volkswagen Golf, the Polo's tailgate is opened with the VW logo, which swivels up and functions as a handle. Standard equipment: a roof edge spoiler integrated in the tailgate.

The car's image is also exceptionally powerful from the rear. From this angle, one can clearly see how designers exploited the increased track width (+29 millimeters in front and +30 in rear) and stretched the outer wheels along a vertical plane right up to the wheel wells as though carved out with a knife. That is also why the Volkswagen Polo can easily accommodate very large wheel-tire combinations. The range of optional tire sizes extends all the way to 215/40 R17.

Side profile

The lateral profile line is, among other things, dominated by the distinctively sporty front overhang and extremely short rear overhang, the clearly modeled "character line" and low roof that slopes towards the rear. The prominent shoulder line also gives the vehicle a new lateral structure and emphasizes its generally masculine appearance. Since the fourth generation, the five-door VW Polo has also sported what is known as a "three window look". This refers to the third side window integrated in the C pillar. This design feature is especially prominent on the new Volkswagen Polo. In the area of the A and C pillars, the lower window line also takes an upward sweep, a reference to the styling of the headlights and taillights. Also striking are the pronounced side skirts, whose shape offers aerodynamic benefits. The VW Polo's underbody is optimized for optimal airflow. Also enhancing aerodynamic performance are the redesigned outside mirror housings, whose air resistance has been reduced by 20 percent compared to the previous model.

Quality and passive safety

High body quality and passive safety are very "perceptible" aboard a car, especially in the rigidity of the car body. This is quite evident on the new Volkswagen Polo, because the Volkswagen offers an excellent value of static torsional rigidity at 180,000 Nm/° . The reason: a car body's static rigidity is a key technical property and an important and relevant parameter in evaluating subjective parameters such as safety, quality, and of course driving comfort. The high static rigidity of the new VW Polo is attained, among other things, by high-strength and very high-strength steels and the right structural design for loading and reinforcement of body nodal points.

This is clearly illustrated at the rear of the Volkswagen Polo: Here too there are very rigid nodal components with envelope-type profile construction, which extend quite far into the contact area of the tailgate hinges. In addition, adhesive joints are used. This construction method optimizes the approach of using a nodal system for rigidity and produces a homogeneous distribution of rigidity in upper body sections. Similar examples of profile-intensive lightweight envelope construction can be found throughout the Volkswagen Polo's body structure.

Greater stability despite reduced weight

Static rigidity was certainly not attained at the cost of added weight. The opposite is true: The car has an excellent lightweight construction factor of 3.6. The lower this factor, the more efficient the implementation of body structure in terms of lightness and rigidity. The new VW Polo is therefore a perfect example of highly innovative lightweight construction. The fact that the body of this Volkswagen is 7.5 percent lighter than that of the previous model, despite its safety gains, illustrates this impressively.

Top values for dynamic rigidity too

High dynamic rigidity is an essential factor in attaining excellent vehicle dynamics, vibration comfort and ideally balanced acoustics. On the new Volkswagen Polo, the combination of an optimal structural layout of the car body, clever material selection and innovative welding and gluing processes result in top values of 43 Hz for the so-called torsional natural frequency and 46 Hz for the bending natural frequency. In all relevant body zones, high local rigidity values also provide for good sound insulation and therefore for an exceptionally low interior noise level.

Crash behavior

Among its goals, the VW Polo was specifically designed to attain the new, 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 resistance to deformation in a frontal crash - was lowered by 50 percent! In the case of a side impact, the intrusion value was reduced by 20 percent. Specific actions taken to protect occupants in a frontal, side or rear crash:

Frontal crash

In a frontal crash - such as an offset crash between two vehicles (with half vehicle overlap of both vehicles) that commonly occurs - the very rigid occupant cell creates a survival space for the driver and passenger. In front, an extremely rigid bumper crossmember was specially designed for an offset crash, in that it takes the impact energy and distributes it to the side of the vehicle not directly affected by the impact too. As a result, both side frame members can now absorb the energy together. The side frames were optimized to achieve a deceleration curve in a frontal crash that significantly reduces on occupant loads.

Moreover, the lower crossmember in the footwell area is designed as a form strengthened component. First, this has reduced its weight by half, and second, it attains very high strength. As previously noted, this has reduced intrusions in the footwell area by up to 50 percent compared to the previous model. In turn, this reduces biomechanical loads to the feet and lower legs enormously. The pedals in the Volkswagen Polo offer passive protection; ideally they prevent injuries in a crash by freeing up space for the feet and lower legs.

The side body section, designed as a type of ring structure - together with the door framed within it - provides for additional form stability, even in frontal accidents with very little overlap. In what are known as load paths, extremely strong, partially form-strengthened sheet metal reinforcements are used here too - in the A-pillar, the similarly braced door rail extending to the B-pillar, the roof frame and the side sills.

Side impact

The VW Polo development team assigned special priority to effective side impact protection, since the crush zone in the area of the doors is of course quite small. When the new Volkswagen Polo collides with an object on its side, the energy is channeled via the special form-strengthened B-pillar and profiled impact beams arranged diagonally in the door. Compared to the previous model, the seat crossmember and side sills were significantly reinforced. In this way, both the speed of the intruding object, or colliding vehicle in the crash as well as the intrusion itself, are reduced by 20 percent in a side impact, as already mentioned.

Very critical, as a rule, are accidents in which the car collides with a tree from the side. This case is simulated in crash tests by a so-called pole impact. The Volkswagen Polo body offers an extremely high level of safety in this crash type, thanks to a hot-formed and therefore very stable roof frame and rigid side sills. Compared to the previous model, intrusion has also been reduced considerably here. And indeed by 15 percent.

Rear impact

The rear area of the new VW Polo was reinforced by especially strong side frames. The fuel system is also given a protective enclosure. In tandem with the very stable occupant cell described, the Volkswagen fulfills the highest requirements in a crash involving collision to the rear body section as well.

Pedestrian safety

Along with the focus on protecting occupants on board the Volkswagen Polo, high priority was also given to the safety of other traffic participants. In a relatively compact car like the VW Polo, partner safety primarily refers to pedestrian safety. Requirements related to pedestrian safety were integrated early in the design phase of development work.

In the front hood area, interior sheet metal was designed to provide maximum deformation space to prevent punching through onto the hard area of the engine block. The hinges of the engine hood were also optimized for pedestrian safety. The fenders have separate deformation elements as well. In addition, the bumpers were of course integrated into this concept to guarantee the best possible protection of pedestrians.

Restraint systems

The new Volkswagen Polo has a highly effective network of airbags as standard equipment, including combined head-thorax airbags (integrated in the front seatbacks), belt tensioners and seatbelt limiters plus seatbelt warning indicator, head restraints that counteract whiplash (both front restraints), three rear head restraints and Isofix mounting preparation for suitable child seats. On the active side, the standard electronic stabilization program (ESP) completes the safety system.

The safest VW Polo of all times

The sum result of all of these actions is effective. The body provides an exceptionally good foundation for attaining very low crash loading of the people on board, based on the car's optimized crash deceleration, low level of intrusions and the safety cell that is created. The restraint systems individually tuned to the Volkswagen Polo also make a contribution toward reducing injury risk as much as possible. And so this Volkswagen is advancing to become one of the world's safest cars in its class.

Greater stability for lower insurance costs

The body of the VW Polo - thought through to the last detail - has a direct effect on insurance costs. Because they are conspicuously low. The reason: Even minor parking lot collisions can result in significant damages. To minimize them, the front bumper system consists of a highly stable crossmember and - this is also crucial - integrated softer deformation elements. By targeted reinforcement measures in the area of the system of lower side frames, it was possible to increase the force level in the side frame by 25 percent (!) compared to the previous model.

This energy can be readily absorbed by the easy-to-replace bumper system, and more expensive subassemblies such as the radiator and climate control components are protected by the side frames. The resulting damage is much less in the case of a parking lot accident. And this alleviates repair costs and has a positive effect on insurance classifications: In Germany, the Volkswagen Polo base model was rated for liability class 16, part comprehensive class 15 and comprehensive class 13. This means that the new Volkswagen attains the best ratings in its vehicle class.

Interior

All Volkswagens are known for their intuitive user controls and excellent ergonomic properties - regardless of the proportions of their driver and passengers. These are clearly properties of the new Polo too. The entire interior was redesigned. Starting with the "Comfortline", the surface of the instrument panel is upgraded by so-called slush technology (a high-end surface structure that is soft to the touch). The lower cabin section as well as door inserts and interior trim panels may be ordered in either "Anthracite" or "Seashell".

Driver-oriented ergonomics

Noteworthy here is the center console that is now turned more toward the driver for convenience. The controls on this console are laid out as on the previous model, but they have been completely redesigned. At the very top there are two central air vents, which have high-end bezels in aluminum look from the "Comfortline" up ("Trendline": high-gloss black). On the console level below this, VW Polo drivers will find a familiar row of switches with details like the hazard lights switch, which is readily accessible and visible, and push buttons for the heated rear window and optional heated seats. The next level down contains controls for the new radio and radio-navigation systems that are all being introduced on the Volkswagen Polo for the first time. Top of the line equipment here is the RNS 310 - a radio-navigation system with touchscreen, multimedia interface (MEDIA-IN), MP3 functionality (via CD, DVD or SD card) and AUX-IN socket on its front panel. The RNS 310 may also be upgraded to include a hands-free telephone unit.

Finally, the lowermost console level is home to the completely redesigned user controls for the ventilation or climate control system ("Climatic" is standard equipment starting on the Comfortline). A practical feature here is optional cooling of the glove box. Also integrated here: a sunglasses compartment, deactivation switch for the front passenger's airbag and - if included as options - switches for the tire monitoring indicator (air pressure monitoring) and an MP3 port. The vehicle service book is stored in a space-saving storage slot at the base of the glove box.

White instrument backlighting

The instruments of the Volkswagen Polo were also redesigned; they now have white backlighting and are styled like those on the Golf. The fuel gauge is digital in the new generation Polo. Like the bezels for the air vents, the rotary light switch - still located on the left - gets a high-end metallic look from the "Comfortline" up.

Similar to other new models of the Volkswagen brand, new three-spoke steering wheels were developed for the VW Polo. The top version sports a leather steering wheel that is somewhat more compact than on the Golf. An optional multifunctional leather steering wheel (with user controls in the left spoke) will be offered too. Making a decidedly ergonomic impression are the armrests in the door trim panels (with storage bin for a 1.5 liter bottle) and a front center armrest (folding with storage compartment) that can now be ordered on the Volkswagen Polo for the first time.

More space at all seating positions

The driver's seat, front passenger's seat and rear bench seat were all redesigned. More space is now offered at all five seating locations in the Volkswagen Polo. In particular, knee room in the rear has grown with an increase in the interior length to 1,674 millimeters (+8 millimeters). Shoulder room in front (1,372 millimeters) has also increased by 22 millimeters. Thanks to these new dimensions, the new Polo offers a considerably more spacious interior ambiance. The VW Polo also proves to be very versatile: Folding the rear bench seat (with standard 60:40 split starting on the "Comfortline") is very simple; the car then offers a level cargo surface with the dual cargo floor that is standard equipment from the "Comfortline" up. The dual cargo floor can be mounted at two different heights.

Engines and transmissions

Seven engines will be offered on the new Volkswagen Polo during its first year of production - four gasoline and three diesels. Five of these engines are either brand new or new to the VW Polo; three of them can be paired with the innovative 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) as an option instead of the manual 5-speed or 6-speed transmission. All engines satisfy limits of the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

The gasoline engines, two three-cylinder and two four-cylinder engines, sport a power range extending from 44 kW / 60 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS. New to the lineup are the two most powerful gasoline engines, the 1.4 liter with 63 kW / 85 PS and the 1.2 TSI with the noted 105 PS that is shifted by a standard 6-speed transmission.

Also new to the Volkswagen Polo are all three common rail turbo-diesels. These high-torque four-cylinder engines produce between 55 kW / 75 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. A BlueMotion Technology version based on the mid-range power level of 66 kW / 90 PS will also debut in 2009; this Polo will consume just 3.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and emit only 96 g/km CO2.

1.2 MPI with 44 kW / 60 PS and 51 kW / 70 PS

Entry into the world of VW Polo engines is offered by two proven three-cylinder engines with 60 PS or optional 70 PS and a multi point injection (MPI) engine. The 1.2-liter engines were further perfected in terms of weight, acoustics and attainment of the Euro-5 emissions standard for use in the new generation of the Polo. One example of a technical modification exhibited by the agile and economical three-cylinders is an optimized reduced-noise chain for the timing and oil pump drives. Engine management was also reconfigured. Technical modifications made in the engine area and body-related improvements have resulted in fuel consumption savings of an average of 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers relative to comparable versions of the previous model. CO2 emissions were similarly reduced from 138 to 128 g/km.

Both 1.2-liter engines aboard the Volkswagen Polo, each with four valves per cylinder, consume 5.5 liters of super or normal gasoline in combined mode. This contrasts with a respectable top speed of 157 km/h and 16.1 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h for the lightweight 1067 kilogram 60-PS version. The 70-PS version reaches a top speed of 165 km/h and can sprint to 100 km/h in 14.1 seconds if necessary.

The 60-PS 1.2 MPI engine delivers its maximum power at 5,200 rpm; its maximum torque of 108 Newton-meter is available at 3,000 rpm. The Polo with 70 PS develops its maximum power at 5,400 rpm; its 112 Newton-meter maximum torque is available at an identical 3,000 rpm. While the 60-PS engine is paired with the base "Trendline" version, the 70-PS engine may also be ordered as an option on the higher "Comfortline" equipment line.

1.4 MPI with 63 kW / 85 PS

The most powerful gasoline engine in the Volkswagen Polo lineup at the time of market launch is the 1.4 MPI that is equipped with new engine electronics and a new injection system as well. The four-cylinder aluminum block engine outputs 85 PS (at 5,000 rpm). Its maximum torque of 132 Newton-meter is available at 3,800 rpm. For the first time on a VW Polo, this engine will be available with an optional 7-speed dual clutch transmission over the mid-term.

Besides offering good comfort and dynamic performance, the just 95 kilogram heavy - or rather light - engine is distinguished above all by its excellent economy. The Volkswagen Polo 1.4 MPI, when paired with standard 5-speed transmission, consumes 5.9 liters fuel per 100 kilometers on average. This puts its CO2 value at 139 g/km. With this engine too, it was possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions compared to the previous model. And indeed by 0.4 liter and 11 g/km CO2. As on the three-cylinder engines, the three-way catalytic converter of the four-cylinder is equipped with an optimized noble metal coating with the goal of impressively fulfilling Euro-5 emissions limits.

When it comes to dynamic performance, the Volkswagen Polo 1.4 MPI scores points with a top speed of 177 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12.1 seconds. In this case, the engine's elasticity is also very good: in fifth gear this Polo accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 18 seconds. The 1.4-liter engine can be ordered with either the "Comfortline" or "Highline" version.

1.2 TSI with 77 kW / 105 PS

A new Volkswagen highlight in drive technology is the 1.2 TSI of the VW Polo. It is debuting sometime this year. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine was completely redeveloped, and it follows the downsizing philosophy of the internationally successful 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI. This expresses itself as maximum power with minimal fuel consumption. The latest TSI is characterized by sensational performance data. For example, the 105 PS Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h after just 9.7 seconds and can move at 190 km/h if necessary. This contrasts with fuel consumption and emissions values on the level of the already very good 60-PS base version: 5.5 liter consumption and 129 g/km CO2. Compared to the retired 1.6-liter engine of the previous model, average fuel consumption was lowered by 1.2 liter (!). This corresponds to a 30 g/km reduction in CO2 emissions.

The 1.2 TSI reaches its peak power at 5,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 175 Newton-meter - from 1.2 liters of displacement - is available between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. The Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI is delivered with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. As an option, this engine may also be paired with the 7-speed DSG developed by Volkswagen. Plans call for offering the TSI together with the "Comfortline" and "Highline" equipment lines.

1.6 TDI with 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS

The common rail diesels of the fifth generation VW Polo are entirely new developments. They output 75 PS, 90 PS and 105 PS. A version of the 90-PS TDI with BlueMotion package is also being offered; it consumes just 3.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. All Volkswagen Polo TDIs come with a standard diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Like the 2.0-liter TDIs with common rail direct injection, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 16-valve engines exhibit ideal acoustic properties, a high level of agility and - a crucial factor here - extremely low fuel consumption and emissions. Of course, all variants of the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI fulfill limits of the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

Technically, the 1,598 cm3 displacement TDI in this segment sets the highest standard on the market. Using a common rail system, the diesel fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber at a pressure of 1,600 bar. Piezo actuators control multiple injections with highly precise fuel quantities and timing.

In an effort to reduce internal engine friction, crankshaft, valve and oil pump drives were optimized. A square stroke/bore ratio minimizes friction losses at the cylinder liners. Furthermore, flow energy losses were reduced in oil and coolant loops as well as air induction and charge air flows. This has resulted in a lineup of TDI engines that offers uncompromisingly low fuel consumption and emissions without lacking in comfort or dynamic performance in the least.

1.6 TDI with 55 kW / 75 PS

The 75-PS version already outputs a maximum torque of 195 Newton-meter between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. Fuel consumption: 4.2 liters. CO2 emissions: 109 g/km. Its maximum power is output at 4,000 rpm. In this version, the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI can move at 170 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.9 seconds. When shifted by the standard 5-speed transmission, the car takes exactly 18.0 seconds for the elastic sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in top gear.

1.6 TDI with 66 kW / 90 PS

Those wishing to reduce costs of ownership, fuel consumption and emissions even further will want to order the new Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI with the BlueMotion package. Here the car's power is 90 PS, and thanks to the innovative array of Volkswagen fuel-saving measures - including an automatic start-stop system - fuel consumption is just 3.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. And that corresponds to a CO2 value of just 96 g/km. In the standard version without BlueMotion package the 90-PS TDI consumes 4.2 liters. The 90-PS TDI engines provide their maximum torque of 230 Newton-meter between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.

1.6 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS

The most dynamic engine, the 105-PS version, goes to work with 250 Newton-meters of torque (1,500 to 2,500 rpm). It accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 189 km/h. Average fuel consumption: 4.2 liters diesel per 100 kilometers. Economizing with the Volkswagen Polo is fun too.

7-speed DSG

The new Polos are delivered with standard, precise-shifting and well staged 5-speed transmissions. In the case of the 1.2 TSI, a 6-speed transmission is also used. The 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) on the VW Polo delivers a new maximum of efficiency, dynamic response and comfort. It is offered as an option on the 1.4 MPI with 85 PS, 1.6 TDI with 90 PS and 1.2 TSI with 105 PS. The transmission can be individually tuned for the use of different engines by calibrating various individual parameters, characteristic curves and maps.

Layout and operation of the 7-speed-DSG

The world's first 7-speed DSG for large-scale production has - as its most prominent design characteristics - two dry clutches whose pressure is regulated hydraulically. Engine power is transmitted to the dual clutch via the crankshaft and a dual-mass flywheel. Clutch I handles the odd-numbered gears, and clutch II the even gears plus reverse gear. The results of this sophisticated clutch management: when shifting, there are no gaps in propulsive power. Comfort and convenience are excellent, and the driver experiences an incomparably dynamic yet comfortable shifting feeling.

Responsible for this - along with an intelligent mechatronic system (electro-hydraulic transmission control) - are two clutches as well as two drive shafts and three final drive shafts. This networked system makes it possible to continually "lie in wait", ready to go into action at the next higher driving level. And indeed it is lightning-fast. Example: while the Volkswagen Polo is driven in sixth gear, the seventh gear is already engaged, but is not yet "active". As soon as the ideal shifting point has been reached, the clutch responsible for sixth gear automatically opens, while the other one closes and "pre-activates" seventh gear. This produces an overlap between opening and closing of the two clutches, and this leads to the comfortable shifting described above. The entire shifting process is completed within a few hundredths of a second, which is much faster than even the most highly trained professional driver could achieve.

Chassis

Volkswagen has redesigned many aspects of the Polo's chassis with its McPherson front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension. For example, its track width was increased by 29 millimeters in front and 30 in the rear (new dimensions: 1,464 mm front, 1,456 mm rear). This has resulted in improved vehicle dynamics. Comfort was enhanced in parallel.

Improved directional stability

In front, Volkswagen has integrated a completely redesigned McPherson strut type suspension in the VW Polo. The front wheels were moved five millimeters forward to achieve a greater caster angle, and this offers greater directional stability. Furthermore, new strut bushes are used on the Volkswagen Polo; on the one hand they are lighter, and they also improve ride comfort. Larger wheels can now be used as well, and this further improves comfort. At the same time, these wheels have a positive effect on driving performance.

ESP enhances safety as standard equipment

The Volkswagen Polo is being sold in Germany and in many other countries with electronic stabilization program (ESP), including hill hold control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), braking assistant, anti-slip regulation (ASR), electronic limited-slip differential (EDS) and engine braking control (MSR) as standard equipment. Overall braking system performance was modified for the new generation VW Polo; among other elements, the 8.5 inch brake booster is being replaced by a higher performance 10 inch system.

With an eye toward attaining the goal of a five star rating in the EuroNCAP crash test, the steering column - with its continuously variable height and reach adjustment - was completely redeveloped. This redesign led to reduced weight. The standard electro-hydraulic power steering system was taken from the previous model and adapted to the new front suspension kinematics. Engineers developed entirely new tuning of the steering system. Steering feel and responsiveness as well as the center point - which defines steering feel in the straight-line tracking position - now set new standards.

Features

Compared to the previous model, Volkswagen has rearranged the line structure of its equipment lines: "Trendline" still represents the entry-level variant, and "Comfortline" still refers to the mid equipment level. New to the lineup - and bringing the Volkswagen Polo in line with the Golf here - is the top version called "Highline".

Volkswagen Polo Trendline

The VW Polo Trendline already sports an interior with features that include a number of accents in an elegant high-gloss black. In addition, the Polo Trendline offers extensive safety and convenience features. Take active safety, for example: besides ABS, in 85 percent of all countries in the European Union - among other countries - standard on-board features also include the electronic stabilization program (ESP) including hill hold control.

And passive safety: In addition to front airbags and combined head/thorax airbags (front passenger airbag can be deactivated), the Polo also offers five head restraints, five three-point harnesses (height-adjustable in front), belt tensioners and belt force limiters in front, and Isofix-compatible child seat preparation (at the outer seating positions on the rear bench seat). The front head restraints were also designed to counteract the risk of whiplash injury.

Consider these convenience features: Standard equipment includes electro-hydraulic power steering, power windows in front, central locking, cargo area lighting and tie-down points, warning buzzer if lights are left on, height adjustment for driver's seat, illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors and green tinted windows. Meanwhile, "Titanium black" trim and "Metric" fabric give the interior a perceptibly high-end ambiance.

Volkswagen Polo Comfortline

Outward identifying characteristics of the VW Polo Comfortline include body-colored outside mirror housings and door handles, H7 dual headlights, daytime running lights and 15-inch wheels with special full wheel covers. On the convenience side, the range of standard equipment is complemented by such features as semi-automatic climate control (Climatic), electrically-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, additional height adjustment on front passenger's seat, storage drawers under the front seats, various accents in aluminum look (instruments, air vents, rotary light switch, radio and climate system controls), asymmetrical split and folding rear bench seat and seatbacks, dual cargo floor, storage pockets on front seatbacks and remote control central locking.

Inside, the Volkswagen Polo Comfortline features center seat panels in embossed "Fonzie" fabric. At this equipment level, besides "Anthracite", "Seashell" is also offered as a trim color. If the car buyer chooses "Seashell", the lower instrument panel area is styled in a contrasting color.

Volkswagen Polo Highline

The top model of the new generation VW Polo is called "Highline" - a classic Volkswagen equipment line designation. From the outside, this most luxurious of all Polos is distinguished by chrome trim on the radiator grille, 15-inch alloy wheels and standard front fog lights starting at the "Comfortline" equipment version. Inside, details like a three-spoke leather steering wheel (lower middle spoke in chrome), front center armrest, multifunctional display and tire monitoring indicator, height-adjustable front sport seats, leather trimmed parking brake lever and gearshift knob, and an elegant striped pattern on the seats ("Livon" design), which lend the "Highline" model a special, high-end flair.