Unsung heroes are common in the auto industry and the VW Polo is definitely one of them. Often called the shrunken Golf, this supermini has topped 14 million units produced since 1975, through five generations. The last is arguably the best and most diverse one yet, plus it just got a little better!
Having just launched the a comprehensive tech upgrade, together with brand new engines and configurations, the Polo is a new version of itself for 2014. With distribution and sales currently underway, commercials have just popped up on Vdub's Youtube channel, telling us what's what with the car.
The star of the show is the new Polo Fresh trim level, easily identified as Cornflower Blue model that comes with tinted headlights, lots of standard trim and a new-found youthful personality. However, it shares the limelight with other members of the 2014 family, including the two BlueMotion models and the BlueGT.
Available for order in Germany, the 2014 Polo starts at €12,450, but only for the base Trendline model with a 1-liter, 60 PS engine, a manual gearbox and three doors. If you want anything cool, prepare to spec, spec and spec some more...
Before you consider buying one… or just go off to Ford or Peugeot for a prettier car, consider the hard facts of the 2014 Polo. Options include LED headlights, a sensor which stops you from crashing into people, adaptive dampers and a host of new engines. The new 1-liter base engines have 60 or 75 PS, just like on the Up! city car. Both 1.2 TSI turbo engines are still available, but they have received BlueMotion tech to reduce fuel economy. Not one but two BlueMotion models will be available. The petrol TSI is a brand new 1-liter triple with 90 PS while the diesel is an equally new 1.4 TDI with 90 PS, also coming from three cylinders.
The Polo facelift also gets a revised interior, with elements borrowed from the bigger Golf (7). The steering wheel features piano black spokes while the old infotainment has been swapped out for the superior MIB system. To make the car as safe as possible, all models will come standard with the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to reduce kinetic energy significantly and thus minimized the chance or consequences of a second impact. Options include a Driver Alert System and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Automatic Cruise Control. All are great to have… as long as you're prepared to pay Golf money.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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