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2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line is Unusually Colorful in Frankfurt

This is the all-new 6th generation Volkswagen Polo, live from the Frankfurt Motor Show. We know about the Beats edition and the R-Line package too, but we've never seen them combined in a single model.
2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt 18 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt2018 VW Polo Beats R-Line Is All Sorts of Funky in Frankfurt
You can recognize it's the Beats model by the red stripe, the badges, and the lively interior. Likewise, the R-Line version gives itself away through resculpted bumpers that seem more aggressive.

You probably don't want to spend that much money on a supermini, but Volkswagen is trying to put its best foot forward in Frankfurt.

The new Polo is both longer and wider, plus a little bit lower. It reminded me of the Beetle when it came out trying to look less girly. If you're worried about parking, know that all-around sensors can allow it to park itself, but only if you specify some expensive options.

While the exterior is more mature, the inside of the 2018 Polo is bright and effervescent, putting its SEAT Ibiza sister car to shame. There are 13 color options for the dash, but the Beats model takes things further with its funky seat fabric.

Even though the infotainment system is state-of-the-art, it still retains the conventional volume knob. The air conditioning also works in a way that any VW owner will instantly understand, unlike some Peugeots that require fiddling with the menus.

Volkswagen has mounted the infotainment screen high up on the dashboard and angled it towards the driver. You can also order a 10-inch Active Info Display that replaces the conventional gauges.

The choice of engines is pretty similar to that of the previous Polo models, mainly focusing on the 1.0-liter motor. This is available in two naturally aspirated guises and two turbocharged ones that are probably going to be the most popular.

Later on, there's also going to be a 1.6 TDI engine and a 1.5 TSI with 150 HP. However, Volkswagen has pretty much given up on diesel engines in small cars. The company says 2018 Polo models will be more comfortable and stable thanks to the extended wheelbase. However, adaptive dampers can also be specified.

If you want the ultimate Polo, you'll have to wait until next year for the Polo GTI. It has switched to a 2-liter turbocharged engine that produces an impressive 200 HP.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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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.
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