Volkswagen Polo Mini-MPV in the Works

The newly-launched Polo could serve as the base platform a new mini-MPV model prepared by Volkswagen, sources inside the company said hinting that such a model could arrive in approximately two years. According to autocar.co.uk, Hans Dieter Potsch, VW board member responsible for finance, said that a mini-MPV vehicle based on Volkswagen Polo could represent an alternative for those looking for a different efficient alternative to a small car.

"A mini-MPV is in an area we have under active consideration. In terms of downsizing, people will not stick to one type of small car or another," he was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source. "We have a full product agenda. Markets change more rapidly than we appreciated before. Cutting back on R&D can place you in a troublesome position just when a recovery happens."

Furthermore, a different unnamed source told Autocar that Volkswagen might indeed use the Polo for the development of an MPV model. "Some firms with excellent core superminis struggle with mini-MPVs or crossovers and vice versa. Properly executed, they can be complementary."

Meanwhile, Volkswagen is still working on the future Beetle model which is expected to bring several enhancements over the current model. The most important upgrade will be probably in the design as the German manufacturer plans to make the car a bit more manly, as the Beetle was often referred to as a car especially aimed at women.

"The new car will be less effeminate, more assertive and masculine so guys are not deterred from buying it. Women buy cars liked by men but it is less the case the other way round," Potsch explained.