Volkswagen Group may be accelerating its electrification strategy and expanding purview to cover more segments, but its small cars are playing catch up in this respect. Neither the all-new Skoda Fabia nor the new VW Polo comes with a hybrid or electric powertrain option.
Video Source: YouTube/Volkswagen
Skoda models have to stay affordable considering their positioning in the VW hierarchy, and so, in the 2021 Fabia’s case, it’s understandable that electrification, an expensive upgrade, is delayed. But Volkswagen is relatively a premium brand, and one would think it would include at least a 48V mild-hybrid small car in 2021.
Instead of spending the budget on a new electrical system, the German brand has made it significantly more upmarket by introducing high-end optional features like IQ.Light LED matrix headlights including animated indicator function, centre airbag, and partly automated driving with IQ.Drive Travel Assist system. It has made LED headlights, LED tail light clusters, fully digital instrument cluster, an infotainment system, and many other features standard in the base trim, heightening its appeal.
Design
Volkswagen designers have tried to make the Mk6 VW Polo feel more sophisticated with Golf Mk8-inspired new headlamps that have a curvier look both on the edges and inside, a continuous LED strip light between the (IQ.Light LED matrix) headlights, and wider, L-shaped taillamps reminiscent of the T-Roc and the Golf. The chrome-look crossbars on the new front bumper (in the Style trim) and the high-gloss black rear diffuser with chrome-look integrated exhaust panels on the rear bumper (in the R-Line trim) further elevate the styling.
Interior
A new steering wheel, also borrowed from the VW Golf Mk8, MIB3 infotainment systems, and Climatronic Touch (digital slider-operated climate control system), are among the main changes inside the 2021 VW Polo. The new fully digital instrument cluster (called Digital Cockpit) is an 8-inch display that comes standard. A new Digital Cockpit Pro 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster has replaced the old 10.25-inch Active Info Display, and it can be had instead of the smaller display in higher-end configurations.
Variants & Price
The new VW Polo is available to pre-order in first markets in Polo, Polo Life, Polo Style, and Polo R-Line variants. There are four new exterior colour options, seven new wheel design selections, and four new decor choices. In Germany, prices start at under EUR 16,000 with an introductory Polo Fresh special edition model.
VW ID.2
Volkswagen is working on an entry-level electric car that would be the Polo equivalent in its zero-emissions ‘ID’ car line. The VW ID.2 (working title) design concept is expected to be presented at the IAA 2021 this September. However, it may be until early 2025 when the model reaches dealer showrooms at an attractive 20,000-25,000 EUR price, democratizing electric mobility.
Featured Image Source: Volkswagen
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