VW hopes new Polo will put it in pole position

Volkswagen is to launch its revised Polo on the Irish market in July with levels of standard equipment that underlines the competition existing in the small car market for 14 2 registrations.

The company is to offer the technology that allows drivers to avoid a collision by forcing an emergency braking situation, yet the price of the entry-level car is to increase only marginally.

The five-door 1.0 litre version of the Polo, which is expected to be the volume seller, will go on sale at €15,595, just €145 more than the current model.

The new Polo comes with the latest EU6-approved engine which has reduced emissions considerably and will put Volkswagen at a significant advantage in the small car segment. The car also has stop-start technology as standard and speed-sensitive steering also.

The petrol engine options begin with the 1.0 litre unit producing either 60 or 75 horse power and VW claims the car is capable of fuel consumption of 4.7 litres per 100kms for the 60bhp version. It also says the combined cycle of emissions for that engine will produce only 106g/km and take the car down two tax bands. There is also a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 90bhp.

The diesel options are a 1.4-litre engine with either 75 or 90bhp, with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox.

The entry-level versions all have a five-inch colour touchscreen and collision avoidance technology. The more expensive models will have a 6.5-inch touchscreen and alloy wheels.

The Trendline version starts at €14,995 for the three-door model and €15,995 for the five-door . The Comfortline, with the 75bhp 1.0-litre engine, starts at €18,210.