2021 Volkswagen Polo facelift unveiled

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only a few days back that Volkswagen teased us with an image of the upcoming Polo facelift. And now we have the full car - with no shadow, no camouflage, in front of us. The ongoing Polo has been around for a while now, 2017 to be precise, and therefore was ready for a midlife facelift. After seeing the images and knowing the specs, we must say VW has delivered perfectly.

Now, without further ado let’s get to know the Polo facelift, starting with its platform. The Polo facelift rides on the compact MQB A0 platform that compared to the previous-gen model is a bit stretched. Figuratively speaking, the hatch measures 4,053 mm in length (+81 mm), 1,751 mm in width (+94 mm), and 1,446 mm in height (-7 mm). The wheelbase is 94 mm longer at 2,564 mm.

Reading the dimensions and seeing the styling, it seems like the new Polo is following in the footsteps of the Golf more than ever.

Coming to the car’s design revisions, it features a neater front fascia than before. Included in the kit are new twin-barrel LED headlamps, full-width LED DRLs, a light bar running across the grill, and an additional DRL strip at the edges. Speaking of LED lighting, the facelift model offers the same as a standard fitment and it comes with ‘IQ.Light’ matrix LED headlights for the first time.
But the biggest highlight of the facelift model is new taillights; they replace the old square cluster and go perfectly with the car’s styling.

Included in the lineup is the sporty R-Line variant that features the R logo on the grille and front wings. Unlike the rest, it gets egg-crate mesh grille inserts, and gloss black bumpers, lips, rear spoiler, and side skirts. Also, included are faux chrome exhaust tips that add to its aggressive profile.

On the inside, the Polo facelift benefits from a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen (latest version), and an Active Info Display digital instrument cluster (ranging from 8 to 10.25 inches).
It also gets a new steering wheel, wireless charger, and air-con controls.

Like the exterior, the interior of the sporty R-Line trim features a few additional bits like funky seat fabric pattern, coveted letter on the steering wheel, door sill plates, and start-up display of the infotainment unit.

What about its under the hood configuration? Well, VW is offering three engine options all with one-litre capacity. First, is a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre engine making a maximum power of 80 hp and a peak torque of 93 Nm. It sends the power to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. The second option is a 1.0-litre TSI generating 95 hp or 110 hp. On the transmission front, a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic unit comes standard for the 110 hp version and is optional for the other. Last, in the kit is a compressed natural gas power option, 1.0-litre TGI engine making 90 hp and 160 Nm.

So, what are your thoughts on the new Polo facelift? Do let us know in the comments.

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