The new completely redesigned sixth-generation Polo was revealed in Berlin. It has a new design, more room, more efficient engines, and will be offered in a GTI version with 197 hp.

“The Polo is a young, fresh car,” said Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management. “It combines charisma with strong technology. No other car offers so much space for its size. This makes our Polo the number one compact car, and it will remain number one.”

With more than 14 million units sold to date, the Polo is one of the world’s most successful compact cars. The sixth generation has a new exterior design, which makes the car appear sportier and more grown up. At the same time, the new Polo is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. As a result, it offers more space for driver and passengers, plus significantly increased interior volume, which has gone up from 280 to 351 litres.

In addition to the three standard Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trim lines, the special edition Polo Beats, with features including a 300-watt sound system, and the sporty top of the range model, the Polo GTI with 197 HP. Even the base version of the new Polo, the Trendline, has standard features such as LED daytime running lights with coming-home and leaving-home functions, a speed limiter and the Front Assist area monitoring system with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring.

It has a multitude of driver assistance systems that were previously reserved for the Golf and Passat class. One option is adaptive cruise control ACC, which can now be activated up to a speed of 210 km/h. New options available in the Polo are the Blind Spot Detection lane change system with Rear Traffic Alert, the semi-automated Park Assist system for exiting parking spaces and a ‘manoeuvring function’. The latter provides automatic protection from any bumps while parking. The optional Keyless Access locking and engine starting system, which is also new, can be used to unlock and start up the Polo.

In addition, the Polo is the first Volkswagen and first Group model at all in which a new generation of the Active Info Display is available. The functionality and ease of use of the digital instruments are something completely new in this segment. At the same time, the Polo has been given the latest generation of infotainment systems with display diagonals ranging from 6.5 to 8.0 inches – glass-encased devices that are as sophisticated as high-end smartphones, giving the interior a technical, clear look.

A large range of fresh new colours (a total of 14 exterior colours are available) and twelve wheels (14- to 18-inch, some painted in contrasting colour), dashpads in a multitude of décors and eleven different seat covers make the Polo more colourful and more individual. Further personalisation options include full LED headlights, LED tail lights, an Air Care Climatronic system with humidity and sun sensor plus allergen filter, wireless charging for smartphones (optionally including inductive antenna connection), Sport Select running gear with adjustable shock absorbers and one of the biggest panoramic sunroofs in this class.