Just in time for its 30th birthday, the Polo has been made more dynamic and fresher than ever before. The re-designed front end with its V-shaped radiator grille, in particular, lends the Polo a significantly more striking look.

The Polo is building on its well-known virtues. The most recent generation of this all-round talent will remain the benchmark in its class. Its stable value can be seen in every detail and it leaves nothing to be desired in everyday use. Good space, clever controls, a well-organised cockpit and top-class seats ensure that all passengers feel well looked after in the Polo.

Above all the Polo's attractive radiance has also been retained, even though its exterior appears more mature and even more modern. In its current shape, the Polo will appeal to more customers than ever before with a wide range of demands. The new Polo cuts a good figure as a practical and comfortable family city car as well as an impressive compact model for everyday driving or also a dynamic youthful alternative for younger car drivers, who find unique shapes particularly important.

The completely redesigned front end makes the Polo look more beefy and powerful than before. The V-shape is interpreted in a new way. From the A-pillars, a striking curve stretches over the bonnet to the radiator grille. It is therefore part of a strong three-dimensional front end shape that is also defined by a strict horizontal subdivision.

The new Polo's face is essentially characterised by its headlights. These are defined as a trapezoidal element, enhanced by the eye-catching, circular element of the main headlights. They interpret the concept with considerable amount of fantasy. The designers have been very creative in playing around with the characteristic circular badge and have come up with some fascinating details. This can be seen, for example, on the bottom edge of the headlights that extends into the front bumper with a bow shape. This curve contains the front indicators. The side indicators have been integrated in the door mirrors.

Thanks to this front end design, the Polo retains its appealing character, while its modern design style places it in a higher-quality class. At 3,916 millimetres, the new Polo is 19 millimetres longer than the previous model due to the re-designed front. Its width (1,650 millimetres) and height (1,465 millimetres) correspond to the currently available model.

The rear end lends the vehicle a further dynamic touch. Here, the rear window ends in a V shape in the lower frame area, making the Polo appear lively and sporty when viewed from the rear. The V-shape featured on the front is therefore used again. The redesigned rear lights also demonstrate uniqueness and a dynamic character, picking up on the front end's circular elements and clearly setting the tone at the rear of the new Polo.

Viewed from the side, the Polo stands out thanks to a design that is both clear and convincing. Accenting the two available body versions is typical of the Polo. Whilst the two-door's ascending lateral curve gives the impression of dynamism and bears coupé-like features, the family-oriented four-door conveys stature and solidity in its clear design and third side window in the C-pillar.

This most recent generation of the Polo will be available in three equipment levels: “Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Sportline”. In addition to the very good convenience and safety features familiar from these equipment levels, the new Polo is fitted with further, new details. They include brake assist, ParkPilot, a tyre pressure monitor and the coming home function for the headlights. The Polo will set the pace with these features, and combines a high-quality, modern design with innovative equipment which meets the requirements of progressive customers. The optional tinted side windows and rear windscreen with special heat-insulated glass are also new.

The new Polo has front and side airbags for both front seats as standard that ensure a high level of occupant safety in collisions. An optional head airbag system, in which the curtain airbags inflate to provide protective padding covering the entire side window area, is also available.

The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), which is fitted as standard with engines above 74 kW, and is optionally available for the other engines, offers additional effective support for safe driving.

For the first time, the Polo is equipped with a dual-rate brake servo. As part of the standard ABS, it acts as a brake assist. This mechanical feature boosts the braking pressure when you brake and therefore provides effective support in dangerous situations.

Another safety feature available for the first time in the Polo is the tyre pressure monitor. This option warns the driver via a lamp in the cockpit if air pressure is being lost in one of the tyres and there is a risk of damage to the tyre. A coming home function for the headlights is available for the Polo for the first time (standard on the “Comfortline” model). The Polo will then illuminate the way for the driver when he or she leaves the car.

The ParkPilot is also very helpful in everyday driving — especially in city traffic. The ParkPilot with sensors in the rear bumper makes parking in tight spaces and manoeuvring in car parks easy.

The new Polo has also been modernised inside. High-quality fabrics in an exclusive and fresh design add new touches. All materials used look and feel high quality — as you would expect of Volkswagen. In addition to the redesigned instrument graphics, new steering wheels are also available. The four-spoke steering wheel featured in the basic version has improved grip. The leather steering wheel has a modern three-spoke design with a large, central impact plate.

The Polo demonstrates advances and practical use with another equipment detail that is available for the first time. A special pocket has been integrated on the right of the dash panel next to the instruments and is therefore within easy reach for the driver. It can be used, for example, to hold car park tickets.

The high standard of the Polo is also reflected in the “RCD 200” audio system that can be combined either with four or eight speakers. The radio system equipped with a CD player is in the large 2-DIN format and fits perfectly in the harmonious and high-quality looking Polo dash panel in terms of shape and design.

The diversity of the engines available for the new Polo show its first-class qualities as an all-round talent. In Europe, five petrol engines with outputs ranging from 40 kW to 74 kW and four state-of-the-art TDI engines with outputs from 51 kW to 96 kW are available — this selection meets a wide range of customer needs. Whether as a particularly economic basic engine, a dynamic alternative or a high-torque and economic diesel — the new Polo has the right engine for all needs. When it comes to the increasingly popular diesel engines, the Polo has a modern range made up exclusively of TDI power plants using modern unit injector technology.

The high level of Polo engines is also shown in the emissions figures as all petrol and diesel engines fulfil the Euro 4 emissions norm. The Polo demonstrates its high technical potential in combination with the FSI engine. The direct injection petrol engine delivers 63kW and combines dynamism and economy.

The new Polo also sees the addition of two more TDIs to the engine range. Like the TDI engines that have already been used, they easily meet the limit values of the Euro 4 emissions norm and are thus among the most environmentally friendly diesel engines ever. A diesel particulate filter is being prepared for the new Polo.

The diesel range for the Polo starts with a new 1.4-litre three-cylinder TDI delivering 51kW that replaces the familiar 1.9 SDI. Another three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI delivering 59kW is available for anyone who needs more power.

Volkswagen has eight new colours for the Polo bodywork. Olympic Blue, Silver Bird, Fairway Green, Sunflower, Winter Red, Sunset Red, Shadow Blue and Tossa Blue are not just nice sounding names, they underline the liveliness of the new Polo and the positive feeling that this car expresses.

Australian specifications and availability have yet to be confirmed.