Launched back in 2009, the Volkswagen Polo hatchback has completed 12 successful years in the country. The German automaker introduced its fifth-generation model in 2010, which followed by a couple of mid-life updates. Now, the company is planning to discontinue the Polo in India. The hatchback has always been admired for its built quality, drivability, performance and safety. Volkswagen has also hinted that it will introduce a limited or special edition of the VW Polo to celebrate its long existence in India.
Ashish Gupta, Volkswagen India’s brand Director said that “For Polo it is not goodbye, it is au revoir (goodbye until we meet again)”. The statement makes us believe that company is planning to bring in sixth-generation Polo in coming years. While there is no official word on its launch timeline, it’s reported to hit roads sometime in 2023.
At present, the hatchback model lineup comes in four trims (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline Plus and GT) priced from Rs 6.45 lakh to Rs 10.45 lakh. There are four automatic variants priced between Rs 8.93 lakh – Rs 10.25 lakh. All aforementioned prices are ex-showroom. The hatchback comes with two engine options including a 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol (75PS/95Nm), a 1.0 turbocharged petrol (110PS/175Nm). Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual and an optional 6-speed automatic.
The Volkswagen Polo GT with 1.2L turbo petrol engine and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox has already been discontinued in India. The hatchback model lineup lacks diesel powertrain. On the feature front, it offers a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, auto climate control, rear parking sensors, dual front airbags (standard) and ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution). Though, it misses out on some important features such as reversing camera.
In other updates, Volkswagen Virtus mid-size sedan is ready to make its global debut on 8th March 2022. Based on the MQB AO IN platform, the model is likely to hit Indian roads by May 2022. Here, it will take directly on the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the upcoming Skoda Slavia.
