New VW Polo: Mini-Me Golf makes its debut in Geneva

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The fifth generation of Volkswagen's supermini, the Polo, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. To the surprise of no one, the new Polo looks like a Golf that has long overstayed its welcome in the dryer. Definitely sharper looking than the model it succeeds, the Polo's styling also features a hint of the Scirocco up front. As for the interior, let us put it this way; Golf VI drivers will once again feel right at home.

The 2009 Polo uses the same platform as the latest generation Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia models. At 3,952 mm in length the new Polo is 36 mm longer than the car it replaces. Its width, at 1,682 mm, has also grown by 32 mm, but the overall height has dropped by 13 mm to 1,454 mm.

The slightly larger dimensions and a longer wheelbase promise greater space inside the new Polo while the car's load volume now totals a minimum of 280 liters and a maximum of 952 liters with the rear seats folded down.

Despite the fact that it is bigger than its predecessor, Volkswagen claims to have reduced the weight of the Polo's pure body structure by 7.5 percent.

Power for the fornt-wheel drive Polo will be initially provided by a total of seven different engines, five of which are entirely new or are being used for the first time in the Polo. There are four gasoline units spanning from the entry-level 1.2-liter engine with 60HP to a 102HP turbo-charged four-cylinder direct injection 1.2-liter TSI . The latter consumes an average of 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (42.8 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

The diesel range will comprise of a 1.6-liter TDI engine available with 75HP and 90HP, the latter being available with a "BlueMotion" package that delivers an average fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers (61.9 mpg US) and 96 g/km CO2 making it the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting five-seater diesel in the world, according to VW.

All variants are equipped with either five- or six-speed manual gearboxes as standard and, for the first time on the Polo, selected versions can be specified with Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

The new Polo's roster of standard safety equipment include for the first time on all models four airbags, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ISOFIX anchor points all fitted as standard.

Production of the new Polo is scheduled for the end of March with sales starting in most markets across Europe by the beginning of July.

Petrol engines: