Volkswagen to add AWD to Polo?
May 7, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
Volkswagen is toying with the idea of offering an all-wheel-drive variant of its small car, the Polo. The VW small car architecture is the platform for the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia.
Erich Schmitt, president of Seat said the next-generation platform includes an AWD option.
“Seat won’t offer awd for its new Ibiza, but other group models could use it.” Schmitt said
The platform, called PQ25, will first see use in the new Seat Ibiza. Volkswagen is scheduled to release an all-new Polo later this year (EU). Audi will then follow with the A1 in late 2009.
The current VW Cross Polo, which is not offered in Australia, already looks like an awd crossover model, but is only driven via the front-wheels.
“Think of an awd option for the next generation Cross Polo, or next Audi A1,” an VW group source said. “And Audi already has an awd tradition anyway with its Quattro models.”
Perhaps VW might also bring AWD to the next-generation Golf range (below the R32). Would you be more likely to buy a Golf GTi if it was AWD?
Print it: 
*****PRIMO!*****
The polo is a orphan in the vw fleet, although i do notice the price has been falling and falling.
hope this one if built has a engine that actually moves itself, 55kw powerhouse….NOT! :-)
Cheers
F-0
Not too sure if AWD is really needed on the “cooking” models.
The Polo GTi would be nice with 4 paws driven, though.
And you can get them with a bench seat, and on LPG, too.
does the polo really need all that extra weight.
Reckless1 -
GOLD!! :-)
Cheers
F-0
Traction isn’t the problem, horsepower is.
Amen Captain. The car doesnt have enough power to overload FWD… why the hell would you add AWD… to decrease fuel efficiency… to add weight and decrease acceleration…more things to go wrong? The only benefit is in the wet… somehow hte disadv outweight adv
Unless the next GTI has over 170 odd kW, AWD is just adding unneccessary weight, and like TP said, reducing fuel economy. If anyone thinks the current GTI needs AWD, they should take it for a drive and see that it really doesn’t need it.
I can see the lacking HP thinking…..BUT! VW are more focussed on bigger picture as evidenced by its bold plans on becoming number 1. This is a little niche car to add in its overall arsenal and is designed to fill a void in lineup to compete against some AWD small offerings currently seen in SX4 Suzuki, smaller Subarus, etc. Much in same way the dual cab ute VW is bringing out to broaden range overall. Trouble is most hoon heads on here see success with HP glasses firmly on! This model will further spread VW’s range and compete in more sectors which augers well for overall sales and impact Toyota’s market share. There intentions are clear and this has nothing to do with silly move for HP and more so range growing!
Maximus, please explain to me the benefits of AWD in a car like the SX4 which has bugger all power in the first place.. There are none.. Sure, maybe a little extra grip in the rain, but 1) it never rains in Australia, and 2) how many people push their car to the limit in the rare time that it does rain??
I have driven a friend’s Polo around Sydney and 55kw is enough to do an average of about 30km/h. She also visited us at Bathurst and used 3/4 tank on a round trip at the heady price of $50 to fill the tank from the red zone.
In my mind itis smarter for her to have 55kw for one person in Sydney than 200kw like you see most of the time
Totally agree with Maximus and Capri. Jbot its a euro car where we have colder wetter weather thus possibly requiring the occasional need for more traction. IMO VW are just using the platform and drivetrain from the forthcoming Audi A1. Audi have always sucessfully been known for their 4WD platforms.
Why should’t the punter have a choice of driven wheels, why should its only be Utes that have 4WD. Most of them rarely hit the dirt other than a smooth track.
Maybe in Europe No Name, but AWD is pointless in Australia for cars with not a lot of power.