2009 Volkswagen Polo unveiled at Geneva
March 3, 2009 by George Skentzos
The fifth generation Volkswagen Polo has been unveiled as the Geneva Motor Show unfolds on the other side of the world.
Styled by a team led by Volkswagen Group head of design, Walter de Silva, the new super-mini from VW draws on the design direction established by the Scirocco and Golf.
Despite being marginally wider and longer than its predecessor, the new Polo weighs 7.5 per cent less than the vehicle it replaces – promising greater refinement and efficiency.
The slightly larger dimensions afford greater interior space inside the new Polo – head, shoulder and legroom have all increased, as has the load volume which now totals a minimum of 280 litres and a maximum of 952 litres.
The new Polo is powered by a range of naturally aspirated 1.2- and 1.4-litre engines as well as a new turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI petrol unit joining another all-new 1.6-litre TDI common-rail diesel engine.
All models are equipped with either a five- or six-speed manual transmission as standard – as well as an optional seven-speed DSG on selected models for the first time.
Already a very highly efficient car, VW is going one step further with a BlueMotion variant also set to join the range shortly after launch.
The Polo BlueMotion will be capable of an insane 2.8 litre per 100kms on the combined cycle while generating just 87g/km of CO2
This has been made possible by an all-new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, common-rail diesel engine, automatic Stop-Start and regenerative braking, a gearbox with revised ratios, optimised aerodynamics beneath the vehicle, suspension lowered by 15mm and the use of low rolling resistance tyres.
Inside, the new Polo range boasts white backlit dials, subtle aluminium highlights, the option of a handy air-conditioned glovebox and the RNS 310 touchscreen satellite navigation system can be specified along with a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel for the first time in the Polo.
The new Polo features a comprehensive list if standard safety equipment including for the first time on all models four airbags, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ISOFIX anchor points all as standard.
Print it: 
Safe innoffensive styling, but still a neat package even if a bit non-descript.
Strangely though it reminds me of a Barina?
^Now that you mention it, kinda reminds me of the Barina. It’s much better though. I was wondering when the new Polo was out, considering it is older the recently replaced Golf.
Very safe styling; more muscular and handsome, like how the Golf 6 evolved over Golf 5.
Wonder if the GTi model will follow the Ibiza Cupra with the 1.4TSI twincharged engine as the hero engine.
Looks fantastic – can someone tell me if these are the same underpinnings as the Audi A2?
Looks to be a ripper little car. TSI + DSG sounds good to me.
off-topic (but still a VW question) – has anyone heard when a new version of the Jetta is due?
Love the new Polo. I think I’ve found a car for my young daughter after she gets her Ps. I wonder when they are due to arrive here?
Hal, I haven’t heard anything re: new Jetta.
Like the styling, yes the front has Barina-esque ques, the back has some new Ka in it as well. Will be interesting how the safety first style goes against the look at me Fiesta. I have the stangest feeling Fiesta will win this round (domestic market Germany, I aam refering to)
WOW!
This is what diesel can do! 2.8L/100KM!
The Germans always did say they prefer diesel over petrol hybrids for economy and lower CO2. I guess everyone will take note now.
Hopefully we get these ECO friendly models over here.
Even a 1.2L TSI petrol with the 7 speed DSG should provide amazing fuel economy and power of a larger engine.
Having just read the official announcement of the Polo it mentions that the bluemotion is 3.8L/100KM and not 2.8L/100KM that Caradvice is reporting?
I’m not sure if it’s the same bluemotion drivetrain that Caradvice is referring to though.
Also the 1.2L TSI is listed as 5.5L/100KM
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/0.....-new-polo/
definitely 3.8
The design is nice and subtle. It’s nice. Almost like a bulimic golf.
LOVE IT! it only looks like a Barina because of the crappy colour.
in black – phwah! hot!
As long as its NOT overpriced, say $16k, should sell real well.
Cheers
F-0
Looks like an angry Korean car.
Should be a brilliant little car for city dwellers or a more than capable second runabout for the family. VW are certainly leading the way with engine/transmission technology and it’s great to see them transfer it across their entire range.
Hal, from what I have read the new Jetta is due in 2010 some time. It’s recently had a bit of a mid-life update though, as the old 110kW 2.0L FSI engine in the base model has been upgraded to a 1.4L 118kW twincharger TSI (as in the Golf Mk VI), and the Jetta TDI now has the new common rail 103TDI engine with particulate filter (again, as in the Golf Mk VI). I also think the MY2009 Jettas have the new RCD310 radio as standard.
This car will relegate the funky Fiesta to the scrapheap.
Here we have a car that
1. Looks much more timeless than the fast dating Fiesta.
2. Has proper engines and transmissions – no poxy 5 speed manual and 4 speed auto 1.4 litre option here.
3. Will cruise all day at realistic revsn not like the Fiesta which spins at 3300rpm at 110ks. EEK.
4. Has a MUCH better interior and dash layout.
5. Has doors that close with a satisfying thunk, not the tinny clang sound the Fiesta doors make.
6. Will be priced to blow the Fiesta away in Aus – the damn Zetec is $23000 plus on roads – What the ???? What is Ford smoking. Go for auto and you get a smaller, more gutless engine for more money still – Joke, Right???
Might be a problem for p-platers, though – petrol engine is Turbo.
Reckless, points 1-5 nicely could explain why Territory is sooo much better than Captiva/Kluger. Ironic hey?
Reckless,
Falcon may have low boost turbo 4 before long as well. Perhaps the pollies might have actually think about the law properly.
Yes Bret, although my antispam word was Dodge, which is likely what the pollies will do with the issue.
Small direct injected turbo engines are the future due to their light weight and fuel efficiency, so yes, more will have to be allowed for P-Platers other than just the turbo diesels.
If the Polo also comes with the NA 1.2L and 1.4L engines they will also spin to at least 3,300 rpm at 110km/h?
The Fiesta is an overated car,I will never forget my test drive in the 1.4L auto….something I don’t want to experience in ANY car,ever again!
On the button reckless1, spot on ,these guys are the leaders in the power/economy game .
No body is getting it so right as the VAG group at the moment , top class engines/trannies , great interiors , top build , grate resales , plus the big winner, great driving experience .
Fasthonda… considering the 1.4 auto wasn’t initially available when the latest Fiesta was released, and the fact that there is yet to be a review of this engine/gearbox in the press, my guess is that you haven’t in fact driven it and you just have an axe to grind against Ford.
1.4 litres mated to a slushbox equals slug. In fact it would not pull an oversized jumper off a skinny supermodel.
^Not to mention the 1.4 Fiesta uses more fuel despite a decrease in power.
@Phillip : I have driven it.
My elderly parents were recently looking at trading in their old Ford Telstar that’s the reason why I was test driving the Fiesta auto.
My father worked at Ford and is entitled to a Ford (ex)employee discount…anyway,he decided that he preferred the larger Focus and ordered one.
My father and I didn’t need to wait for a review to be published and I have no axe to grind! :)
LOL What’s wrong with the Fiesta, Reckless1? At least the manual was quite a rewarding drive despite the A/C failure. $23k for a top of the range sounds like a bargain. IT’s also a superior car compared with the similarly priced Yaris and Jazz imo. Not sure about the auto box tho.
Back on topic, I thought this new POLO looks good in front/sides. Cool looking Wheels. The back however really reminds me of the 80s thin cardboard box like cars. What’s up with those tiny back lights as well.
thanks mdt
Fasthonda, you clearly have an axe to grind. If a car like the Fiesta has been (and it has been) considered to be at the top of its class, it clearly has something special. So, the auto loses 3kw over the old model. Boo hoo! Small cars (especially small auto cars) won’t suit those looking for oodles of power. In terms of capacity it’s between the Yaris 1.3 and Mazda 2 1.5, not that capacity is the be all and end all. Those who own one will get used to how much power it has and drive accordingly. And if they do get into trouble, the safety features that its competitors miss will most likely get them out of trouble. You obviously hate the Fiesta because you decided to hate it from the start.
Nightshifter: Have a look at the last few generations of Polo. The little square tail lights and boxy rear end are trademark Polo styling cues
Poor arguments from Reckless 1 and fasthonda. Fiesta has won car of the year award at WhatCar and Scotland car of the year, and lets not forget numerous praises from other car websites, you will be hard pressed to find a bad review on the Fiesta. Even Clarkson gave it a good wrap.
Fiesta, that was before the Polo was released.
Different story now.
$23000 price tag for a 1.6l small car is insane in Aus.
71kw and 4sp auto is a good argument, is it? 5speed manual and 3300 at 110ks is nice, is it? Diesel engine option – err, sorry.
I’ll have the Polo thanks, I know my aregument is the opposite of poor.
I can’t believe some people’s arguments on this topic.
I drove the 1.4l auto,I found the performance unsatisfactory.
I DON’T CARE WHAT THE REVIEWS HAVE SAID NOR DO I CARE WHAT J CLARKSON HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE FIESTA.
I would’ve said the same whether the car was a Honda,Toyota,Mitsubishi,Kia,Mercedes Benz,BMW etc…. you get my drift?
If people have a Fiesta well,good onya!
And people,please don’t give so much credence to Clarkson,it actually puts you in a dim light in regards to
making up your OWN minds!
Reckless 1, how can you even comment, when you haven’t actually driven one.
Fasthonda, I am talking about the 1.6 manual, it’s a great car, give that one a go next time.
I give credit to Clarkson and the like because they have had the luxury of driving a larger number of cars than the rest of us. Its a good place to start so as to narrow down your search.
Awesome!….much sharper than Golf!
@Phil
I have actually considered buying the current generation Polo GTi half a year ago and have test driven it. Those back lights are small but not as square/boxy. The lines were also more curvy instead of perfectly square/boxy like it is now. Just take a look at the VW au website for the current generation pictures. Given that the current generation POLO wasn’t my favourite to start with, I really have to say, for me, the back side of this new generation looks worse.
@Reckless1
23k for a top of the range 1.6L is really far from insane. As I said, compare it with the Yaris and Jazz. The top of the line Jazz is actually more expensive.
I really wouldn’t be surprised that the 1.4L auto is seriously underpowered compared to the manual however. Given how the fuel economy conscious Europeans have a preference on Manuals over Autos. Theirs reviews probably wouldn’t care too much about autos.
What is the pricing of this Polo like anyways? I doubt it will be able to “blow away” the Fiesta $ wise.
What about the “5speed manual and 3300 at 110ks” argument? I don’t think the Fiesta is intended to be a cruiser but rather a small for zipping around the metropolitan area. Then again what other small car has a 6speed manual and doesn’t spin to 3k rev @ 110k????
Can people here please try not to digress off the topic, it gets a bit annoying sometimes.
Anyway, back to the Polo, I think the front design looks much much better than any other polo. The rear looks like another design team worked on it (on not worked hard enough on it), not much change from the previous generation. I think many good attractive cars which have similar headlight and taillight designs look attractively consistent. The interior looks a lot more grown up and better quality, except the cheapish looking air conditioning control unit.
Even if its 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres, the current generation Prius and new generation Insight consume 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres! NOT TO MENTION THE VASTLY MORE EMBODIED EMISSIONS/ENERGY/RESOURCES IN THEIR HYBRID EQUIPMENT! Which brand do you think has a better understanding of the big picture sustainability thing?