After being initially revealed in June 2017, Australian pricing and specifications for the 2018 Volkswagen Polo have finally been announced ahead of the car’s local launch in March. Pricing starts from $17,990 plus on-road costs, and as before the initial range includes Trendline and Comfortline models, as well as a special Launch Edition.
The sixth generation of Volkswagen Polo is larger in all dimensions compared with the car it replaces – its sudden growth in size has many describing it as closer to the Golf than ever. Whilst only three models are offered now, future additions to the range include the hot Polo GTI, as well as a Beats sound system variant and for the first time, a Polo R-Line model.
“Even the entry level manual Polo 6 features the Golf’s elegant, flat bottomed leather wheel with multimedia controls,” says Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia’s General Manager of Product and Marketing.
“That literal touchpoint is emblematic of the Polo having graduated from its class not only in terms of physical growth, but in sophistication. We’re talking less than $18K for fixtures such as a soft-touch dash top, wide touch screen and dual USB charging ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard.
“In terms of safety there’s autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, stability control and fatigue monitoring and reversing camera as standard.” said Mr. Wilks.
Offered in three main specification points, the 2018 Volkswagen Polo goes on sale in Australia in March 2018. The entry level Trendline starts from $17,990 plus on-road costs, and all initial models are equipped with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine in two different states of tune – 70kW/175Nm for the Trendline, and 85kW/200Nm for the Comfortline and Launch Edition. Transmission choices include a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, as well as a five-speed manual for the Trendline, and six-speed manual on models above.
The Trendline is equipped with autonomous emergency braking – joining only the Mazda 2 and cousin Skoda Fabia in offering AEB as standard in the city car class – with pedestrian detection, 15-inch steel wheels, a driver fatigue monitor, tyre pressure monitoring, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, cruise control, a reversing camera, air conditioning, height adjustable front seats, heated exterior mirrors and two USB ports also standard equipment.
Stepping to the $19,490 2018 Volkswagen Polo Comfortline then adds 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a front centre armrest and ‘comfort’ cloth upholstery.
For a limited time, Volkswagen is offering a limited edition Polo Launch Edition, which is priced from $20,490 plus on-road costs ($22,990 for the DSG), which adds larger 16-inch alloy wheels, inductive wireless charging in the centre console, tinted rear windows, front foglamps and tinted LED tailights.
Options for the 2018 Volkswagen Polo range are currently limited to $500 metallic paint, and for Comfortline and Launch Edition models, a $1,400 Driver Assistance Package, which includes radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parallel and perpendicular parking, electric-folding mirrors and Volkswagen’s proactive occupant protection system, which preemptively closes the windows and tightens the seatbelts if it predicts an accident.
2018 Volkswagen Polo pricing (plus on-road costs):
Trendline 70TSI 5-speed manual: $17,990
Trendline 70TSI 7-speed DSG: $
Comfortline 85TSI 6-speed manual:
Comfortline 85TSI 7-speed DSG:
Launch Edition 85TSI 6-speed manual:
Launch Edition 85TSI 7-speed DSG:
Metallic paint: $500
Driver Assistance Package (Comfortline and Launch Edition only): $1,400
The 2018 Volkswagen Polo will be launched into Volkswagen dealerships in March 2018. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for our first drive review of the 2018 Volkswagen Polo.