The bulk of the changes for 2014 are found under the hood, where the fourth-gen Polo gains a host of more efficient three- and four-cylinder gas-burning engines that comply with the strict Euro 6 emissions norms. Two new three-cylinder 1.4-liter turbodiesels that make 75 and 90 horsepower, respectively, and an available start/stop system round out the major mechanical updates.
The company claims its Polo TSI BlueMotion is the most fuel-efficient five-seater with a gasoline engine, consuming 4.1 l/100 km (57 mpg) in European driving cycles. The TDI edition stakes the same claim in the diesel five-seater category, with a 3.1 l/100 km (75 mpg) rating.
Expected to land early next year, the updated variant of the range-topping Polo GTI will be powered by an upgraded version of the existing 1.4-liter TSI four-banger that is expected to churn out 189 horsepower, a noticeable increase over the current model’s 177 ponies. A six-speed manual transmission will join the existing seven-speed dual-clutch unit, and buyers will have the option of ordering the car with Volkswagen’s adjustable suspension.
Inside, the Polo gains an updated instrument cluster, a new three-spoke steering wheel and a revised center console. Select trim levels can be ordered with a state-of-the-art touch screen-based infotainment system sourced from the Golf parts bin.
The updates carried out to the exterior are frivolous and largely limited to three-slat grille, a more elegant front bumper and redrawn tail lamps. Five new alloy wheel designs help set the facelifted model apart from its predecessor.
The ruggedized CrossPolo edition also received attention, boasting new 17-inch wheels, protection panels on the front and rear bumpers, a handful of silver accents and smoked rear lights. On the inside, drivers will benefit from better fabrics, sport seats and a redesigned steering wheel.
The company has also added new R-Line packages distinguished by unique bumpers and several high-gloss accents, including the grill and bottom air inlet screen. Most of the changes are said to focus on the inside, however, with options for Alcantara or leather, contrasting colors and R-Line logos on the race seats.
After debuting next month at the Geneva Motor Show, the facelifted Polo will go on sale across Europe next summer. Pricing information will be published closer to its on-sale date.
What’s Next?
Volkswagen has confirmed it is in the early stages of developing a plug-in hybrid version of the Polo that is expected to arrive next year. The drivetrain will differ significantly from the one found in the upcoming Golf plug-in hybrid and it is being designed to work with either a gas- or a diesel-burning engine.
Finally, a rally-inspired variant of the Polo dubbed Polo R is rumored to join the Volkswagen lineup as a limited-edition model before 2014 draws to a close. The car will reportedly use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that will send 250 horsepower to all four wheels via an evolution of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
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