Preview: 2010 Volkswagen Polo three-door

Posted Wed Apr 1 2009 6:45 AM by Kenneth Hall

VW’s new Polo features a more chiseled look as seen on the Mark VI Golf

Volkswagen’s new Polo hatch is due to go on sale in the middle of the year as a 2010 model and was first revealed last month at the Geneva Motor Show in five-door trim. We can now get a look at the sportier three-door variant due later this year thanks to these latest computer generated renderings. As expected, the three-door will share the same basic shape as the bigger five-door but will ride on a slightly shorter wheelbase.

The engine lineup should mirror that of the five-door model, which means a total of seven powertrains will be available. Mated to a new 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, the new Polo is considerably more efficient than the outgoing car. The petrol range will kick off with a 1.2L TSI generating 103hp (77kW), and a total of three new TDI variants will be available, including a 1.6L unit cranking out 88hp (66kW).

New to the model family will be a BlueMotion option with regenerative braking technology and electronically controlled components, though this won’t arrive until sometime next year. A performance GTI model is expected as well, possibly featuring VW’s brilliant 170hp (125kW) 1.4L TSI engine.

The next-generation Polo, positioned just below the Golf in VW's lineup, could come to the U.S. by 2011 if greenlighted for American sale. Previous reports peg VW building North American versions of the Polo at its plant in Pueblo, Mexico, which has advantages both logistically and financially.

VW is keen to triple its U.S. sales to 800,000 units by the end of the decade and plans to launch two new sedan models designed specifically for the American market and to be built at the company’s new plant Chattanooga, Tennessee. The addition of smaller models like the Golf and Polo will only help VW attain this goal quicker.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo 3-door renderings

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

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Reader Comments

Mon Jun 9 2008 4:27 PM
Luc says

Is Volkswagen ever going to bring this little charmer to the states?
Sun Aug 3 2008 8:43 AM
Dennis Raeburn says

Could you please give me an indication of the price of the Polo 4 door and hatch version, including Radio and on board computer. When will they come onto the market in SA. Will there be a sedan version with a boot? The car looks very nice.
Thu Dec 4 2008 9:12 PM
mburleigh8 says

I wish VW would sell these in the US, especially the TDI version
I saw a Top Gear episode with a POLO TDI that got 70+ MPG.
Fri Dec 5 2008 12:10 PM
NaBUru38 says

The Fiesta barely grew in length, although it got 40mm wider.
Fri Dec 5 2008 7:29 PM
NoNameDenton says

VW is considering the next gen Polo for the USA, which is great, especially if they do the rumored awd perfromance version
Fri Mar 13 2009 2:20 AM
hondaelement says

Kinda look like Honda Fit. But I prefer the design of this VW Polo, it looks more sporty. And I like its ride comfort and its performance parts. Nice!
Fri Mar 13 2009 2:20 AM
hondaelement says

Kinda look like Honda Fit. But I prefer the design of this VW Polo, it looks more sporty. And I like its ride comfort and its performance parts. Nice!
Wed Apr 1 2009 9:40 AM
NC2010 says

"Kinda look like Honda Fit" I don't know what Fit you mean, but this Polo looks nothing like the Honda Fit we get in the USA other than it has wheels, headlights and windows. Now it does resemble a Mk6 Golf....
Wed Apr 1 2009 5:41 PM
NoNameDenton says

Too bad we are only getting a sedan and a 5 door

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