Volkswagen Polo receives final update before new model arrives in 2018

In its final specification update before an all-new Polo arrives for Australia in 2018, the 2017 Volkswagen Polo has seen its familiar Trendline and Comfortline trims replaced. The new trims – coined Urban and Urban Plus – add worthwhile additional kit while retaining the driveaway prices of the existing Polo, which starts at $16,990 on-road.

The update retains the Polo’s sweet 1.2-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder, though the tune varies by grade.

The Polo Urban uses a 66kW and 150Nm tune of the 1.2-litre and replaces the Trendline, priced at $16,990 driveaway for a five-speed manual and $19,490 driveaway for a seven-speed DSG automatic. The Urban rebadge adds 15-inch alloy wheels – replacing hubcaps – plus leather coverings for the steering wheel and gear shifter. There’s also a new multi-function display for the driver and illuminated vanity mirrors, though you still won’t find audio controls on the basic steering wheel.

But it’s the Polo Urban Plus that offers the best bang for buck. Priced at $19,990 driveaway for a six-speed manual or $22,490 driveaway for the DSG, the Plus is faster, with 81kW and 175Nm and it’s well-appointed, too. Heated alcantara comfort seats complement 16-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, automatic lights and mirrors, climate control and front fog lights.

The Urban Plus automatically detects driver fatigue, but further safety features can be added to the Plus with the Driver Assistance Pack ($1,800). This adds autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, active cruise control, parking sensors – and also satellite navigation. Interestingly, a base-model Skoda Fabia, which is based on Polo underpinnings, has AEB as standard kit.

Flash Red, a non-metallic colour previously exclusive to the sporty Polo GTI, has been added to the Urban and Urban Plus. Premium paints – Reflex Silver, Pepper Grey and Deep Black – command a $500 premium over Flash Red, Pure White, or Cornflower Blue.

Increased value, same sweet engine and a new colour – sounds pretty good to us. The Urban and Urban Plus are available now and will run until the all-new sixth generation Polo arrives in March 2018.