A Volkswagen Polo was spotted testing in India with minor changes and a ‘BlueMotion’ badge. This sighting comes barely days after Volkswagen unveiled the 2018 Polo globally. After the updating the Polo for the European markets, the manufacturer has now turned its attention towards updating its product for the domestic markets.
The vehicle spotted in India sports styling cues similar to the current Polo in India and any differences introduced are minor and subtle. The headlamps are sleeker and house a more edgy design in the new car. The styling on the side and rear is identical to the current model.
The dashboard of the spied vehicle houses a six-inch infotainment display in the centre and the instrument cluster gets a different analogue assembly. The spotted vehicle wears a ‘BlueMotion’ badge on the boot. Blue motion is a Volkswagen technology which emphasises on fuel efficiency by carrying a more aerodynamic body, auto stop-start and programmed battery charging system so the alternator only runs when necessary.
Reports state that the spotted vehicle was equipped with a 1.4-litre TSI motor. However, the images also reveal a five-speed manual gear shifter. It is unlikely that the manufacturers will mate the 1.4 TSI engine to a five speed manual gearbox. This deduces in the spied vehicle being equipped with a 1.0-litre TSI engine which will replace the current 1.2-litre petrol engine.
The new car is expected to receive mechanical updates and is likely to hit the showroom in the coming festive season. When launched with the newer engine, the Polo will compete against the Hyundai Elite i20, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Nissan Micra and Renault Pulse.
