Originally Posted by autoXpress

The Polo has freshened up – and we have the whole story as Volkswagen’s next-generation star sets its sights on returning to the top of the supermini class.

Bigger, better built and with an advanced engine range, the smart-looking small car will challenge for honours alongside tough new rivals such as Ford’s Fiesta – on sale later in 2008 – and Honda’s Jazz.

Following on from our pictures of the new VW Golf, it’s easy to see where the inspiration for the latest Polo’s styling has come from. It blends the taut bodywork of the family favourite with the intricate detailing of the recent up! concept car. The next Polo will be much chunkier than the current model with a more distinctive front end, featuring sporty headlights and a neat twin-slat grille. There’s a classy rising waistline, too, and the whole look is finished off by Tiguan-style tail-lamps.

Unlike Ford’s forthcoming Fiesta, the design is evolutionary – and that’s essential for maintaining the Polo’s current customer base.

Sitting on a modified version of the current model’s platform, but stretched to take the body length to four metres, the new Polo will be larger inside. It will also have a higher roof. This will leave room in the man-u*facturer’s line-up for a new little brother. Quality will leap forward with lots of soft-touch plastics and a slick dashboard design, further aping the Golf. And by fitting slimmer seats, the designers intend to create more legroom.

Although the suspension layout will be carried over, the Polo will get an electric power-steering system. Petrol engines will include a 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit developing 60bhp or 70bhp; an 85bhp 1.4 four-cylinder; and a 105bhp 1.2 super-turbo.

There will also be a smooth new 1.6-litre common-rail TDI diesel, tuned to produce 75bhp, 90bhp or 105bhp. A Bluemotion model, with an 80bhp 1.4-litre TDI unit, will be offered, too, and all powerplants will meet Euro V emissions regulations. At the top of the line-up, hot hatch fans will be excited by a new flagship GTI powered by a 170bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI motor. Using a highly tuned chassis, the performance variant will take on the Renaultsport Clio 197 and Vauxhall Corsa VXR. But that’s not all. A diesel hot hatch is also anticipated, with a 135bhp TDI unit under the bonnet.

Most engines will get a six-speed manual gearbox but, for the first time, VW’s twin-clutch DSG semi-auto is to be an option on the Polo. Prices won’t change much over the current car, and sales will start in mid-2009 for the three and five-door models. A crossover Dune and a drop-top, inspired by Karmann’s concept car from this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, arrive shortly after.