Updated Volkswagen Polo, Vento in the works

Volkswagen is readying another update for its ageing Polo and Vento range in the Indian market. This time, the refreshed cars will not just get cosmetic tweaks, but will mechanical changes.

These images give us the best look thus far of the upcoming Polo. First up, the updated cars get new front styling that is quite similar to the one on the high-performance limited-edition Volkswagen GTI hatchback. Additionally, both cars will get alloy wheels with grey finish (on top-spec variants) and other minor cosmetic tweaks inside out. The updated Polo is also expected to get similar tail-lamps as the GTI. The cars will get a speed warning system, as well as front seat seatbelt reminders and rear parking sensors as standard, to comply with the latest safety norms. These safety inclusions would be in addition to the standard-fit airbags and ABS the cars come with.

Under the hood, the TSI variants of the Polo and Vento will get a new BS6-compliant 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit replacing the 1.2-litre motor and also the 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine. The new VW 1.0-litre TSI motor is from the EA211 series and is likely to come in a 94hp as well as a 115hp version, depending on the model.  Apart from the Polo and Vento, this new engine will see duty on the Skoda Rapid as well.

This new engine will be locally assembled in India as part of the brand’s India 2.0 strategy, which also includes the market introduction of future models like the Volkswagen T-Cross SUV and the Virtus sedan.

It is yet to be known whether Volkswagen India will bring the cosmetic and mechanical updates together. As BS6 norms may push the pricing higher, the company could introduce the new engine a little later, possibly close to the BS6 deadline.

While the made-for-India SUVs (T-Cross and Skoda Kamiq) from VW Group India will use the 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine, the smaller 1.0-litre TSI motor will power the Volkswagen Virtus sedan that will come a little later to replace the Vento.

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