In summary

• VOLKSWAGEN's mould-breaking new Polo
• Pricing

In brief

• Sportier, larger, more connected and personalised

In detail

• Car body concept
• Interior concept
• Standard and optional features
• Engines and gearboxes
• Running gear layout
• Convenience and assistance systems

Important:
All the data and descriptions included in this press folder are valid for the programme of models available for sale in Australia. Different details may apply in other countries. This information may be subject to change or correction.

The terms TSI, TDI and DSG are protected Volkswagen AG trademarks or the trademarks of other companies belonging to the Volkswagen Group in Germany.

In summary

VOLKSWAGEN's mould-breaking new Polo hatchback arrives in Australia priced from $17,990.

Representing the most significant generational change to a Volkswagen since the arrival of the class-leading Tiguan SUV almost two years ago, the sixth generation Polo redefines its segment being more sizable than a Golf of Mark 4 (1998) vintage yet priced significantly below the current Mark 7.5 Golf.

Being built on Volkswagen's exceptionally modular MQB platform (which serves in its various sizes vehicles as varied as the Golf and the forthcoming Tiguan Allspace seven seat SUV), the Polo 6 is ostensibly a city car that boasts a greater luggage capacity at 351 litres than rival brand vehicles from the next segment up such as Mazda3, Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza.

Despite having grown out of its class, the Polo 6's new three-cylinder turbo petrol engine ensures that it retains performance and efficiency comparable to the much smaller outgoing Polo, which won Australia's major car of the year awards on its release in 2010.

Rivals of the Polo continue to offer obsolete naturally aspirated engines and four speed automatics – to say nothing of plastic steering wheels.

"Even the entry level manual Polo 6 features the Golf's elegant, flat bottomed leather wheel with multi-media controls," says Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia's
General Manager of Product and Marketing.

"That literal touchpoint is emblematic of the Polo having graduated from its class not only in terms of physical growth, but in sophistication. The Polo 6 is obviously more up-market than rival cars. We're talking less than $18K for fixtures such as a soft-touch dash top, wide touch screen and dual USB
charging ports. Apple Car Play and Android Auto remain standard.

"In terms of safety there's autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, stability control and fatigue monitoring and reversing camera as standard."

Initially, the Polo 6 comes in Trendline or Comfortline specification (with different tunes of the 1.0-litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine) plus a limitedrun
Launch Edition.

The Polo GTI (with a 147kW/320Nm turbo four) and the Polo beats arrive later in the year.

Polo 70TSI Trendline

Standard Features:

• 15 inch steel wheels
• Front Assist with City EB and pedestrian monitoring
• Driver Fatigue Detection
• Low tyre pressure indicator
• Multi-Function Display (MFD Plus)
• Leather multi-function steering wheel
• 8 inch infotainment system
• App-Connect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• 2 x USB ports
• Rear View Camera (RVC)
• Cruise control
• Air conditioning
• Height adjustment for front seats
• Power windows
• Electrically heated and adjustable exterior mirrors
• Split/folding rear seat

Polo 85TSI Comfortline

Standard Features:

As above plus:

• 15 inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlight function
• Rain sensing wipers
• Auto dimming rear-view mirror
• Front centre armrest
• Comfort cloth upholstery

Polo Launch Edition

Standard Features:

As above plus:

• 16 inch alloy wheels
• Inductive wireless charging
• Dark tinted rear window glass
• Front fog lights
• Dark tinted LED tail lights

Options:
Metallic/Pearl Effect paint $500 (all models)

Driver Assistance package
(Comfortline and Launch Edition) $1,400

Includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Monitor with rear traffic alert
• Park Assist with front and rear parking sensors
• Manoeuvre braking, front and rear
• Power folding door mirrors
• Proactive occupant protection system

For further information:

Paul Pottinger, General Manager, Corporate Communications
T: (02) 9695 6196 M: 0434 755 158 E: paul.pottinger@volkswagen.com.au

Kurt McGuiness, Public Relations and Brand Experience Manager
T: (02) 9695 6198 M: 0413 135 334 E: kurt.mcguiness@volkswagen.com.au

Prices subject to change without notice. The Recommended Retail Price is a suggested retail price only. It does not take into account cost savings which may be realised by dealers under The New Tax System. Dealers have an independent obligation to comply with the price exploitation provisions in the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), which may require them to adjust this RRP. Prices quoted are Manufacturer List Prices excluding dealer delivery charges, which may vary from dealer to dealer and statutory charges, which vary from state to state.

In brief

Sportier, larger, more connected and personalised - the new Polo launches with a digital cockpit for the first time

Key facts

The new Polo: key facts and figures

• Sixth generation Polo to continue success story: With more than 14 million units sold worldwide to date (including derivatives nearly 16.5 million units), the Polo is one of the most successful vehicles in its class.
• Optimised package due to MQB: Longer and lower in height than the previous generation, the new Polo is also larger inside. Length: 4,053 mm (+81 mm), wheelbase: 2,548 mm (+78 mm), cargo capacity: 351 litres (+71 litres).
• Thanks to MQB, Polo sets standards in its class: Features such as Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, ACC, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System are otherwise only familiar from higher vehicle classes.
• Polo appeals with emotional and charismatic design: The new exterior is marked by expressive dynamism with a masculine front end.
• The luxury of choice: Trendline, Comfortline, Launch Edition, GTI (available mid-2018), beats (available mid-2018) and value-laden optional packages result in a broad range of versions.

This Polo makes the future real

Progressive compact car. The Polo, which has sold more than 14 million units worldwide, is a giant among small cars. Now a completely redeveloped sixth generation has arrived. Standard on every model: area monitoring system Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring as well as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The Polo, which has been upgraded comprehensively, is now less expensive when price-adjusted for added features, adding just $800 from the outgoing generation's entry model, but offering a larger car with thousands of dollars in value with additional standard features. The sixth generation Polo's concept and configuration are a reflection of automotive progress and the new status quo among compact automobiles. Three trim lines form the basis for the new Polo configuration at
the time of launch: Trendline, Comfortline, and a special, limited run Launch Edition. The range will be further expanded with the addition of the Polo beats arriving mid-year.

Two efficient petrol engine tunes to choose from at launch. Similar to the outgoing generation of Polo, Polo 6 will feature two petrol engine tunes in the standard model range, both utilising a newly-developed three-cylinder turbocharged engine (TSI): a 70kW tune for the Trendline model grade, and an 85kW tune for the Comfortline and Launch Edition model grades. All models are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode. Offered with a standard five (70TSI) or six-speed (85TSI) manual transmission, all three variants can be equipped with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG).

Expressive design. The sixth generation Polo has been designed on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) vehicle platform. This offers the ability to create significantly more dynamic proportions with a long wheelbase, short body overhangs and a sporty ratio of its key dimensions (longer, wider, lower overall height but improved headroom). The design has been made more powerful, masculine, charismatic and expressive than previously. This has resulted in a completely new vehicle.

Avant-garde interior. Designers also gave the interior an expressive and avantgarde flavour. It is an interior without precedent, developed for the digital era. The instruments are arranged on the same viewing, with an infotainment system display of 8.0 inches in size. Digital interfaces for smartphones allow easier access to their apps and various online services on board. Not only can smartphones be charged by wire, but also wirelessly (inductively) as an option. Interior dimensions of the sixth generation Polo are also much larger.

As a result, the car offers more space for five occupants and a boot volume that has increased significantly from 280 to 351 litres.

Four fields of innovation. The new Polo was created under the motto: "We make the future real": the idea that guides Volkswagen's global brand strategy. It defines progressive parameters for each and every Volkswagen. The new Polo is the first model to be created based on this strategy. The Polo development and design teams addressed the brand strategy's four fields of innovation: Automated Driving, Intuitive Usability, Connected Community and Smart Sustainability.

The teams used these fields of innovation to develop the DNA of the new Polo.

Automated Driving. Volkswagen has made the new Polo even safer and more convenient and comfortable by implementing numerous semi-automated systems, many of them representing preliminary steps towards automated driving. Cutting-edge technology from the Golf and Passat is being introduced to the Polo class in the form of assistance systems such as the area monitoring system Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, the lane-changing assistant Blind Spot Monitor, Cross Traffic Alert and adaptive cruise control (ACC).

Intuitive Usability. In the Polo, Volkswagen is systematically advancing digitalised display and control concepts. As previously mentioned, this involves locating instruments and the infotainment system along a common visual axis in the newly conceptualised cockpit.

Connected Community. Volkswagen is connecting people, cars and the environment more intensively than ever. The new Polo illustrates this very well. Interfaces for integrating smartphones such as App-Connect (with MirrorLink, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™) offer the best of in-car connectivity, including navigation and maps, message reading and dictating functions and a range of music streaming and entertainment.

Smart Sustainability. Volkswagen is advancing the development of innovative high-volume production models with sustainable drive systems. All Polos come standard with the Start/Stop system and regenerative braking.

In detail

Car body concept

Expressively designed compact car

First Polo based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB)

MQB A0 as the basis. Like the Golf, Tiguan, Passat and Polo, the Polo is now also based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). Here it is the A0 version adapted for particularly compact models. The MQB A0 has a whole armada of advantages. The compact proportions, which the design team also used as a starting point for a very dynamic look, immediately catch the eye. In addition, the technical advantages of the MQB can be found under the vehicle skin such as an optimised package, improved body stiffness, very good crash properties and an unchanged body weight, despite the greater size and enhanced safety features.

Torsionally stiffer and safer. Progress that has been achieved compared with the previous version can also be measured quantitatively. For instance, Volkswagen was able to improve the body stiffness of the fifth Polo generation from an already good 14,000 Nm/° to more than 18,000 Nm/°. At the same
time, the new Polo effortlessly satisfies crash requirements such as those of these tests: Euro NCAP Front Wall 0°, Euro NCAP Side AEMDB and Euro NCAP Pillar 75° 32 km/h. Thanks to the use of MQB A0, comfort gains have also been made courtesy of the 78 mm longer wheelbase, optimised entry and exit for rear seating and overall package improvements. Nonetheless, all of these benefits have been achieved without any increase in body weight.

Avant-garde design conveys charisma and dynamism

Larger and sportier. The positive effects of the MQB A0 on the car's proportions and, in turn, on its design, are huge. The car has much more dynamic proportions and a significantly longer silhouette, because the wheelbase, exterior length and width have all grown while the car's height remains nearly identical. The design team took advantage of these realigned dimensions to put a sporty, powerful, fresh and masculine Polo onto wheels of up to 18 inches in size. Simply impressive. The dynamic effects of the MQB A0 on the proportions are reflected in the Polo's new dimensions. The length of the compact Volkswagen has grown by 81 mm to 4,053 mm, and its wheelbase has also been lengthened
by 78 mm to 2,548 mm.

This means that the wheels are now positioned further to the front and rear, which also shortens the overhangs and gives the car a more powerful and sportier appearance. At the same time, the Polo is now 69 mm wider and has an overall width of 1,751 mm. Its height has been reduced by 7 mm to 1,446 mm.

Silhouette. The sixth generation Polo has become a more 'masculine' car, which generates a unique charisma from all perspectives with its new expressive design. The following details, considered from top to bottom, define the Polo when it comes to its stretched silhouette. The roof line is longer and thereby more elegant; it transitions into a roof spoiler at the rear. A fine line on the side body runs parallel to the roof line, visually lowering the centre of gravity. Key detailing of the Polo includes its long line of side windows, the Polo is the only Volkswagen to have a window line that terminates in a rise at both front and rear. This contour with the window integrated into the C-pillar was further
developed and sharpened. The C-pillar in particular, which is now designed to reach forward more and is precisely sculpted, makes the car dynamic and appear to lunge forward, even when stationary.

Arrow-shaped double line. Emerging from the straight line of the window shoulder is another line that runs towards the front and into the headlights, making the Polo appear very long. Other new and important design features follow beneath this window line. An arrow-shaped double line, which is known as the tornado line, is a new design feature defining the Polo. The surface of this three-dimensional tornado line is in the style of a shoulder section - slightly flared, and it finishes with a sharp downward undercut. The upper of these two double lines starts in the C-pillar and visually shoots forward into the front wings. The second, lower line, on the other hand, forms the undercut. It develops from the 3D graphic of the tail lights and also extends forward into the front wings, where it rises slightly, meeting the upper line.

Front end. The front end is designed to be much more emotional, dominant and sportier than that of the previous model. The headlights, together with the radiator grille, form the new 'face' of the Polo that extends across the entire vehicle width. Self-confident: a bumper which also emphasises vehicle width in its design elements. More pronounced contours: the bonnet which now extends far downward into the 'face'. The bumper has also been completely redesigned. The large glass surfaces of the fog lights and turn signal lights are eye-catching from the side of the car. They terminate outwards in three-dimensionally contoured corners. Between them there are two air intakes: a V-shaped one in the middle, and a narrow second intake that extends across the entire width.

Rear. The Polo's rear bodywork design already made it an inductee to the Automotive Hall of Fame by the time the fifth generation made its debut. Now the clean, very well-balanced overall architecture has been significantly further developed and like the sides and front end, made even more precise and sharp. Powerful: the broader shoulder section. Striking: the new trapezoidalshaped tail lights that are worked into the shoulder section (available as LED tail light clusters for the first time – featured in the Launch Edition only). Typical for the Polo: a horizontal line beneath the tail lights on the rear hatch,
which now flows into the bumper and also underscores the Polo's width from this perspective.

Interior concept

New package for more space and comfort

Welcome to the digital world

Cockpit is the centre of focus. A new dashboard and cockpit layout is making its way into Volkswagen compact models via the sixth generation Polo. Interior designers have made revolutionary changes instead of evolutionary ones. Their focus was on the dramatic growth in the digitalisation of displays and controls and on connectivity, and this called for new solutions. Another declared goal was to express a lot of character in the interior and thereby give the Polo an 'inner face' as well.

Starting with a blank slate. The interior team started with a blank slate, departing entirely from the vertically-oriented dashboard layout of the previous model and developing instead a bold horizontal architecture. This architecture is primarily defined by the modules that are used on the dashboard. In the Polo, designers took the 'form follows function' motto very seriously, because a new digitalised world was being kicked off for the A0 segment here. The new dashboard architecture began with the goal of locating the infotainment system much higher than before so that it would be in the driver's direct line of sight. Because the display should visually merge with the instruments, it was also clear that the middle air vents had to migrate downward. All of this was done, and it has now resulted in a dashboard architecture that is refreshingly contemporary and charismatic, introducing an exciting new era of digitalisation and connectivity.

One visual and control axis, up high. All key modules, except for the air conditioning unit, have been integrated on the upper cross-panel of the with various colours, depending on selected options. The outer air vents are integrated on the far left and right. Located in the middle of the high-gloss black 'island' is the screen of the infotainment system. The only additional button in this area is the button for the hazard warning lights. To the left, the high-gloss black user control island merges into the level of the instruments. This creates a coherent digital cockpit landscape. Arranged on the next lower
level are the air conditioning functions in the middle, and the lighting functions on the driver's side. The horizontal dashboard is slightly angled towards the driver in the middle. This is also true of the centre console with the gear shift grip and the buttons for the various car handling functions.

Composition Media. The Composition Media features a glass surface (glass design) with an 8-inch colour display. This glass surface creates a tablet-like look. In addition to two rotary/push-button controls, the system has eight function buttons. The sound of the infotainment system (4 x 20 watts) is output over eight loudspeakers. Along with the SD card, it also offers two USB ports (both compatible with Apple), a Bluetooth connection and a CD drive.

Connected Community

App-Connect. The latest generation modular infotainment matrix creates the right conditions for connecting the Polo with today's Apple and Android smartphones via App-Connect. Along with MirrorLink (Android), App-Connect also integrates Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ (Google) into the infotainment systems.

Wireless Charging. In the new Polo, it is also possible to supply power to smartphones inductively (for compatible phones).

Standard and optional features

New levels of personalisation

Trendline, Comfortline and Launch Edition. At the time of launch, the new Polo will be available in three trim lines: Trendline, Comfortline and the limited run Launch Edition. The Polo beats version (with a 300-watt beats sound system) and the next Polo GTI will be launched later in 2018.

Exterior - features distinguishing the different versions

Chrome, lights and wheels. Fine details distinguish the exterior of the three trim lines Trendline, Comfortline and Launch Edition from one another.

• Production wheel for Trendline. The Polo Trendline is supplied with 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.
• Production wheel for Comfortline. Customers opting for the Polo Comfortline automatically get the configuration of 15-inch 'Sassari' alloy wheels as standard.
• Production wheel for Launch Edition. The Polo Launch Edition is fitted with 16-inch 'Las Minas' alloy wheels as standard.

Colour schemes - a Polo has never been this colourful

Five body colours from launch. Overview of all exterior colours:
• Pure White
• Reflex Silver Metallic
• Limestone Grey Metallic
• Energetic Orange Metallic
• Deep Black Pearl Effect

Overview of standard features

Standard features of Trendline. Even the Trendline base version is very well equipped. Standard features include assistance systems such as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring. Overview of key features:

• 15 inch steel wheels
• Front Assist with City EB and pedestrian monitoring
• Driver Fatigue Detection
• Low tyre pressure indicator
• Multi-Function Display (MFD Plus)
• Leather multi-function steering wheel
• 8 inch infotainment system
• App-Connect, Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• 2 x USB ports
• Rear View Camera (RVC)
• Cruise control
• Air conditioning
• Height adjustment for front seats
• Power windows
• Electrically heated and adjustable exterior mirrors
• Split/folding rear seat

Standard features of Comfortline. At the Comfortline trim level, additional
details are included such as the Composition Colour infotainment system,
air conditioning (Climatic) and the Driver Alert System. The seat covers are
finished in an elegant velour. Key features in addition to those of the Trendline:

• 15 inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlight function
• Rain sensing wipers
• Auto dimming rear-view mirror
• Front centre armrest
• Comfort cloth upholstery

Standard features of Launch Edition. To celebrate the arrival of the all-new Polo, Volkswagen Australia is offering customers an exclusive Launch Edition model grade, available in limited numbers.

Building on the Comfortline, the Launch Edition includes a number of additional standard features. Overview of key features:

• 16 inch alloy wheels
• Inductive wireless charging
• Dark tinted rear window glass
• Front fog lights
• Dark tinted LED tail lights

Engines and gearboxes

Highly efficient TSI engine in two states of tune

In keeping with the previous generation Polo's simplified model range, the sixth generation Polo will launch in Australia with one engine in two states of tune, dependent on model grade. For the first time, the Polo is powered by a threecylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, offering customers a choice of either 70kW/175Nm in the Trendline, or 85kW/200Nm in the Comfortline and Launch Edition. Both engines can be specified with either a five or six-speed manual transmission, or a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission.

Petrol engine tunes in detail

1.0 TSI with 70 kW. The smallest TSI for the new Polo has an output of 70 kW (at 5,000-5,500 rpm). The turbocharged engine, which is standard in the Polo Trendline, is both agile and efficient. The three-cylinder engine with torque of up to 175 Nm (2,000 to 3,500 rpm) accelerates the Polo to 100 km/h in just 10.8 seconds. With a top speed of 187 km/h, it reaches the level of the first Golf GTI. These figures apply to both the manual gearbox version and the optional 7-speed DSG version for this engine. The high agility is coupled with low combined fuel consumption of 4.8 to 5.0l/100 km respectively (corresponding to 110 to 113 g/km CO2).

1.0 TSI with 85 kW. The more powerful tune of the 1.0 TSI / three-cylinder for the Polo is the version with 85 kW. This engine is available with a 6-speed gearbox as standard and optionally with a 7-speed DSG. The turbocharged direct injection engine develops its peak output at 5,000-5,500 rpm. The lively four valves per cylinder engine delivers its maximum torque of 200 Nm from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm. Like all other engines in the EA211 series it consumes premium unleaded fuel (95 RON).

Running gear

Standard running gear. The basic configuration of the Polo running gear offers a high level of agility and excellent comfort. In the neutral setup of the running gear, priority was given to maximum active safety. The front suspensions of the Polo that always come with front-wheel drive feature coil spring struts and lower wishbones with a track-stabilising scrub radius. The front running gear additionally features an anti-roll bar. The front suspension consists of coil springs with telescoping compressed gas dampers; the elements are integrated in the spring struts. The rear running gear consists of a semi-independent twist-beam suspension with an integrated anti-roll bar. Gas-filled dampers and separate springs on the rear axle provide for optional suspension.

Convenience and assistance systems

Electronically enhanced convenience and safety

Armada of new assistance and convenience systems

Front Assist as standard. In producing the new Polo, Volkswagen has put one of the world's most advanced compact cars on wheels. This is also reflected in the armada of new assistance and convenience systems. Even the base version of the new Polo is launching with the Front Assist area monitoring system including City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring as standard. Important: none of the Polo assistance systems relieve the driver of the responsibility for driving the car. Another standard feature included in the Polo Trendline as standard is a speed limiter, which can limit the car's driving speed to a desired speed, e.g. to avoid going too fast in the city. In addition, a tyre pressure monitoring system is always on board.

Optional expansion stages. The optional Driver Assistance Package offers additional levels of assistance and convenience systems. One option that is being offered again in the Polo is adaptive cruise control (ACC); In conjunction with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG), ACC also offers a Stop & Go function (for first time with a manual parking brake). New features for the Polo include the lane change system Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, semi-automated Park Assist system for exiting parking spaces, the proactive occupant protection system and a manoeuvre braking function. The latter automatically protects against minor but often expensive parking dents.

Assistance systems

Blind Spot Monitor (included in the optional Driver Assistance Package). This system can play a role in preventing serious accidents. The Blind Spot Monitor utilises an LED symbol in the outer area of the door mirrors to alert the driver's attention to vehicles located in the blind spot on the side of the Polo and vehicles approaching from the rear. As soon as that is the case, the symbol lights up, and if the driver activates the turn indicator in the direction of the detected vehicle the symbol flashes as an additional warning. This lowers the risk of hazardous lane-changing situations. The system, which is automatically activated from a speed of 30 km/h, uses radar sensors to monitor an area of approximately 20 metres around the vehicle. When the Blind Spot Monitor is ordered, it automatically comes with Rear Traffic Alert, which revolutionises reversing out of parking spaces.

Rear Traffic Alert (included in the optional Driver Assistance Package). Rear Traffic Alert further improves safety. It is offered in combination with the Blind Spot Monitor. Rear Traffic Alert takes much of the risk out of reversing from driveways and parking spaces that are at right angles to the road. The innovation here: The system not only 'recognises' stationary or moving vehicles directly behind the Polo, but also vehicles approaching from the side which are barely visible to the driver. The radar-based sensor module even detects objects at distances of up to 40 metres and recognises objects moving at speeds of 4 km/h or above. If a collision is imminent, the system outputs an acoustic warning. If the driver or third party do not take action to correct the situation, or if there is a risk of immediate collision, the Rear Traffic Alert system automatically initiates a brake intervention.

Fatigue Detection System (Standard). This system, which is standard on all Australian-delivered Polo models, detects waning concentration of the driver and warns him or her over a period of five seconds with an acoustic signal and a visual text in the instrument cluster that recommends taking a break. If the driver does not take a break within the next 15 minutes, the warning is repeated once.

Multi-Collision Braking System (Standard). Just around one-fourth of all accidents that result in personal injury involve multiple collisions. The Polo's Multi-Collision Braking System can help to avoid secondary collisions or at least reduce their severity. After an initial collision, the Multi-Collision Braking System automatically initiates a braking action within system limits even before the driver can react. This can reduce the severity of the accident and ideally prevent secondary collisions.

Proactive occupant protection system (included in the optional Driver Assistance Package). If the proactive occupant protection system detects a potential accident situation, such as when hard braking is initiated by an activated brake assistant, the front seatbelts are automatically pre-tensioned to ensure the best possible protection by the airbag and belt systems. If a highly critical and unstable driving situation is detected, such as severe oversteer or understeer with ESC intervention, the side windows are closed (except for a small gap) and so is the sunroof. That is because when the windows and roof are nearly closed, the head and side airbags are braced optimally and thereby achieve their best possible effectiveness.

As this system is offered in the Polo in conjunction with the standard Front Assist area monitoring system, the proactive occupant protection system also detects situations where the distance to the vehicle ahead is critical, and it helps to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. In hazardous situations the driver is given a visual and an audible warning and is also warned with a preventative braking jolt.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) (included in the optional Driver Assistance Package). The system uses a radar sensor integrated in the front section and is offered in conjunction with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG). ACC automatically adapts the speed to that of the vehicle driving ahead up to the maximum speed setting while maintaining a preselected distance. Coupling the system to the DSG enables the Polo with ACC to be automatically braked to a standstill behind a stopping vehicle. After stopping, automatic ACC operation can be resumed if the driver re-enables it.

Front Assist area monitoring system (Standard). Front Assist uses a radar sensor integrated into the front end of the car to continually monitor the distance to vehicles ahead. The system supports the driver in critical situations by preconditioning the brake system, alerting the driver to the need to react by visual and acoustic warnings and, in a second stage, by a brief warning jolt in the brake pedal. If the driver fails to brake hard enough, the system automatically generates sufficient braking force to avoid a collision. If the driver does not react at all, Front Assist automatically brakes the car to give the driver more reaction time. In addition, the system supports the driver by informing the driver if the distance to the vehicle ahead is too short. The latest version of Front Assist being offered in the Polo not only detects other vehicles, but also pedestrians who are moving cross-wise to the driving lane. As soon as a pedestrian is at risk, the system warns the driver and in a final stage brakes the Polo within system limits. One component of the Front Assist System is the City Emergency Braking system.

City Emergency Braking (Standard). City Emergency Braking is a system extension of Front Assist. It monitors the space in front of the Polo by radar sensor. The system operates at speeds below 30 km/h. If the driver does not react in a situation with an impending collision with a vehicle ahead that is moving or stationary, then the brake system is preconditioned as in Front Assist. If necessary, the City Emergency Braking System then initiates hard braking within system limits to reduce the severity of the impact. In addition, the driver is assisted with maximum braking force if the pedal force by the driver is insufficient.

Convenience systems

Park Assist (included in the optional Driver Assistance Package). This assistance system automatically guides the Polo into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces, and it can also reverse out of parallel parking spaces. It is activated by pressing a button on the centre console. Using the indicators, the driver selects the side on which the car is to be parked. If Park Assist detects via the ultrasonic sensors a parking space that is large enough (40 cm of manoeuvring room, front and rear suffices), assisted parking can begin: the driver engages reverse gear and only needs to accelerate and brake (an automatic braking function assists in the event of insufficient space). The car takes care of the steering.

Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator (Standard). The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator uses the wheel speed sensors of the ABS: in the event of tyre pressure loss, the rolling radius of the wheel concerned decreases and the wheel turns faster at the same vehicle speed. The system detects insufficient air pressure and warns the driver. However, the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator does not relieve the driver of the obligation to regularly check the tyre pressures.