The next-generation 2010 Volkswagen Polo is yet another compact hatchback that could be headed to the U.S. in 2011.
A long-time member of Volkswagen's lineup, the Polo has always been considered too small for American tastes. This particular version is larger than previous models, but still smaller than a Rabbit. At 155.6-inches long and 57-inches high, it's half a foot shorter than a Honda Fit and three-inches lower.
In Geneva, Volkswagen displayed various examples, one of which was the Bluemotion diesel concept. According to Volkswagen, the Bluemotion Polo is capable of returning up to 70mpg thanks to a three-cylinder, 1.2-liter diesel engine, stop-start technology, low-rolling resistance tires and improved underbody aerodynamics.
Although labeled a concept, Volkswagen officials said they expect to have a production ready Bluemotion Polo ready for Europe by early next year. For the U.S., sales of the standard Polo could start about a year later in early 2011.
So what do you think? Is the U.S. ready for a Volkswagen this small? - Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
jederino says:
04:22 PM, 03/ 5/09
Sure, I'd give it a look. The GTI is a fantastically useable small car, with a very efficient and accomodating interior. I'm hopeful this would be quite good.
hondacura4 says:
07:07 PM, 03/ 5/09
I think this car could do well here just like its bigger brother the Golf/GTI.
autoburetor says:
07:14 PM, 03/ 5/09
Let's see.... While the American public is still enamored over larger vehicles, regardless of a recent spike in fuel prices and the knowledge that gasoline costs will likely increase again.... Would Volkswagen be able to popularize a small vehicle in such a market? Maybe we should check out a couple of popular cars from 1973 and see what history would tell us....
http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e172/Tennesseestorm/?action=view¤t=1972_Pontiac-24-1.jpg
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1970-1997-volkswagen-beetle-5.jpg
You tell me if the Polo would sell well, assuming it's made well and meets safety and emissions standards in the US!
autoburetor says:
07:19 PM, 03/ 5/09
And, just to refute my previous comment... We do have this as a recent example of a small hatchback that is not selling even close to as well as was originally anticipated.... And the styling similarities to the Polo are striking!
http://gallery.carreview.com/data/car/597/medium/saturn_astra_32.JPG
seppoboy says:
05:07 AM, 03/ 6/09
Well, it's about the size of the A1 Golf/Rabbit from 1975 to 1983, and not far off the size of the A2 Golf and GTI from 1984 to 1993. Those sold reasonably well and had a lot of satisfied customers. A more modern Polo would cost more in comparable dollars because of all the features and safety/emissions gear, but it should have a place in the US market.
dougtheeng says:
06:20 AM, 03/ 6/09
bring it over!!
firstwagon says:
07:24 AM, 03/ 6/09
I think it's a great idea. It may be smaller then a Fit but the Fit is not a small car. I saw one parked next to an early 90's Civic hatchback and the Fit was much bigger.
With the exception of the Smart(which isn't for everyone), small cars are getting too big and heavy.
We need more truly small cars. I would buy a Polo over a Golf/Rabbit.
zimtheinvader says:
10:11 AM, 03/ 6/09
" We do have this as a recent example of a small hatchback that is not selling even close to as well as was originally anticipated"
They didn't advertise it! Ask 10 random people on the street what an Astra is and see how many people even have heard of it.
Ask 10 random people to even name one current Saturn model and I doubt even 3 would be able to do it.
desmolicious says:
01:14 PM, 03/ 6/09
I rented the previous 2008 model Polo last year in Europe. It sat four adults just fine. Why do people think these cars are too small for the US market? Is everyone here obese? Or just 65% of the current population...
firstwagon says:
03:17 PM, 03/ 6/09
"They didn't advertise it! Ask 10 random people on the street what an Astra is ..."
No kidding!
I've talked to couple people lately who were in the market for an affordable car. I suggested the Astra is a good car with great discounts. One person had never heard of it and the other got angry. He went on to explain that he had owned an Ion and it was a lousy car. No way he was buying a hathback version of the same car.
I tried to explain they have nothing in common but he didn't believe me.
minibro77 says:
06:59 AM, 03/ 7/09
"And, just to refute my previous comment... We do have this as a recent example of a small hatchback that is not selling even close to as well as was originally anticipated.... And the styling similarities to the Polo are striking!"
http://gallery.carreview.com/data/car/597/medium/saturn_astra_32.JPG
Autoburetor, the Astra is a nice car but Americans unfortunately have forgotten about Saturn since all of their cars are found with different badges and grilles in other GM Brand showrooms. It is really sad. Also they didn't even bring the Hotter OPC version here. I would rock a Polo GTi if it were a good performer. A nice throwback to my very first car. A Black with Red Cloth Interior 1983 VW Rabbit GTi. The questions is would they call this car the "POLO" or would they run back into VW's 20 to 30 year past and call it a "FOX" or a "Dasher?"
k55 says:
02:42 PM, 05/29/09
I had a 80 Scirocco and a 06 Golf GTI. I would love VW to consider a 2 door hatch as well and make it a GTI version please. I was thinking about the 10 Golf GTI ...but I really dont need a car that is "that big". I am also considering a MINI Cooper/Cooper S as well so the POLO GTI could be a good alternative. Yes bring it please.