We've heard rumors of this before and now it sounds official, at least according to Automotive News. The industry trade paper reported today that Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen Group of America's CEO, said to expect two Polo models in 2011, a sedan and a four-door hatchback.
Although Volkswagen showed an all-new Polo at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, it's not the same model we'll get here. Jacoby said the U.S. version will be taller and ride on a longer wheelbase, increased which would make Polo about the same size as a Honda Fit. The goal is to price the Polo between $13,000 and $15,000 according to Jacoby.
Geneva Auto Show: Volkswagen Polo
dougtheeng says:
12:02 PM, 03/16/09
Sweet! Great news.
compliance says:
12:11 PM, 03/16/09
Awful news. I want that Polo in the picture, not a VW Fit. If they gave us the world car with a diesel option they'd sell a billion of them. Not everyone wants a tall goofy looking car, and if I did really want a giant little box on wheels why would I buy this one? A Fit will be far more reliable, a cube will be far cooler, a Fiesta will probably be better all around. No more NA market throw-aways please.
mlh says:
12:28 PM, 03/16/09
Please bring the diesel!
firstwagon says:
02:27 PM, 03/16/09
I'll be glad to see it but without the diesel I would likely buy something more interesting like the Kia Soul or the Fiat 500.
robert4380 says:
03:16 PM, 03/16/09
Sooooo... we WON'T be getting the Polo we see in all these press shots on the Internet. We'll get a different car that will just be a Polo in name only. Enough of this crap already, VW!
I don't want something the size of a Fit or even a Rabbit.
I want a 3 door hatchback that is upscale in quality, fun to drive, and about the size of my old '91 Honda Civic hatchback. Is that really too much to ask?
compliance says:
03:20 PM, 03/16/09
I want to know why everyone is afraid to compete with the Mini. There is plenty of room to do it considering this would cost far less and be far less polarizing. They think the recipe won't work. Meanwhile Mini will continue to sell as many as they can make.
autoburetor says:
03:36 PM, 03/16/09
I am looking forward to the day when the automakers are able to sell models without having to modify them for each marketplace. I wonder how much that will extend into savings for the consumer when manufacturers are no longer having to put extra cost into re-design?
hondacura4 says:
05:58 PM, 03/16/09
"I want to know why everyone is afraid to compete with the Mini."
Compliance, the VW Golf/GTi is a valid Mini
competitor.
"I am looking forward to the day when the automakers are able to sell models without having to modify them for each marketplace. I wonder how much that will extend into savings for the consumer when manufacturers are no longer having to put extra cost into re-design?"
Autoburetor, I understand and agree somewhat with your statement however Im not sure if that could ever happen as different regions have require different products.
U.S. consumers above all obviously need to better proritize and focus on needs instead of wants and the current economic situation validates that.
johnrees says:
06:04 PM, 03/16/09
Volkswagen and Jacoby should review their customer service. View my VW experience at: http://www.reesphotos.com/VW/
stovt001 says:
06:26 PM, 03/16/09
I know some modifications have to be made for different markets, but it seems like the U.S. always gets the short end of the stick when we get our models. They're always crappier than the other versions. Do they really have to dumb everything down, or is it just some sort of anti-American gesture?