The New VW Polo Saloon - Market Launch

Press Release

The new Polo Saloon - Market launch in Germany on 17th October 2003

In Short

• The new Polo Saloon, powerful design, 432 litres of boot space
• Increased length (28 centimetres) benefits rear passengers and the boot

Volkswagen's Polo is the most successful compact car on the German market. And now, as of 17th October, the range available to the buying public has been extended by the addition of another model, the redesigned Polo Saloon. This spacious four-door saloon (length: 4.18 m) is characterised by a decidedly powerful design. As the design of the fully galvanised body is fully original from the B-pillar back, this has created an extremely homogenous appearance. From the side view, the window line rises gently towards the rear, thus creating a dynamic impression. The roof section is characterised by a curvature typical of Volkswagen. In the region of the strikingly modulated C-pillar, the large rear window, reaching comparatively far into the boot, creates coupé-like traits. The boot lid itself continues this gently flowing line. Viewed directly from behind, the design of the Polo Saloon is dominated by the large, horizontally divided rear lights and an elegantly drafted tail end. The extra 28 centimetres of length (!) compared with the hatchback versions is entirely for the benefit of the rear passengers and the 432 litre boot. When the 1/3-2/3 split rear seat fitted as standard in the Comfortline version folded down, the storage volume expands to 1127 litres. The Polo Saloon is available in two attractive equipment and trim versions (Basis and Comfortline) and with four different engine options. The Basis version uses the familiar 1.4 litre, four-valve engine delivering 55 kW / 75 hp. This engine can be combined with an automatic gearbox if required. Volkswagen also offers a second petrol version in the form of a particularly agile 1.4 litre engine delivering 74 kW / 100 hp. Both engines meet the EU-4 exhaust emissions standard, giving them a tax advantage in Germany. Alongside these there are also two engines available with diesel direct injection. Tried and tested: the 1.9 SDI delivering 47 kW / 64 hp. Particularly innovative: the 1.4 TDI with pump-nozzle technology and 55 kW / 75 hp; the turbo-diesel meets the EU-4 standard, just like the petrol versions, and hence also benefits from a tax advantage. The SDI meets the EU-3 standard. Even the Basis version of the new Polo Saloon is comprehensively equipped. Standard equipment includes such things as body colour bumpers, a roof aerial, green-tinted, heat-reflective glass, central locking, electric windows in the front and rear, high-quality seat covers, vanity mirrors in the sun visors, steering column with adjustable rake and reach, plenty of storage compartments and electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering. The high-quality, torsionally rigid body, innovative chassis design and standard features such as ABS, front and side airbags (passenger airbag can be disabled), as well as Isofix fittings to take appropriate child seats, provide a very high standard in terms of both passive and active safety. The 1.4 Polo Saloon (74 kW / 100 hp) is also supplied with ESP as standard (optional on all other versions).