2021 Volkswagen Polo Release Date, Trim Levels & Specs

Published Date: 5th May 2021

The new 2021 VW Polo should be available Autumn/Winter of this year and it is stacked with improvements and new tech including driver assistance options that VW say make it best in class for semi-autonomous driving features.

New Driver & Safety Tech

For the first time the Polo will be offered with level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities with the option of VW’s IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist. The system can take control of steering, braking, speed/acceleration under a range of circumstances to avoid negative outcomes, it comes with features like predictive/adaptive cruise control, pedestrian recognition and lane keeping technology.

2021 VW Polo Exterior

Exterior styling tweaks are subtle, all models now get front and rear LED lights as standard while higher grades get matrix headlights and the option of sequential rear indicators.

Minor design changes take cues from the new VW Golf including new front and rear bumpers and some subtle changes to the rear of the vehicle. At the front is a new LED lighting bar that stretches from the new headlights to the VW badge in the centre, it is in many ways a mini-Golf.

2021 Polo Interior

Inside the all-new VW Polo feels upmarket, it is one of the best interiors you will find in a supermini backed by VW quality build standards, it is arguably best in class. It’s pretty spacious too, cabin space is good for a small car and it beats many rivals for boot space.

For the first time all Polo models will get a digital cockpit, 8-inch on entry-level models while higher grade models get the impressive 10.25-inch digital driver display.

The 6.5 infotainment screen on the entry-level model is upgraded to 8-inch or an optional 9.2-inch screen on higher grade models and equipped with VW’s App connect for smartphone mirroring capabilities. Top-end models also get VW’s Ready2Discover system which offers on demand services like navigation with live traffic.

Some of the traditional dials have been discarded especially on models equipped with climate control which get a touch sensitive control panel to complete the high-tech look in the cabin. The panels respond to touch and swipe gestures (the latter for temperature changes for example).

Engines

The new Polo will be available in the UK with a choice of three 1.0-litre petrol engines, an entry-level 79bhp unit available with manual transmission, a 94bhp turbocharged unit that can be had with a 5-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch auto gearbox and a 108bhp turbocharged unit which will be offered with the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Trim Levels & Specs

The new VW Polo trim-level line-up starts with an entry-level model called ‘The Polo’ followed by the Life and the two top-grades, the Style and R-Line. The latter ‘R-Line offers some sportier styling/features to the model line-up including a bodykit.

Standard equipment has been upgraded, so the entry-level Polo version you get LED headlights/taillights, an 8-inch digital driver display and 6.5-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, air con and front/rear electric windows, the 6.5 screen can be upgraded to an 8-inch one as an optional extra.

Move up to the Life model (expected to be the entry-level model in the UK) and you get the addition of App Connect which adds smartphone mirroring with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support. There is also a centre armrest and leather trimmed steering wheel/gear knob.

The higher-grade ‘Style’ trim-level gets the larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit, a parking distance control system, LED matrix headlights and LED front fog lights. Inside there is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless App connect for smartphone mirroring and VW’s Ready2Discover platform which gives you the option of features like navigation with live traffic.

The R-Line model will pack most of the Style trim-level spec but adds sports styling features like R-line bodykit, gloss back diffuser and chrome-look exhaust.

Those looking for the full hot hatch experience will be happy to hear that the GTI model is making a return in 2022.