New 2021 Volkswagen Polo facelift launch set for 22 April

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Luke Wilkinson

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Volkswagen has issued its first official teaser image of its facelifted Polo supermini. The revised compact hatch will break cover on 22 April, sporting a Mk8 Golf-inspired makeover that’s fit to take on fresher rivals such as the latest Renault Clio and Hyundai i20.

Volkswagen’s teaser gives little away about the facelifted Polo’s styling, other than that it’ll gain a fresh pair of LED headlamps which, like those on the Golf, feature daytime running lights that extend into the radiator grille, towards the car’s badge.


Shots of previously spied development cars give us a better idea of how the updated Polo will look. The supermini’s front end takes heavy inspiration from its larger sibling’s, with an updated grille design and a new front bumper with larger air intakes.

At the rear, the updated Polo will receive a pair of lamps and a new bumper that are pretty much identical to the Golf’s, with a new diffuser that borrows the larger hatchback’s fake exhaust tips. The overhaul will likely be completed with a refreshed paint palette for buyers to choose from and some new alloy wheel designs.

We’re expecting fewer changes to the Polo’s interior, if any. When it was launched back in 2017, the sixth-generation Polo received a substantial interior update over its predecessor, so we’re expecting this updated model to retain the same dashboard layout and eight-inch infotainment system.

The availability of Volkswagen’s 10.25-inch digital instrument panel should also stretch further across the Polo line-up, and Volkswagen could introduce more connected technology as part of the update. The firm’s press release promises the car will be “more digital” and embrace “greater networking.”

Volkswagen shouldn’t fiddle too much with the Polo’s engine range, as it already uses the Group’s most up-to-date powertrains.

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - rear

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - rear
Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - side

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - side
Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - front

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - front
Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - front

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - front
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - rear

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - rear
Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied
Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - rear

Volkswagen Polo hatchback spied - rear

That means a line-up dominated by the brand’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. The entry-level model will likely still feature a naturally aspirated version of this motor, with 79bhp. Mid-range models will use a turbocharged TSI version of the same engine, offering either 94bhp or potentially 108bhp, as with the newly facelifted SEAT Ibiza.

Volkswagen could look to electrify the Polo as part of the facelift, potentially introducing the 48-volt mild-hybrid 108bhp 1.0-litre eTSI engine from the Golf. As the two hatchbacks are both based on a version of MQB platform, (and the engine uses the same mounting points as the Polo’s existing 1.0-litre powertrain), but it’s not a likely candidate.

Manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions will be available.

The updated Polo won’t be the only new supermini from the Volkswagen Group in 2021, either. The next-generation Fabia will arrive soon, moving onto the same MQB A0 platform that the Group’s soon to be renewed Polo and SEAT Ibiza sibling are based on.

What do you make of the updated Volkswagen Polo? Let us know in the comments section below…

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