Volkswagen Polo updated for 2014

Only the most ardent Volkswagen fans are going to be able to tell a 2014 Polo apart from its predecessor, because the exterior changes are barely noticeable. However, beneath the bodywork there have been some significant technical revisions.

They start with an improved engine line-up that’s EU6-compliant. Initially buyers will have eight alternatives to pick from, with a high-performance GTI variant due to follow in 2015:

• 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) 1.0 litre MPI three-cylinder petrol
• 74 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) 1.0 litre MPI three-cylinder petrol
• 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) 1.0 litre TSI BlueMotion three-cylinder petrol
• 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) 1.2 litre TSI four-cylinder petrol
• 108 bhp (80 kW / 110 PS) 1.2 litre TSI four-cylinder petrol
• 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 1.4 litre TSI four-cylinder petrol with cylinder deactivation
• 74 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) 1.4 litre TDI three-cylinder diesel
• 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) 1.4 litre TDI three-cylinder diesel

All come with a new electro-mechanical steering system and automatic post-collision braking, a device that instantly applies the brakes after a crash to help prevent a secondary impact. Sport Select suspension, which gives a choice of two damper settings, debuts on the options list.

Those very subtle cosmetic tweaks are limited to redesigned bumpers, rear lights and alloy wheels. On the inside the centre console, instruments and steering wheel have all been altered.

UK prices and final specifications for the 2014 Polo are due to be announced in April, ahead of the first deliveries in July.

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