Is the updated Volkswagen Polo what the Philippine market needs?

Volkswagen Philippines is definitely back in the spotlight after announcing the launch of its latest model, the T-Cross subcompact crossover. What makes this upcoming model special is that it is the brand’s first global model to be introduced in the Philippine market after the local discontinuation of the Polo, Jetta, Golf GTI and GTS, Tiguan, and Passat.

Those mentioned models are available in most markets where you could buy Volkswagen vehicles unlike their replacements: the Santana, Santana GTS, Lavida, and Lamando which are all exclusive to Chinese market.

The Volkswagen T-Cross while being a global model is also manufactured in China just like the rest of Volkswagen Philippines’ lineup. One model that they are missing is a subcompact hatchback and the updated Volkswagen Polo might be a perfect fit for that job. It has just been updated for the 2022 model year. The current generation was first introduced in 2017, a year before the previous generation was scrapped from our local market.

VW has given the Polo a sharper exterior design and receives some design elements from the larger Golf. Noticeable is the new LED light bar which connects both headlights which on higher variants are the brand’s IQ.Light Matrix Headlights from the Touareg midsize crossover. Inside, not much has changed but it does get an updated steering wheel design and a new infotainment system which can be had with a size of 9.2-inches. In addition, the digital instrument cluster is now a standard feature with sizes ranging from 8- to 10.25 inches depending on the variant.

Under the hood, the Volkswagen Polo comes with different 1.0 L engine options. The first is a naturally-aspirated version that produces 80 hp and 90 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Next is a turbocharged TSI version that produces 110 hp and 200 Nm of torque, also paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There are no longer any TDI options just like many of Volkswagen’s vehicles previously available locally.

In terms of safety, the updated Polo gets new driver-assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Assist. It is the first model in its segment to get such a feature.

Here’s to hoping Volkswagen Philippines reintroduces the Polo here especially since it is also manufactured by SAIC of China where the local distributor sources its units from. It would be a good contender against the likes of the recently launched Honda Civic, Toyota Yaris, and even budget-friendly models such as the Mitsubishi Mirage.