Signifying a new chapter for the Polo, Volkswagen has whipped the wraps off the first all-electric version of its popular hatchback. Meet the ID. Polo.
The Polo, one of the most successful products in Volkswagen’s 88-year history with more than 20 million sales to its name, is entering a new chapter as an EV model in the guise of the ID. Polo. Geared towards new-energy mobility, the VW ID. Polo brings with it an all-new design that features compact yet practical and upmarket packaging, clever driver assistance systems, and an electric powertrain with a WLTP operating range of up to 454 km.
Underpinned by Volkswagen’s EV-focused MEB+ platform, the ID. Polo is about the same length as the current Polo, but slightly taller and wider, with a wheelbase around 50 mm longer. Exterior design was penned by VW’s chief designer, Andreas Mindt, and uses what the company calls a ‘Pure Positive’ design language. Externally, it combines new elements with design cues borrowed from other familiar models, such as C-pillars inspired by the Mk1 Golf.
Inside, the mix of modern and retro touches continues with a Digital Cockpit that includes a 10-inch screen and a ‘retro display’ option that gives the instruments and readouts an old-school Mk1 Golf vibe. This is complemented by a 13-inch Innovision touchscreen infotainment system that’s easily accessible to both the driver and front passenger.
Owing to its compact powertrain and clever interior packaging, the ID. Polo is roomier inside than its internal-combustion sibling, with a claimed 25% boost to boot space — 441 litres — plus 1 240 litres of total utility space.
The ID. Polo will be offered with a front-wheel-drive electric powertrain in three states of tune. The 85 and 99 kW versions run on a 37 kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering an operating range of 329 km and charging from 10 to 80% in about 23 minutes via DC fast charging. The top-spec 155 kW model uses a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, can also DC charge from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes, and offers a range of 454 km. The powertrains also feature vehicle-to-load (VTL) functionality, providing up to 3.6 kW of power for external devices like outdoor equipment and e-bikes.
Tech highlights include Travel Assist with traffic light recognition (a system that combines semi-autonomous cruise control and braking with lane centring and traffic-light cameras to assist with braking at junctions for safety and efficiency) and one-pedal drive with brake energy regeneration.
Three trim levels will be offered. Entry-level Trend comes with 90 kW DC charging, assist systems (Side Assist and Lane Assist, Emergency Assist), LED headlights with high-beam control, a Digital Cockpit with a 10-inch display, the Innovision infotainment system, a leatherette-finished multi-function steering wheel and automatic air conditioning. Life adds adaptive cruise control, parking-distance control with a rear-view camera and front cross-traffic assist. It also includes an anti-dazzle rearview mirror, electrically folding wing mirrors, App Connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and wireless phone charging. The range-topping Style adds an IQ.Light LED matrix lighting package (including head-, tail- and grille DRL strips and illuminated logos), heated sports seats, ambient cabin lighting, dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.
The ID. Polo lineup will be boosted later this year with a more powerful variant, but its availability on the South Africa market has yet to be confirmed.
