The Polo, one of the most successful products in the 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 incorporates compact yet practical and upmarket packaging, clever driver assistance systems, and an electric powertrain with a Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) operating range of up to 454km.

Underpinned by Volkswagen’s EV-focused MEB+ platform, the ID. Polo is around the same length as the present Polo, but marginally taller and wider, with a wheelbase that’s around 50mm longer. The exterior design was penned by VW’s chief designer, Andreas Mindt, and features what the firm refers to as ‘Pure Positive’ design language. Externally, it combines new elements with those inspired by other well-known models, such as C-pillars inspired by those on the Mk1 Golf.

Inside, the combination of modern and retro-inspired touches continues with a digital cockpit that incorporates a 10-inch screen and features a ‘retro display’ option that gives the instruments and readouts an old-school – again, Mk1 Golf-inspired – feel. This is supplemented by a 13-inch Innovision touchscreen infotainment system that’s easily accessible to both the driver and front passenger.

Image: Volkswagen

Owing to its compact powertrain and clever interior packaging, the ID. Polo is more spacious inside than its ICE relative – something that’s reflected in a claimed 25% improvement in boot space, which stand at 441 litres, and is supplemented by 1 240 litres of 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 will be fed by a 37 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery that serves up an operating range of 329 km and can be replenished from 10 to 80% in about  23 minutes, via a DC charge. The range-topping 155 kW model draws its power from a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with a capacity of 52 kWh, can be DC charged from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes, and offers a range of 454 km. The powertrains also feature VTL (vehicle-to-load) functionality, providing a power supply of up to 3.6 kW for external devices, such as outdoor equipment and e-bikes.

Innovative technologies such as Travel Assist with traffic light recognition (combines semi-autonomous cruise control and braking, as well as lane centring and traffic light-sensing cameras that assist with braking at junctions to improve safety and energy efficiency) and one-pedal drive with brake energy regeneration also feature on the ID. Polo.

Image: Volkswagen

Three trim levels will be offered:

• Entry-level Trend features 90 kW DC charging, assist systems (Side Assist and Lane Assist, Emergency Assist), LED headlamps with high-beam control, Digital Cockpit with 10-inch display, Innovision infotainment system, a leatherette-finished multi-function steering wheel and automatic air conditioner.
• Life specification adds adaptive cruise control, PDC with rear-view camera and front cross-traffic assist. Anti-dazzle rearview mirror, electrically folding wing mirrors, App Connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a wireless phone charging cable also features in this trim.
• The range-topping Style specification brings with it IQ.Light LED matrix lighting package (head-, tail- and grille DRL strip lamps, as well as illuminated logos), heated sports seats, ambient cabin lighting, dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.

The ID. Polo lineup will be bolstered by a more powerful GTI variant later this year, but at present its availability on the SA market has yet to be confirmed.

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