This spring, VW will launch the facelifted Polo supermini, which gets new technologies and engines, as well as a light makeover inside and out. I know, it’s hard to spot the changes just by looking at the photos, so I’ll give you a hand.

Exterior updates include redesigned bumpers that feature a chrome line separating the fog lights at the front and a wider space for the license plate at the rear. The facelifted VW Polo will also feature optional LED headlights with a distinctive light signature, while the taillights retain their shape but feature a different interior design. Finally, five new alloy wheel designs complete the exterior makeover.

On the inside, the updated Polo features redesigned instruments and a new steering wheel, as well as a refreshed center console with new heating and ventilation controls.

VW says the most important changes are in terms of technology, with the facelifted Polo borrowing some from the VW Golf including the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, offered as standard. Options include a Driver Alert System and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Automatic Cruise Control.

The Polo will be available with a Sport Select suspension that uses electronically controlled dampers to switch between two suspension settings, as well as a new electro-mechanical steering system that promises to improve efficiency and offers more precise control. Another feature sourced from the Golf is the modular infotainment system

There are big changes under the hood as well, with the Polo featuring EU6-compliant engines that are up to 21 percent more economical. VW will introduce two new 3-cylinder 1.4-liter diesel engines with 74hp (75PS) and 89hp (90PS) that will replace the corresponding 1.2-liter and 1.6-liter TDI units from the current model.

Gasoline units include two new 1.0-liter MPI engines with 59hp (60PS) and 74hp (75PS) replacing the current model’s 1.2-liter MPI units. The two 1.2-liter TSI engines with 89hp (90PS) and 104hp (105PS) will be retained, as will the 1.4-liter TSI unit with cylinder deactivations (ACT). The latter will feature a power increase of 10PS to 150PS (148hp). VW says the Polo GTI hot-hatch arriving next year will also feature a power increase.

In addition, in the UK, the diesel-powered Polo BlueMotion is replaced by the new petrol-powered Polo BlueMotion TSI, which returns 68.9 mpg UK on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 94 g/km. It makes use of a new 89hp (90PS) 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

The facelifted Polo will first launch in Germany this spring, with other European countries to follow.

By Dan Mihalascu

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