The all-new Volkswagen ID. Polo has received its much-anticipated world premiere boasting class-leading interior space and range of up to 283-miles.
Set to go on sale at Vertu Volkswagen dealerships later this year, the ID. Polo line-up is set to start with a sub-£25,000 price tag, come with a 411-litre boot and feature technologically advanced interior.
Originally set to wear the ID.2 name in line with Volkswagen’s electric-only ID-badged line-up, the decision to pivot to the more recognisable ID. Polo moniker is indicative of a new tactic to merge electric power with the manufacturer’s popular mainstream range.
Indeed, by aligning the historic – and immensely popular - Polo moniker to be worn on an affordable small electric car, the ID. Polo launch stands to become a major turning point in the transition to EVs.
While this is not a replacement for the conventional Polo, which will continue to be sold with its choice of petrol and mild-hybrid engines, they will share a similar space in the market.
Indeed, from the outset the ID. Polo looks every inch like a contemporary update of the conventional Polo, sharing a similar profile and the same understated, yet classy overall look.
Nevertheless, while clearly related, the ID. Polo is easily also distinguishable from the Polo as its own model line.
At the front, the Polo gets a sharper appearance with an illuminated VW badge flanked by smiling LED headlights that blend into a full-width light bar. From the side, the ID. Polo’s upright rear-quarter and raised ride height is disguised by smart design flourishes like the hidden rear-door handle, smooth surfaces and chunky alloy wheels.
The rear bears closer resemblance to the new ID.3 Neo with the squared-off taillights and the badging illuminated in red this time. It ensures the ID. Polo has its own distinct identity, without veering too far from VW’s familiar design signature, something the ID.3 before it failed to achieve.
Inside, the ID. Polo follows a similar theme to the recently revealed ID.3 Neo, which means any original plans to go minimalist have been shelved in favour of more ergonomic touches like physical controls and non-haptic feedback buttons.
A digital driver’s display and a sizeable central touchscreen dominate the dashboard, but the ID. Polo also gets quality touch points like fabric on the dashboard and door trims.
Volkswagen ID. Polo Range and Performance
Unlike the ID.3 Neo, the ID. Polo is front-wheel drive and features two batteries stowed between the axles. It sits on Volkswagen’s new MEB+ platform that will also underpin the CUPRA Raval and Skoda Epiq.
There will be a choice of either a 37kWh or a 52kWh battery, with the former using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and generating 114bhp for 196-miles of range return. This will be applied to base Trend trim models, which Volkswagen’s promise will be priced under £25,000.
The 37kWh battery will also be available in Life and Style models but pack extra power at 133bhp and return 204-miles of range.
Upgrading to the more advanced 52kWh battery, which uses Nickel Manganese Cobalt, and power increases to 208bhp, while returning 283-miles of range. As a reference, the new Kia EV2 returns 281-miles of range and the Renault 5 E-Tech manages 252-miles.
How Spacious is the VW ID. Polo?
In terms of dimensions, the ID. Polo is shorter than the regular Polo but is wider and taller than a Golf. It also has a larger wheelbase than its namesake.
Within these measurements, Volkswagen has worked hard to package the ID. Polo in a way that maximises its interior and luggage space.
As such, rear passengers will find more head and legroom than in a Polo, while it is quoted with a 411-litre boot, which is considerably larger than you’d find in a Golf from the class above.
Volkswagen ID. Polo Specifications and Trims
As mentioned, the ID. Polo will be offered in three trim levels – Trend, Life and Style – though a more powerful GTI variant is being readied for 2027 too.
Entry-level Trend models come with LED headlights, a digital cockpit, a 13-inch infotainment system, a multi-function steering wheel in leatherette and automatic air-conditioning.
Upgrade to the Life trim level and you also get adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera system, voice control, app connect and a variable luggage compartment floor for more convenient use of the luggage compartment.
Flagship Style trims add IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with light strip, 3D LED light clusters and sport comfort seats.
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- Electric
- New Cars
- Volkswagen