Inside running on new VW Polo

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Volkswagen hasn't kept the launch next month of the new Polo to itself - but it has tried to keep the interior styling under wraps.

Automotive News got hold of a left-hand-drive brochure of the new model, showing what is acknowledged as one of the car's strong points - its classy interior.

The dashboard and instrument panel, the air-conditioning vents, radio and so on are clean, uncluttered and functional - typically German.

The Polo has borrowed from VW's parts bin. There is much of the styling cues of the Golf, Bora and Lupo inside and outside the Polo, even down to the blue-lit instruments.

The Polo will be unveiled in Auckland on May 10. It will come well equipped, with airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes and air-conditioning as standard.

Previously, the agents European Motor Distributors offered air-conditioning as an option on Polo. But it is sure to be included in the entry-level price in the mid-twenties. The standard Polo will be powered by a 1.4-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine. The GTi, expected to cost about $33,000, will use a 1.6-litre powerplant producing a healthy 92kW. The arrival of the Polo will further boost interest in hatchback models from Europe. The new Fiat Punto has just gone on sale, joining in appeal and price the Renault Clio and Peugeot 206. The Polo GTi completes something VW has wanted to do in New Zealand - offer a family of "hot" hatches. VW invented the term GTi with the first Golf back in the 1970s and researchers said the carmaker should capitalise on it. The 1.6-litre Polo GTi will join the 1.8-litre Golf GTi. Within the new few months the New Beetle GTi will arrive.