Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Volkswagen to sell two versions of Polo in U.S. in 2011
Volkswagen has every intention of selling its compact Polo in the States, but we won't be getting the 2010 model that debut at last month's Geneva Motor Show. Volkswagen of America CEO, Stefan Jacoby, says the fifth-generation Polo is still too small for the American market, so instead, VW is developing two versions for the U.S. – a small sedan and a five-door version – each featuring a longer wheelbase and a slightly taller roofline.
The sedan variant will be smaller than the current Jetta, while the four-door wagon will take aim at the Honda Fit. According to Jacoby, "It's more like a cross between a compact minivan and a hatchback." Sounds like a Fit competitor to us.
Pricing is still a long way off, but Jacoby admitted that the "sweet spot" is somewhere between $13,000 and $15,000. If VW wants to hit that price point, the U.S.-market Polo will need to be built in North America, likely at V-Dub's factory in Puebla, Mexico. Expect the Polo to hit the States in 2011, equipped with a variation of the 1.2-liter inline four due to go on sale in Europe this June.
[Source: Automotive News]
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