Volkswagen Polo returns to NZ after 4 years

Jet Sanchez

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Park Assist comes standard

Park Assist comes standard

  • Volkswagen is bringing the Polo back to New Zealand in Life trim at $39,990 before on-road costs.
  • The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine makes 85kW and 200Nm and drives the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG.
  • The price includes a five-year or 150,000km mechanical warranty and scheduled servicing for three years or 45,000km.

Volkswagen’s Polo is back in New Zealand after four years away. The local range starts with one model, the Polo Life, at $39,990 before on-road costs.

At 4074mm long, the returning Polo is only 21mm longer than the one we drove when the sixth generation arrived in New Zealand. Volkswagen lists 351 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1125 litres with them folded. A two-level boot floor and a spare wheel are standard.

A 1.0-litre turbo and seven-speed DSG

The Life’s three-cylinder turbo petrol engine makes 85kW and 200Nm. It drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Volkswagen quotes combined fuel consumption of 6.1L/100km on the converted 3P-WLTP cycle and specifies a minimum of 95-octane petrol.

White Volkswagen Polo in profile outside a brick building
The five-door Volkswagen Polo. Photo / Neat Places.

What comes standard on the Life?

Park Assist can steer the Polo into a suitable space, with sensors at both ends and a reversing camera to help you see how much room is left. Adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard. The automatic emergency braking system can detect pedestrians and cyclists.

Violet Volkswagen Polo parked outside a restaurant
The Polo in violet. Photo / Neat Places.

The digital instrument display is joined by an 8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly, and there’s a wireless phone charger. A panoramic sunroof costs an extra $1800.

The price includes five years of roadside assistance. The mechanical warranty lasts five years or 150,000km, and the scheduled service plan covers three years or 45,000km. Both run to whichever limit comes first.

The Polo sits just below $40,000 before on-road costs. Our guide to new cars under $40,000 covers other small hatchbacks in that bracket, including the Suzuki Swift and the electric Geely EX2.

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