A mid-cycle facelift for the 2014 Volkswagen Polo has just been revealed by the German automaker and is scheduled to make its public debut in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

New lighter engines

Volkswagen has set up a new range of efficient petrol and diesel engines which promise fuel efficiency increases of up to 21% over the other models.The power levels at market launch are: 44 kW indirect injection /MPI, 55 kW MPI, 66 kW direct injection/TSI and 81 kW TSI.

Fuel consumption and emissions of the entry-level engine with 44 kW ? in the version with a stop-start system and regenerative braking ? were reduced from 5.5 l/100 km and 128 g/km CO2 to 4.6 l/100 km and 106 g/km CO2.

Making its debut during the second half of the year, will be the new 66 kW engine for the new Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion – the first one-litre three-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine in this model series.It consumes just 4.1 l/100 km and emits 94 g/km CO2. The previous model with an identical power output of 66 kW consumed 4.9 l/100 km (equating to CO2 emissions of 113 g/km.

Of the latest petrol versions, the BlueGT with cylinder deactivation (ACT – active cylinder management outputs 110 kW instead of the previous 103 kW.New diesel engines which include three direct injection three-cylinder turbo diesels (TDI) that all generate their power from 1.4 litres displacement (previously 1.2 and 1.6 litres).

The power range is identical to the previous model: 55 kW, 66 kW and 77 kW. The versions with 55 kW and 66 kW will be offered at market launch, while the 77 kW version will follow with a schedule offset.

Depending on the engine choice, the 2014 Volkswagen Polo can be configured with five- and six-speed manual gearboxes as well as a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior and interior enhancements

Not much has changed on the exterior, apart from the slightly reworked front bumper and an updated grille with horizontal lines. The headlights are also the same except the upper-spec models now come with LED technology for the main beam function.

Designers further developed the front and rear styling to be more distinctive. In the rear bumper area, there is a revised bumper featuring a cleaner horizontal layout and a wider cut-out for the licence plate.

The trapezoidal outer contour of this area extends into the rear wheels, which creates a more dynamic tension of surfaces.

Inside, many new ergonomic and visual improvements have been made. There’s a new three-spoke steering wheel, modified instrument cluster with its 3D tube look, along with an updated centre console packing new controls for the AC system. 5- and 6.5-inch touchscreen displays are also available and so is a rear view camera system.

Three equipment levels offered

As in the previous model, Volkswagen is once again offering three equipment levels in the 2014 model year Polo: “Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Highline” (other versions will follow such as the BlueGT, GTI, BlueMotion and Cross).

Extended standard features of the Polo Trendline now include 15-inch instead of 14-inch wheels, a split rear bench including dual cargo floor, new electromechanical steering, remote control for central locking, multifunction display and tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Polo Comfortline features 15-inch alloy wheels (previously 15-inch steel wheels), ParkPilot in front, the “Composition Touch” radio system and the multifunction display Plus. While the Polo Highline is now equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels (previously 15-inch) and the new driver alert system as standard.Safety features include a post collision braking system, city emergency braking function and adaptive cruise control.

The 2014 Volkswagen Polo facelift will go on sale shortly after its Geneva debut in March. At this stage, we haven’t heard anything with regards to this new Polo being sold in South Africa. Given the fact that many Polos are manufactured at Volkswagen’s factory in the Eastern Cape, it’d be silly to suggest it won’t be sold here.

2014 Volkswagen Polo photo gallery