Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the restyled 6th-generation Volkswagen Polo…The updateto the Wolfsburg-based brand's popular compact hatchback incorporates several cosmetic updates (inspired by the new Golf 8), as well as a number of high-endonboard technologies. The newcomer will go into production at VWSA's Uitenhage assembly plant in the latter half of the year and is expected to reach local showrooms in early 2022.

The Polo's stylinghas always erred on the side of conservativism – and that's still the case, although Volkswagen has ensured that its compact hatchback still looks youthful; it comesreplete with new-gen VW emblems (which already debuted on local Polos late last year), an LED light bar across the hatchback's grille and, should you specify them that way, LED tail-light clusterswith dynamic indicators.

The LED daytime running lights in the headlamp clusters are connected by the light bar integrated at the bottom of the grille.

The updated Polo can be distinguished by its revised bumpers and new-look LED headlamp- and tail-lampclusters… Those at the rearare strongly inspired by the rear lights of the Golf 8, which will soon arrive in Mzansi in GTI guise,and optionally feature a "wiping"lighting effect as seen on the Touareg's tail-lights, for example. Polo lettering again appears beneath the fresh VW badge on the tailgate.

The dark blue metallic car shown here has the top-of-the-range R-Line trim, which includes sportier bumpers,new IQ.light matrix LED headlights (ostensibly as standard on the flagship derivative and upcoming GTI), LED fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels. Note thequartet of chrome-effect faux exhaust exits that are integrated into thegloss-black "diffuser" on the edge of the rear bumper.

Unfortunately, those racy-looking exhaust tips are just for show. The upcoming GTI will be a different story, however.

Asfor the interior of the updated Polo, it's been reported that an 8-inch digital instrument cluster (or 10.25 inches, for the Digital Cockpit Pro version) will become standard across the range, which means traditional dials appear to have been consigned to the scrapheap. The newcomer's (now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible) touchscreen infotainment system measures 6.5-inches, whereas an8.0-inch or, for the first time, a 9.2-inch display can be specified at extra cost. The latter 2 setups incorporate Volkswagen’s We Connect connectivity (for real-time traffic info and live music streaming).

Note the subtle upgrades, which include subtle LED lighting and a "frameless" rear-view mirror…

Meanwhile, the safety technology offered as standard on the updated Polo, which is acompact hatchback model, after all, beggars belief:Volkswagen says thatpredictive ACC (adaptive cruise control) and lane-keeping assist will feature on everyderivative.In the European market, at the very least, the Polo will be offered with the optional IQ.DriveTravel Assist semi-autonomous driving assistance system.

Here's how it works: IQ.Drive Travel Assistcan take over the accelerating, braking and steering of the Polo, from standstill in autoderivatives and from a rolling 29 kphin manual cars;it worksby combining the lane-keeping assistance and the predictive adaptive cruise control functions (as long as the driver keeps their hands on the wheel at all times).

Another addition to the newcomer's suite of standard safety features is acentre airbag, whichopens towards the centre of the cabin in the event of an accident toprotectthe driver and front passenger.

Apart from a new multifunction steering wheel, electrically folding and heated side mirrors are fitted throughout the range. As the trim levels move up,the Polo gains 15-inch rather than 14-inch wheels, App-Connect, a centre armrest with an additional USB-C port in the middle of the passenger compartment and leather trim on the steering wheel and gear knob.

What's more, Polos equipped with automatic climate controlfeature a piano-black touch-sensitive panel with digital temperature readouts, below which an abutment with a pair of illuminated USB-C ports is fitted. Finally, a wireless smartphone charging pad (as shown below) can be orderedat extra cost.

Volkswagen is also set to re-align the Uitenhage-built car’s trim structure; apparently, the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline designations will fall away and be replaced by the Polo (standard), Life, Style and R-Line specifications. To reiterate, the newcomer will arrive in South African showrooms early in 2022 and an updated GTI hot hatch version will follow during the course of next year.

Want to buy a new or used Volkswagen Polo? Start your search here.

Further Reading

Spy Shots: 2021 Volkswagen Polo (Updated)

2021 Volkswagen Polo Sedan Revealed

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 Conceptline (2016) Specs & Price

Volkswagen SA has built 200 000 new Polos

Video Comparison: 2018 Volkswagen Polo & 2017 Volkswagen Polo