Not resting on its laurels after topping the Irish car sales market for 2017, Volkswagen has begun this year by launching three new models, the Polo supermini, the compact family sized T-Roc SUV, and the addition of the new seven-seater Tiguan Allspace.
Impressive new Polo is bigger and better
First up is the impressive new Polo. It debuts with an all-petrol line-up of three versions of the 1.0 litre, names a 65hp, 75hp, and a 95hp, with a 2.0 litre TSI (200 bhp ) GTi. We will also see two 1.6 diesel versions (80hp and 95hp ) later this year.
The entry-level 1.0 litre 65hp Trendline version starts at €16,795, with the similar powered version with Comfortline specification at €1,900 more. The price jump to the similar speced 75hp version is €555, to €17,350. The entry price for a 1.6 TDI (81hp ) diesel will be €20,195. The GTi has a price tag from €32,395.
The new Polo looks a more impressive car. It has grown in size - the cabin is now more spacious, as is the boot.
Standard specification includes Bluetooth, 6.5 inch screen/radio system (with four speakers ). It also features a multi-function display, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
Volkswagen has announced a special Polo launch edition with air conditioning, cruise control and proactive passenger protection for an extra €800 over the base Trendline level. An additional €1,100 on top of the launch edition for the Comfortline level is probably worth checking out. It adds 15 inch alloys, an eight-inch composite media system and six speakers, front fog lamps and cornering lights, App Connect, body colour bumpers, grille and chrome mouldings, and a multi-function steering wheel.
There are also several optional extras and optional packs.
The DSG automatic transmission option is an optional extra to replace the standard manual version is available on the 95hp versions and the GTi.
New T-Roc
The new T-Roc crossover is the latest in an ever extending line of Volkswagen. It sits below the Tiguan and will be above another new model, the T-Cross, which arrives in the summer. It share a platform with Audi’s Q2.
There are three engines available from launch. They are the 1-litre TSI 115hp petrol, 1.5-litre TSI 150hp, and 2-litre 150hp TDI diesel. We will see the 1.6-litre, 115hp TDI and others added during this year.
Entry level prices start from €24,750 for the 1.0 TSI 115hp. There is a €3,700 jump to the 1.5 TSI Evo 150hp DSG at €28,450.
Standard specification on the T-Roc includes tech features like Bluetooth, split-zone climate, and a 6.5-inch screen. Standard safety assist systems include forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, and lane assist with multi-function camera. There are several optional extras and optional packs available.
The T-Roc is offered with multiple styling options, including exterior body colour individualisation, colourful dash options, and a choice of alloy wheels.
The T-Roc drives well, looks well and for a Volkswagen, it seems priced to sell.
New Tiguan Allspace is a better offering
Finally, the Tiguan Allspace has arrived to satisfy the growing demand for seven-seaters.
The engine line-up includes the 1.4 TSI 150hp, their 2.0 TDI 150hp and a 190hp 4M 240hp, all-wheel drive (AWD ).
The existing five-seat Tiguan sells from €34,050 for the 1.4 TSI, 150hp, Trendline. The new 2.0 TDI 150hp is selling at €36,350, with the jump to Comfortline at €38,895, or with DSG for €40,495.
Expect much great demand for the new seven-seater (Allspace ) version priced at €770 more. There are styling differences over the current Tiguan five-seater including standard roof rails plus changes to the front grille and lights.
The Allspace gets two seats in the third row, including asymmetric split folding rear bench and backrest, including centre armrest.
With the five-seat layout, the luggage capacity in the Allspace model increases to 760 litres (+ 145 litres ). In the seven-seater, when the third row in used for passengers, there's 230-litres of luggage capacity, but when not in use the two rear seats can be folded into the floor.
And for some added comfort, Volkswagen says the second row knee room has been increased by 54mm.
Note that front-wheel-drive versions can tow trailer loads of up to 2,200kg depending on engine; but all-wheel-drive increases this to 2,500kg.
