Volkswagen Polo holds a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers and it is often regarded as one of the sportiest and most fun-to-ride hatchbacks ever to go on sale. After almost 12 years of glory, the German brand discontinued the Polo in 2022. Yet, we still find Polos frequently zipping through the streets.
Volkswagen has introduced a more rugged and offroad-friendly iteration of Polo in Brazil. Called Polo Robust, this edition of the sporty hatchback gets a few subtle exterior updates along with some key mechanical changes. The new Polo Robust has been developed and tested with customers in the agricultural segment.
Volkswagen Polo Robust: Highlights
The overall design of Polo Robust remains unchanged from the fourth-gen model of the hatchback. The hatchback is wrapped in an all-black colour scheme which goes well with Polo’s sporty nature. This special edition model is based on the entry-level Track variant. It benefits from a raised suspension kit which enhances ground clearance, making it easier for the otherwise low-stance hatch to overhaul undulated hurdles.
VW is offering a grille protector that lends the car a refreshed look. It even comes with a trailer hitch. Inside the cabin, Volkswagen has equipped the Polo Robust with vinyl seats that are easier to clean. It also gets rubber floor mats which are easier to clean in case they encounter muck. That said, all the above-mentioned features are available as part of an accessory package.
Powering the Polo Robust is the 1.0-litre MPi naturally aspirated petrol engine that kicks out 84 bhp and 101 Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. It doesn’t receive the sportier 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine that is available in Polo internationally.
While Polo remains an iconic model in global markets, Volkswagen has no plans to bring back the sporty hatch to India.
