The ID. Polo family grows with three new entry-level EVs
Let’s be honest, not everyone is after a GTI. As exciting as VW’s ID. Polo GTI hot hatch is, it’s the more attainable models that will likely attract a lot of customers. And that’s exactly where the recently revealed smaller pack comes in.
Available in three variants: Trend, Life and Style, they are all powered by a smaller 37kWh battery pack and promise the same familiar ICE-powered Polo appeal.
Starting with the Trend, it kick-starts the range with standard features such as LED headlights with main beam control, a digital cockpit with a 10-inch instrument cluster, a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and an automatic air conditioning system. It also comes standard with a 90kW standard quick-charging function.
The Life adds adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, front- and rear-parking distance control, an auto-anti-dazzle interior mirror, electrically folding exterior mirrors with a memory function, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a variable luggage compartment floor.
The Style sits below the ID. Polo GTI and adds IQ. Light LED matrix headlights with the popular front light strip, and 3D LED rear light clusters with an illuminated VW badge at the front and back. Inside, it ups the ante with the addition of sport-comfort seats, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel and front seats, and a 2-zone automatic air conditioner.
For buyers looking to add a little more sparkle to their ID. Polo, Volkswagen offers a handful of optional extras. These include a Harman Kardon sound system, a large panoramic sunroof, a front-seat massage function, and a driver’s seat with a memory function.
Powering the entire range is a 37kWh battery pack with a range of up to 334km, which is enough for those daily commutes and probably what buyers in the segment are generally looking for. As for the power output, it’s rated between 85kW and 100kW. The Style is also available with the same ID. Polo GTI’s 52kWh battery pack but with a less powerful motor producing 155kW instead of the GTI’s 166kW and 290Nm.
As a reminder, the ID. Polo GTI has a claimed range of up to 424km, supports DC fast-charging at up to 105kW, and sprints from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds… in silence.
Here’s the thing: the ID. Polo hasn’t been confirmed for the local market. Even so, Volkswagen plans to sell it alongside the ICE-powered Polo in Europe for the foreseeable future. Should VW SA eventually decide to bring it here, expect it to command a hefty premium. Based on its European starting price of 29,195 euros and the taxes and import duties attached to EVs locally, it could realistically carry a hefty price tag, likely placing it well above the current Polo range.
