Posted on: Apr 29, 2012 | 4,147 reads

Because Less is More: Volkswagen Launches Polo R

VW's small hatchback continues to be a hot seller (in Europe at least).

American car buyers have never been treated to that other hatchback in VW's lineup, the Polo. Smaller than the Golf, the Polo has been very popular throughout Europe and other countries, but VW felt it was best not to bring it stateside. The first reason being was that Americans have never fallen for the hatchback the way Europeans have and the second is that it was simply too small. Basically, getting Americans to buy Golf was sometimes difficult enough.

Because Less is More: Volkswagen Launches Polo R

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But Polo fans in the UK are in luck because VW has just announced the new R Line model. Compared to the standard model, the R Line comes with sportier front and rear bumpers, sill extensions, a high-gloss black radiator grille with the R Line badge and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. There are also unique sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and even aluminum pedals. Power comes from the 1.2-liter TSI three-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 104hp. While it can only go from 0 to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph, the Polo has consistently been a solid seller for the automaker giant.

Other standard features include a six-speaker sound system, a radio/CD unit, a/c, and a trip computer. Pricing in the UK starts at £15,195 for the three-door and £15,815 for the five-door.