Developed specifically for Brazil, the VW Polo Track will replace the budget VW Gol on this market, which was once supplied to the Ukrainian market.
Affordable small hatchbacks are quite popular in South American countries, so Volkswagen has put a lot of effort into developing a replacement for the Gol. The VW Polo Track is a new version of the subcompact model that will be produced in Brazil with basic equipment and at a minimum price.
VW recently introduced a facelifted Polo for South America, but the Polo Track is a different model, albeit one that shares the MQB-A0 underpinnings and a very similar design.
The most important difference between the two is the price, with the Polo Track 1.0 MPI starting at R$79,990 ($15,052), which is much cheaper than the R$92,990 ($17,499) of the more powerful and better equipped Polo 1.0 TSI. The price is also identical to the outgoing VW Gol, which will be phased out by the end of 2022.
The Polo Track differs from the standard Polo in its unique grille design, the absence of an LED strip, halogen headlights and bumper air intakes. The profile looks identical except for the matte black 15-inch caps.
Changes at the rear are limited to a light-colored taillight housing, the ‘Track’ lettering below the VW badge, and a new bumper that has a larger black section. All in all, VW’s designers have done a great job of hiding the budget nature of the Polo Track while making it look quite modern.
Inside, things look simpler, thanks to a cheaper radio unit that replaces the touchscreen, old-style analog dials on the instrument panel. Everything is covered in hard plastic with lightly textured areas that try to make it more attractive, and the seats are upholstered in fabric. VW boasts the ‘longest wheelbase in the segment’ at 2.56 mm (100.8 inches) and a 300-liter boot.
The equipment includes air conditioning, electric power steering, front electric windows, remote door locking. The entry-level model will also get a media system, Bluetooth connectivity, a multifunction steering wheel with integrated buttons, a pair of USB ports and an antenna on the roof.
The MQB-based model is equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI flex engine producing 83 hp. (62 kW / 84 hp) and 101 Nm (74.5 lb-ft) of torque with the ability to run on both gasoline and ethanol. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s the only Polo Track trim available, so those wanting a more powerful turbocharged engine and the option of a DSG automatic should look to the regular Polo.
The Polo Track will be produced at Volkswagen’s plant in Taubate, Brazil, following a production line upgrade that will allow MQB-based cars to be produced. The regular South American Polo is produced at another plant in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.
