Spy shots: VW Polo sedan spotted, possibly coming to U.S.
by Sam Abuelsamid on Oct 26th 2009 at 1:04PM 
At some point in the next couple of years it is probable that Volkswagen will introduce a new entry-level model below the Golf in the U.S. market. VW introduced an all-new version of its B-segment Polo earlier this year in Europe and VW of America officials are anxious to add the car to compete with the likes of the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. VW has two problems with the Polo for America. One is the fact that the current Euro-spec model is only available in three and five door hatchback body styles and American buyers still seem to prefer sedans. The first spy shots of a four door notchback version of the Polo have now turned up from a test in Austria. If the Polo does make it to the U.S.. this will almost certainly be one of the available body styles.
The tougher problem is a Euro that is currently worth some 50 percent more than the dollar. In order for Polo to be a viable product for North America, it will probably have to be sourced from either Mexico or from VW's new Chattanooga factory.
[Source: SecretNewCars.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Lee 1:24PM (10/26/2009)
"American buyers still seem to prefer sedans"
Argh!!
It is nearly impossible to find hatchbacks in the US, we are forced to buy sedans.
Please bring us hatchbacks VW, our choices for hatchbacks are so limited in the US.
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Jimbo 1:33PM (10/26/2009)
Agreed. Much like the "Americans won't buy diesels", there isn't any modern evidence to support the notion that Americans only buy sedans. Heck, CUVs are the fastest-growing segment and they have....drum roll....hatchbacks!!! Americans buy sedans because they don't have an alternative. The MINI comes only as a hatchback and it is selling just fine. Mazda sells more hatchback 3s than sedans. Subaru sells more hatchback Imprezas than sedans. And especially on a car as small as the Polo, why ruin what little utility it had by removing the hatch? Hey everyone, let's cut the cargo space in half! Pure genius....
wincros 1:45PM (10/26/2009)
And let me add to the chorus. The cars they want to compete with according to the article are the Fit and the Fiesta, both hatchbacks! The Versa and Yaris sell more way more hatchbacks than sedans if my observations in Southern California have any validity. Not sure about the balance of Golf and Jetta.
John Pelletier 2:17PM (10/26/2009)
Indeed! we need to bring in the hatchbacks! I am certainly more of a fan of them than I am of the sedan form. the Leaf is a hatchback and I like that the electric is such because you don't loose as much space with batteries. Bring on the hatches for sure!
Matt 2:00PM (10/26/2009)
Well, I'm not sure the any of the old automotive "American's won't buy X" really matter. The reality is, "American's can't afford foreign goods because their government can't get its $#!% together." Healthcare will not seem like such an urgent issue when the dollar looses all of its value. The Euro has gained 20% in the last 8 months (1.25 up to 1.5). Come on Chattanooga.
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Sebastian 2:12PM (10/26/2009)
I think the inference about sedans is based on VW's need to bring the Polo to market in the most optimum way. I would imagine sedans are the easiest way for a new car to "fit in".
Of course, some would say not fitting is a better way to go. Reminds me of the GTI from back in the day...
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John 2:23PM (10/26/2009)
I have zero interest in a sedan. Honestly I have no idea why they're so popular. If the Polo is introduced as a sedan I will not give it a second look.
However, if it's introduced as a 4 door hatchback diesel, sign me up.
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John Metcalf 5:21PM (10/26/2009)
Agree with the 4-door hatch diesel choice. Have never owned a sedan and don't plan on starting now.
Of course I've always been a wagon man, so I'm hardly a good indicator of what seems to sell well in today's America.
John 7:25PM (10/26/2009)
@John Metcalf,
Yeah, I own a TDI Sportwagen, so maybe I'm an outlier too. I'd like a smaller second car, so the Polo / Fiesta / Fit Hybrid are attractive to me now.
Serge 2:46PM (10/26/2009)
"VW of America officials are anxious to add the car to compete with the likes of the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta."
VW has two problems with the Polo for America. One is the fact that the current Euro-spec model is only available in three and five door hatchback body styles and American buyers still seem to prefer sedans."
In the end, opinions are worthless if not backed up by some hard numbers. Ford Fiesta is not for sale in the U.S. yet, but Honda Fit is and has been doing quite well http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Fit
So who is buying Honda Fit in the U.S. if "American buyers still seem to prefer sedans?"
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Kumar 3:58PM (10/26/2009)
How to ensure your small car doesn't sell well in the US market, giving you an excuse to sell only more expensive larger ones: Offer it only as a hatchback.
I get why people buy larger sedans, but with very small cars, hatchbacks offer much needed room.
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KK 4:47PM (10/26/2009)
Did you mean to say "Offer it only as a sedan"?
Another way to insure your small car doesn't sell well in the US is to only offer it with the largest gasoline engines they can put on the car. This ensures their larger cars are as fuel-(in)efficient as their small cars. Many European brands seem to do this.
wincros 2:37PM (10/28/2009)
Have to say I love the way the Polo looks. Less fat than the Golf. Since the Mark VII Golf for 2011 has had indications that it is going to be bigger and wider, we need a full line of Polos.
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