• Future

What: An Americanized version of VW's smallest hatchback in Europe 

When: As early as late 2009, but most reviewers predict 2010  

Price: Unknown, but the similar Volkswagen Rabbit sells for less than $20,000


New for 2010 

Already a popular model in Europe, the Volkswagen Polo is set to make its U.S. debut as early as late 2009, in time to compete with the newest small and sporty hatchbacks from the likes of Ford and Nissan, or even the already-available Kia Soul. The fifth-generation Polo that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show is purported to closely resemble the North American version of the car, but so far automotive writers and bloggers can only speculate on the VW Polo's look, feel and arrival date. 

Rumor has it the U.S. Volkswagen Polo will have a four-door hatchback style with at least two engine options and front-wheel drive. Reviewers are especially hopeful that the European Polo's turbocharged diesel engine with 70-plus mpg will carry over to the United States.

What the Auto Press Says 

The 2010 VW Polo unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show whetted reviewers' appetite for a new Volkswagen hatchback with dimensions similar to the small Rabbit, but with more upscale features and -- hopefully -- better fuel economy. 

Here is what the press has to say about the coming 2010 VW Polo: 

  • "Like Honda with the Fit, VW has decided that America is ready for a smaller, thriftier car than anything it currently offers. After all, the U.S. motoring landscape is rapidly coming to resemble that of Europe and many other lands where gas costs a small fortune and small cars are the mainstream norm." -- Consumer Guide
  • "The new Polo will feature a more chiseled look. ... Helping it to compete with the recently updated Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit." -- Motor Authority
  • "U.S. drivers will likely start off with the new 1.2L TSI gas engine. Direct injection and turbocharging bring this little beastie to 103 hp while getting 42.8 mpg (U.S) combined." -- Autoblog
  • "If it makes it to the U.S. we expect a sub-$20,000 sticker price on a well equipped Highline packaged car, while the base Trendline could go as low as $14,000 and the mid-grade Comfortline at a reasonable $18,000." -- Road and Track
  • "The Polo gets 60 to 70-plus mpg. And it's really fun to drive. ... So to Volkswagen, I offer this plea: Bring the Polo to the U.S. Price it at $18,000. Run an ad campaign that brags about its hybrid-crushing performance at the pumps. And then, sit back and laugh all the way to the bank." -- Popular Mechanics
  • "VW will unveil its second generation of BlueMotion diesels in 2010, which will raise the mileage envelope even further through automatic stop-start systems and regenerative braking." -- Motor Trend 

Key Details 

There are no concrete details on the 2010 VW Polo, but the European version currently features three engine and transmission options. The Polo's optional features include an air-conditioned glove box, MP3 capability, and a touchscreen navigation system. Expected safety features include anti-lock brakes, front and side curtain airbags and traction control. 

Stay tuned for more details on the 2010 Volkswagen Polo.