The new Volkswagen Polo has been unveiled, ahead of its world debut at the Leipzig Motor Show at the start of April. Coinciding with the model’s 30th birthday, the new version features a fresh look to the front and rear, plus new colours and trims. New engine options will also be featured in the range.

Following the forthcoming new Passat, the new Polo will be the second Volkswagen to display the brand’s new ‘face’. The completely redesigned front end features a deep grille, forming the point of a V shape, which continues up through the bonnet to the base of the A-pillars. The new lights are equally imposing, with a trapezoid shape incorporating a subtle circular highlight that cuts into the bumper.

In comparison with its predecessor, the new Polo’s redesigned front extends the length by 19 mm to 3,916 mm. Its width (1,650 mm) and height (1,465 mm) are unchanged from the current model.

The rear of the new Polo has a more dynamic look. Here, the glass emulates the grille with its subtle V shape at the base, while the redesigned tail lights pick up on the front end's circular elements, as well as those of recent Volkswagen models such as the new Passat and Golf Plus.

The new Polo has also been refreshed inside. High-quality fabrics with new patterns are complemented by redesigned instrument graphics and steering wheel designs.

As before, the new Polo offers an unusually large range of engine options to the supermini buyer. Five petrol engines with outputs ranging from 55 PS to 100 PS – including an FSI engine – and four advanced TDI engines with outputs from 70 PS to 130 PS, will be available.

The previous car’s 1.9-litre SDI 64 PS entry-level diesel powerplant is replaced by a development of the highly acclaimed 1.4-litre TDI, boasting 70 PS. The previous 75 PS engine has been superseded by an 80 PS unit, allowing two three-cylinder diesel options. The 1.9-litre TDI engines with outputs of 100 PS and 130 PS continue, and all of the new Polo’s diesel units comply with Euro 4 emissions legislation.

The new Polo will be launched in Germany and major Continental European markets at the end of April. Availability and specification levels for the Australian market, along with prices, will be announced at a later date.