Volkswagen ID.Polo, what the German electric compact looks like and how much it costs

All versions are equipped with the Volkswagen Group's newly developed unified cell battery in a cell-to-pack structure with different capacities depending on power output. The 85 kW and 99 kW versions will debut as standard with a 37 kWh (net value) Lfp (lithium-iron-phosphate) variant of the new high-voltage battery. Already this battery can be recharged at DC fast charging stations with a maximum output of 90 kW. THE ID. Polo with the 37 kWh battery will be able to travel up to 329 km between two charging stops, according to provisional estimates.

The 155 kW and 166 kW engines are powered by a Nmc (nickel-manganese-cobalt battery) variant of the Group's new unified cell. This battery boasts a capacity of 52 kWh (net value), allows a range of up to 455 km (provisional estimate pending Wltp approval) and can be recharged at DC stations with a power output of up to 105 kW. Forecasts for DC charging from 10 to 80 per cent with 90 kW estimate a charging time of around 27 minutes, while with 105 kW and a particularly flat charging curve the figure is reduced to around 24 minutes. Vehicle-to-load technology also arrives, capable of charging external devices. Those, for example, who take electric bikes with them at the weekend thanks to the plug-in tow bar with a static vertical load of 75 kg can recharge them with up to 3.6 kW by using an adapter with Schuko plug offered as an accessory and connecting them via the external charging socket of the ID. Pole.

How long is the new Volkswagen ID.Polo? In detail it measures 4,053 mm in length, 1,816 mm in width and 1,530 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. For comparison, the MQB-based Polo, which continues to be available, measures 4,074 mm in length, 1,751 mm in width, 1,451 mm in height and 2,552 mm in wheelbase. The ID. Polo is the first production model to follow the canons of Volkswagen's new Pure Positive design language, with 'reassuring' styling that says goodbye to the ID range design. The seventh-generation model is immediately recognisable as a Polo and, above all, as a Volkswagen, with a C-pillar reminiscent of the first-generation Golf.

While the exterior represents an absolute novelty, Volkswagen had already unveiled the interior of the ID.Polo. Climbing aboard we appreciated the work done by the German engineers, thanks to the level of quality and to choices such as the return to physical buttons as demonstrated by the many controls on the door panel, steering wheel and centre console. The dashboard layout is horizontal. The digital instrumentation and central display are placed on the same visual plane. The instrument display measures 10 inches, while the infotainment touchscreen boasts 13 inches. Among the features shown is a 'retro' instrumentation display, reminiscent of Vw's past, with a speedometer on the left and a power indicator on the right. Behind the steering wheel are the gear lever and parking brake lever, while on the centre console remain physical controls for climate control, including temperature, fan, climate control activation, recirculation, windscreen defrosting and heated rear window. At the bottom are the smartphone compartment with inductive charging depending on the trim, two cup holders and the armrest with storage compartment. There is also a dedicated audio knob. Of particular note is the ample space on board for passengers and luggage, thanks to the use of the Meb+ platform. This gives passengers 19 mm more space than in the classic Polo, which is particularly noticeable in the rear compartment. Passenger compartment width and headroom are also increased. In addition, boot capacity has increased by 24 per cent, from 351 to 435 litres. Folding down the rear seatbacks increases the load volume to 1,243 litres (Polo MQB: 1,125 litres

With MEB+ and the latest software, the ID. Polo is equipped with numerous assistance systems as standard. Systems such as the new generation of the Adas system, which Vw calls Travel Assist, will be available as an option and using numerous online data, the name changes to Connected Travel Assist.

The system for longitudinal and transverse dynamic assistance now also reacts to traffic lights, a first in this car class. If the system recognises a red traffic light, the ID. Polo brakes automatically until it stops, within the limits of the system. Another new feature is the One Pedal function as standard, where the release of the accelerator pedal results in a braking action.

Offered in Trend, Life and Style trims, it will be available to order from May in combination with the larger battery. The access version will be available from September, with an indicative price of around 25,000 euros. The ID. Polo Trend, which is already equipped with a 90 kW DC fast-charging function, is fitted as standard with driver assistance systems such as Side Assist and Lane Keeping Assist (including Emergency Assist), as well as LED headlights with automatic high beam dimming. On board are the Digital Cockpit with 10-inch display, the 13-inch Innovision infotainment system, the multifunction leatherette steering wheel and automatic climate control. The ID. Polo Life adds assistance systems such as automatic distance control (Acc), rear view camera, parking assist (front), junction assistant and interior rear-view mirror with automatic dimming function and electrically folding exterior mirrors. Digital equipment such as voice command, the Connect App for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an inductive charging function for the smartphone are also standard. In addition, a height-adjustable load floor is available for even more comfortable use of the spacious boot.

The richer Style version includes Matrix IQ.Light LED headlights with LED light strip, 3D LED rear light clusters and illuminated Volkswagen logo in the front and rear. The interior features sporty comfort seats, ambient lighting and premium materials. Features such as steering wheel and seat heating and dual-zone automatic climate control are also part of the rich equipment. Other innovations include the ID. Light, which now also features on the side of the doors, and the digital key, which allows convenient access to the car with a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch.