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Volkswagen has confirmed its subsequent all-electric ID mannequin will put on a well-known identify – confirming the ID. Polo for international launch in 2026, together with a go-fast ID. Polo GTI electrical scorching hatch.
Primarily based on the ID. 2all idea, the 2026 Volkswagen ID. Polo will coincide with the favored nameplate’s fiftieth anniversary, and it will likely be offered alongside the present combustion-powered Polo hatchback we already know and love.
It marks the primary time considered one of Volkswagen’s legacy nameplates has been utilized to its ID-badged electrical automobile (EV) lineup, signalling a shift within the German automaker’s technique after it initially tried to delineate its new EVs with a largely numerical naming construction – assume ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7.
“A mannequin just like the Polo reveals simply how highly effective a reputation might be: it stands for reliability, character and historical past. That’s exactly why we’re once more giving our ID. fashions names that arouse feelings and are anchored in individuals’s on a regular basis lives,” mentioned Martin Sander, member of the Volkswagen model board of administration for gross sales, advertising and marketing and aftersales.
“Electrical mobility mustn’t solely be progressive, but in addition accessible and private.”
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As for the electrification of the GTI efficiency badge, Mr Sander mentioned: “We’re bringing considered one of our strongest manufacturers, the GTI, into the electrical world”.
“Additionally launching in 2026, the ID. GTI Idea mannequin will go into manufacturing because the ID. Polo GTI. It would supply excellent dynamics and loads of driving pleasure,” Mr Sander added.
Volkswagen has previewed the brand new compact EVs with a pair of camouflaged prototypes that can make their public debut (nonetheless camouflaged) on the IAA Mobility present in Munich subsequent week (September 8-14).
Along with the ID. Polo, Volkswagen will reveal the ID. Cross Idea, previewing one other compact EV due in 2026 as the electrical counterpart to the Polo-based T-Cross crossover.
“For Volkswagen, the premiere of the smaller and extra compact automobiles in its electrical household marks the beginning of a brand new period – it is going to make electrical driving extra inexpensive than ever,” the corporate mentioned in its media launch.
“All new fashions present clearly, that Volkswagen is responding much more intently to buyer suggestions. That is evident, amongst different issues, within the larger degree of high quality with tender supplies, the clever mixture of digital and bodily controls similar to buttons and knobs within the steering wheel and cockpit in addition to the intuitive working idea.”
Above: ID. 2all Idea versus ID. Polo
The ID. 2all idea was first revealed in March 2023, when it was mentioned to preview a brand new compact EV brandishing an “inside as spacious as a Golf, however outdoors as cute and small as a Polo”, and an meant beginning value of underneath €25,000 (A$44,549).
Whereas that direct forex conversion appears costly, the petrol-powered Polo begins at simply over €20,000 (A$35,639) in Germany, and that’s for the discount base mannequin with a lot much less tools than the entry-level Polo Life in Australia, which begins at $30,790 earlier than on-road prices.
Technical particulars for the manufacturing model of VW’s new entry-level EV will doubtless be detailed on the Munich occasion, although the idea boasted a 166kW electrical motor on the entrance axle, and a projected driving vary of as much as 450km per cost.
Little question there will probably be a few battery and motor variants to supply a greater unfold of pricing, efficiency and driving vary.
Whereas it’s a brand new compact EV with front-wheel drive, the ID. 2all – and due to this fact the ID. Polo – will probably be based mostly on the VW Group’s present MEB platform moderately than the cheaper MEB Entry structure that’s set to debut with the Cupra Raval.
Following the reveal of the ID. 2all, Volkswagen Passenger Automobiles Australia head of product Michelle Rowney instructed CarExpert that this market was “undoubtedly going to have it [the production version], only a matter of when”.
Above: ID. GTI Idea versus ID. Polo GTI
On the 2023 Munich motor present, Volkswagen then revealed the ID. GTI idea, previewing the ID. Polo GTI that’s now been confirmed for manufacturing in 2026.
Particulars on the powertrain weren’t divulged, although VW did affirm the ID. GTI could be front-wheel drive just like the petrol-powered Polo GTI.
Externally, the ID. GTI builds on the ID.2all idea with an aggressive decrease lip up entrance, crimson restoration hooks and a distinguished rear diffuser.
Inside, Volkswagen has created GTI Expertise Management. This contains the flexibility to customize the drive expertise with simulated gear shifts (just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N), in addition to adjusting the steering and sound system.
A bodily gear shifter has been changed with an e-shifter, whereas a ten.9-inch digital instrument cluster modifications the sport when it comes to providing drivers final visibility over numerous features past your typical velocity and energy meter readouts.
“Given Australia is a efficiency centered market and GTI makes up a good portion of Polo and Golf gross sales, we can have our hand up for any future manufacturing model of the ID. GTI,” mentioned a spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia on the time.
Keep tuned to CarExpert for extra ID. Polo particulars from IAA Mobility Munich subsequent week.
MORE: Discover the Volkswagen Polo showroom
