New VW Polo Track Replaces The Gol As A Budget-Friendly Hatch For South America

Affordable small hatchbacks are quite popular in South American countries, so Volkswagen put a lot of effort into developing a replacement for the outgoing Gol. The VW Polo Track is a new version of the sub-compact model that will be produced in Brazil with basic equipment keeping its price as low as possible.

VW recently revealed a facelifted Polo for South America but the Polo Track is a different model, despite the fact it shares the MQB-A0 underpinnings and most of its exterior and interior design.

The most important difference between the two has to do with pricing, since the Polo Track 1.0 MPI starts from R$79,990 (US$15,052), a lot cheaper than the R$92,990 (US$17,499) of the more powerful and better equipped Polo 1.0 TSI. The price is also identical to the outgoing VW Gol that is going out of production by the end of 2022 giving way to the new blood.

Read: Hyundai HB20 Facelift Debuts In Brazil With i20 Style

The Polo Track is distinguished from the standard Polo by the unique grille pattern, the omission of the LED strip, the halogen headlights, and the different bumper intakes without body-colored elements. The profile looks identical with the exception of the matte-black 15-inch hubcaps. The color palette includes four shades – solid Crystal White, Ninja Black, metallic Sirius Silver, and metallic Platinum Gray.

Changes at the back are limited to the light-colored taillight housing, the “Track” lettering underneath the VW emblem, and the new bumper featuring a larger portion painted in black and an adventurous-looking skid plate instead of the faux tailpipes of the regular Polo. Overall, VW designers did a great job in hiding the budget character of the Polo Track, making it look quite modern despite the many similarities with the pre-facelift sixth-gen Polo, originally introduced in 2017.

Inside, things look more basic, due to the cheaper radio unit that replaces the touchscreen and the old-style analog dials on the instrument cluster. Everything is covered in hard plastic with lightly colored textured areas trying to make it more appealing, while the seats are upholstered in fabric. VW is proud of the “longest wheelbase in the segment” measuring 2.56 mm (100.8 inches) and the 300-liter boot.

Equipment includes air conditioning, electric steering, electric windows at the front, and remote door locking. The launch model will also get a sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, a multifunction steering wheel with integrated buttons, a couple of USB ports, and a roof-mounted antenna. Don’t expect any ADAS features in such a budget proposal, with safety amenities being limited to the Hill Start Assist, ESC, seatbelt alert, plus Isofix and top tether points for child seats. At least the automaker saw fit to equip the Polo Track with four airbags.

The MQB-based model is fitted with the naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI flex engine, producing 83 hp (62 kW / 84 PS) and 101 Nm (74.5 lb-ft) of torque, similar to the entry-level engine that is available in Europe but with the ability to run on both petrol and ethanol. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. This is the only available configuration of the Polo Track, so those who want a more powerful turbocharged engine and the option of a DSG automatic should look at the regular Polo.

The Polo Track will be produced at the Volkswagen factory in Taubate, Brazil, after the modernization of the production line allowing it to manufacture MQB-based vehicles. Note that the regular South American-spec Polo is produced in a different plant in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.

VW Gol Last Edition Bids Farewell To A Brazilian Icon

Alongside the reveal of the new Polo Track, VW also announced the swan song of the outgoing Gol. The Gol Last Edition has a limited production of 1,000 numbered units featuring plenty of standard kit and visual tweaks inside-out to mark the special occasion.

The VW Gol remained in production for 42 years in different forms, spending 27 years as Brazil’s best-selling vehicle. The current third-generation Gol based on the VW Group’s A0 platform was introduced back in 2008, and went through consecutive facelifts in 2012, 2016, and 2018 keeping it relevant.

VW Polo Track

VW Gol Last Edition