Volkswagen published the first teaser of the Polo Track, a budget version of the supermini designed for South America that’s set to replace the discontinued Gol. The MQB-based model will be produced in Brazil, with a market launch scheduled for 2023.
While the name Track would suggest a
crossover, the Polo Track is a regular hatchback. The shadowy teaser reveals it
shares most of its body panels with the regular Polo which is also offered in
Brazil. However, the Track comes with a few design tweaks including simpler
headlight graphics, a thicker grille, and a redesigned bumper with a honeycomb
pattern on the sporty intakes.
The entry-level approach of the Polo Track
has to do with cost-cutting measures that will make it more affordable. VW didn’t
go into details but the model could implement the lessons learned from Skoda in
India, just like the mechanically-related VW Virtus global sedan that is a
sibling to the Skoda Slavia. In a similar manner, the Polo Track could share
some elements with the Skoda Fabia, and most likely lose the more expensive
trim options of the Polo. In terms of engines, local media suggest it could get
the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder offered in both gasoline and
ethanol variants.
VW said that the Polo Track is the first
of a new compact car family for the “entry-level segment” that will roll out in
the region following a € 1 billion (US$ 1.06 billion) investment by 2026. The model
will be produced in the Taubaté factory in Brazil, unlike the regular Polo that
is produced in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.
The South American operations of
Volkswagen have returned to profitability for the first time since 2013, after
a restructuring program and portfolio renewal that resulted in 20 new models in
four years. VW is now focusing on digitalization and decarbonization in South
America, with the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. As a local
alternative to electrification until charging networks become widespread in the
region, VW is investing in biofuels like Bioethanol which can reduce carbon
emissions by up to 90 percent compared to gasoline.
