VW unveils new Polo

* Lighter, more efficient Polo revealed * New 1.2 TSI and 1.6 diesel * On sale October...

VW unveils new Polo

Volkswagen has launched the new VW Polo supermini at the Geneva motor show.

The new Polo's engine line-up consists of four petrol units and three diesels, includinig an all-new 104bhp 1.2 TSI petrol and a 1.6 TDI commonrail turbodiesel.

The new car is longer and wider, yet lower and lighter than the model it replaces. VW says this means the new Polo has more room in the cabin, claiming head-, shoulder- and leg-room and boot capacity have all increased.

The lighter Polo is also more efficient than the model it replaces. Only the 1.4 petrol model manages less than 50 mpg and a Bluemotion model, expected to follow quicky after the car's launch, manages 74mpg and emits just 96g/km of carbon dioxide.

For the first time, a Polo can be specified with VW's acclaimed DSG gearbox, while all models come with stability control, four airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Prices will be announced closer to the car's launch in the autumn, but VW says the Polo will cost 12,150 euros in Germany, which equates to around 10,900.