Chunky Polo SUV heads for the hills

Based on Polo platform, beefed-up supermini set to take on 4WD Corsa.

Volkswagen is giving its Polo four-wheel drive for the first time and launching a new baby SUV.

The car is set to replace the current Polo Dune, and it will get beefed-up looks to match its all-terrain ability. It will go up against forthcoming supermini 4x4 class rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa SUV and its planned Chevrolet-badged sister model.

As you can see, the rugged Polo borrows many styling cues from the firm’s bigger Tiguan. It has a bold chrome grille and Eos-style headlights, plus protective cladding for the bumpers, wheelarches and side skirts. Roof rails and sporty alloy wheels also feature.

Under the chunky-looking skin is a development of the current Polo’s chassis. This same platform will also provide the basis for the standard next-generation supermini, which is due on sale here in 2009.

The SUV version is fitted with VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system. It also sits 20mm higher than the regular Polo, so it should prove capable over rough terrain.

On the inside, buyers can expect a cabin design which is a little sportier than that of the regular hatch, with plenty of metal-effect trim. There will be room for five people, while a sliding rear bench gives the car added flexibility, as do extra storage cubbies under the boot floor.

The off-road Polo will be available with the same range of engines as the standard car. That means the line-up kicks off with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol motor in a choice of 60bhp or 70bhp guises. This will be joined by an 85bhp 1.4-litre, while a 1.2-litre TSI uses VW’s clever supercharging and turbocharging technology to deliver an output of 105bhp.

Diesel options will include a 1.6-litre TDI in 75bhp, 90bhp and 105bhp forms. Buyers will also be able to specify a low-emissions Bluemotion car with a 1.4-litre TDI unit.

As well as the replacement for the Dune, VW is planning a drop-top. Standard three and five-door cars arrive next year, with the SUV debuting in 2010.