VOLKSWAGEN's mould-breaking new Polo hatchback arrives in Australia early next month priced from $17,990.

Representing the most significant generational change to a Volkswagen since the arrival of the class-leading Tiguan SUV almost two years ago, the sixth generation Polo redefines its segment being more sizable than a Golf of Mark 4 (1998) vintage yet priced significantly below the current Mark 7.5 Golf.

Being built on Volkswagen's exceptionally modular MQB platform (which serves in its various sizes vehicles as varied as the Golf and the forthcoming Tiguan Allspace seven seat SUV), the Polo 6 is ostensibly a city car that boasts a greater luggage capacity at 351 litres than rival brand vehicles from the next segment up such as Mazda3, Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza.

Despite having grown out of its class, the Polo 6's new three-cylinder turbo petrol engine ensures that it retains performance and efficiency comparable to the much smaller outgoing Polo, which won Australia's major car of the year awards on its release in 2010.

Rivals of the Polo continue to offer obsolete naturally aspirated engines and four speed automatics – to say nothing of plastic steering wheels.

"Even the entry level manual Polo 6 features the Golf's elegant, flat bottomed leather wheel with multi-media controls," says Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia's General Manager of Product and Marketing.

"That literal touchpoint is emblematic of the Polo having graduated from its class not only in terms of physical growth, but in sophistication. The Polo 6 is obviously more up-market than rival cars. We're talking less than $18K for fixtures such as a soft-touch dash top, wide touch screen and dual USB charging ports. Apple Car Play and Android Auto remain standard.

"In terms of safety there's autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, stability control and fatigue monitoring and reversing camera as standard."

Initially, the Polo 6 comes in Trendline or Comfortline specification (with different tunes of the 1.0-litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine) plus with a Launch Edition.

The Polo GTI (with a 147kW/320Nm turbo four) and the Polo beats arrive mid-year.  

Polo 70TSI Trendline                                   

• 15 inch steel wheels
•  Front Assist with City EB and pedestrian monitoring
•  Driver Fatigue Detection
•  Low tyre pressure indicator
•  Multi-Function Display (MFD Plus)
•  Leather multi-function steering wheel
• 8 inch infotainment system
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• 2 x USB ports
• Rear View Camera (RVC)
• Cruise control
• Air conditioning
• Height adjustment for front seats
• Power windows
• Electrically heated and adjustable exterior mirrors
• Split/folding rear seat

Polo 85TSI Comfortline                        

• As above plus:
• 15 inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlight function
• Rain sensing wipers
• Auto dimming rear-view mirror
• Front centre armrest
• Comfort cloth upholstery

Polo Launch Edition                                    

• As above plus:
• 16 inch alloy wheels
• Inductive wireless charging
• Dark tinted rear window glass
• Front fog lights
• Dark tinted LED tail lights

Metallic/Pearl Effect paint                       
$500 (all models)

Driver Assistance package                               
$1,400 (Comfortline and Launch Edition)

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Monitor with rear traffic alert
• Park Assist
• Power folding door mirrors
• Proactive occupant protection system

Volkswagen's Polo 6 can be ordered today.