Interesting thoughts on this thread and to add my thoughts there is this article to throw into the mix.
Times they are a changing. But then again, the more things change the more they stay the same. It did seem strange that VW seemed to be heading towards binning nameplates that had some history and the recent articles seems to prove that there has been some rethinking or perhaps forward planning to let people know that the car might change….but it’ll still be a “Golf”
Brands always bang on about conquest sales (where new customers come on board) but the core are people turning up and saying, right need a new Golf (insert VW car name) what have you got? So giving people an excuse to think twice can be counterproductive. Alternatively I do also see logic of saying that old car is gone now, we have a special new one and it’s so radical it needs a new name.
From other previous articles I felt Polo in Europe (as an ICE vehicle) would end in 2025ish but other worldwide markets would keep it alive for several more years. So this VW boss interview is almost saying, come 2025 doubtful we will have an ICE Polo in Europe but we could be selling ID Polo instead to keep some continuity into the EV age.
As for final fling special edition GTI, I am hoping we could have something perhaps to match mini JCW, but I feel marketing and VW costs would keep things rather subdued. Polo GTI Clubsport with 220bhp, lsd differential and those black/red seats (as in Golf), we can dream
It was interesting to read change in thinking from yes,definitely mk9 with combustion engines to perhaps Golf will survive but go all electric in mk9 form. (Audi are rumoured to be working on EV A3 on the new SSP platform for circa 2027, so as the two models have always been linked it seems sensible to share development costs.
Also this software debacle does seem to be hurting VAG group quite a lot and I think streamlining of developments makes sense.
I was surprised and not surprised by budget announcement on EV VED rates. As it has it has upset a lot of people and from what I read there are adjustments on all VED bands whichever year you registered and you will pay something. That does seem sensible especially when you consider the weight and wear and tear on roads.
It was always going to happen and it’s also an easy tax to take because everyone will moan, but then have to pay it. Also means it’s easier to rationalise an ICE car purchase if something good pops up in next few years if you know the cost for tax is very similar.
So back to Polos, I am hoping for something special in 2024 to celebrate 50yrs of Polo (and Golf). Let’s hope the VW boffins haven’t been too restricted by accountants.