What's all this about?
Volkswagen has announced the special edition Polo Beats; produced in conjunction with Californian audio expert Beats Electronics. Priced from £13,910 the cars are available to order now and come with a 300-Watt sound system plus special design touches inside and out.
What's included?
At the heart of the sound system is a 300-Watt, eight-channel amplifier fitted with a digital signal processor. Seven speakers are fitted: two tweeters in the A-pillars, two woofers in the front doors, two broadband speakers in the back and a subwoofer in the spare wheel well. The system is claimed to offer clarity, definition and 'punching bass tones'.
How do I spot it?
Look out for the 'Beats' badge on the B-pillar combined with 'Beats' decals on the side skirts. It also comes with 16-inch 'Knight' alloy wheels, darkened rear light clusters and 65 per cent tinted rear windows. The radiator grille is finished in High Gloss Black and the car is enhanced with Flash Red, Pure White or Black door mirrors with integrated indicators.
What about the interior?
The Polo Beats gets 'Cortina Silver' trim on the centre console and air vent surrounds plus leatherette door panels and chrome trim. Front and rear carpet mats feature red stitching, while the doors sills carry 'Beats' logoed protectors. Sports seats have Alcantara side bolsters pus a 'Beats' cloth centre section and the seatbelts feature thin vertical red stripes; LED foot well lighting rounds off the cabin.
Which engines are available?
One diesel and three petrol motors are available, with Volkswagen's BlueMotion technology to boost fuel efficiency. The 1.4-litre TDI, with 75hp, has CO2 emissions of 93g/km; a 1.0-litre petrol engine is available in 60- and 75hp outputs with a 1.2-litre, 90hp petrol engine completing the line-up.
John Lambert - 16 May 2016