Volkswagen previously pledged to restore physical controls back into its interiors, effectively retiring the dreaded haptic-feedback controls that the company itself admitted were a mistake. This tactile U-turn will begin with the marque’s upcoming stable of ID. models, led by the all-new ID. Polo, and we now finally know what that’ll look like.
The cabin of the ID. Polo is defined by what the brand calls a ‘Pure Positive’ design language, with fabric trimmings and a layout that maintains familiar operating patterns. The centrepiece is a 13-inch infotainment display, now underpinned by a dedicated row of physical buttons for climate control and hazard lights.
The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, paired with a multi-function steering wheel that abandons haptic controls in favour of clearly structured physical buttons. Above the dashboard, the ID. Light strip has been expanded across the full width of the cabin and integrated into the front doors for the first time.
On the centre console, located between the smartphone tray and cupholders, is a new rotary controller for audio, track, and station selection. Volkswagen claims this placement offers easy access for both the driver and passenger.
Much like the ID. Cross Concept, the ID. Polo features ‘secret sauce’ design touches inspired by heritage models. The driver’s display can be configured with a 1980s retro theme reminiscent of the MK1 Golf, complete with digital-analogue dials and a classic LCD-style font. The centre display follows suit, albeit in a slightly different way, featuring a classic cassette-player interface for multimedia.
Even the driving data is displayed in this theme, with the state-of-charge (SOC) shown in a retro-style dial alongside an old-school digital odometer.
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Beyond nostalgia, the user interface integrates the third generation of Travel Assist. Volkswagen claims this all-new software will eventually recognise red traffic lights and stop signs while enabling “comfortable one-pedal driving,” suggesting a more natural and refined braking experience.
Beneath the new interior, the ID. Polo is expected to utilise a front-mounted electric motor capable of producing 226 hp (166 kW) and 290 Nm. These figures are likely reserved for the spicier GTI variant of the ID. Polo, presumably leaving the standard variants with a more restrained output from the same powertrain.
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