The Gol was discontinued after three generations, numerous facelifts and a history that began in 1980 when it hit the market. With the launch of the Polo Track, Volkswgen says it will follow the legacy of the Gol in a more modern and safer car. But is this true? And what does Track bring from Gol to actually take its place?
POLO TRACK 2023: GOL’s replacement? Full test, price and comparison. See the video!
The Polo Track was not named Gol, as suggested by some customers precisely because it has almost nothing of the compact that was discontinued besides the engine. Polo Track is built on the MQB platform, the same as all current products in the Volkswagen range produced in Brazil, including the new Polo.
The engine is the same as that used in the Gol: MPI 1.0 three-cylinder with 77/84hp and up to 10.3 kgfm of torque, a propeller that debuted here on Up! and it is also used in the new entry pole in the MPI version.
The style used by Volkswagen on the Polo Track is derived from the Polo launched in 2018 and which was used until the end of last year. The shape of the headlights, grille, lanterns and side profile is the same. From Gol came the inspiration in simplicity: the external parts have nothing painted, only black plastic.
Inside, nothing from Gol except the expected simplicity. The new foam steering wheel bears the Volkswagen logo, the dashboard is analogue with the central part digital using a seven-segment display and not a high-resolution screen. There is no multimedia option but a bluetooth radio that is standard.
The Polo Track also corrects some of the Gol’s ergonomic errors, allowing for a much more comfortable riding position. With the same MPI engine and the same gearbox, however, the shifting of the gears changes and the suspension is a little more rigid inspired by the Gol. The Polo Track also differs from the new Polo by adjusting the suspension, shock absorbers and bushings and other adjustments for greater durability. Robustness is inspired precisely by the fame that came from Gol.
The Polo Track comes with four airbags, two more than the Gol, steering wheel with controls to adjust the radio and on-board computer, one-piece front seats (like the new Polo), uphill start assistant, electronic stability control, ISOFIX system, seat belt buckle alert, electronic differential lock, electric and remote door locking, electric steering, air conditioning with dust and pollen filter, USB inputs, roof antenna, among other equipment.
Too bad the price is not Gol. The compact that went out of line in December cost R$ 72 thousand in the MPI entry version. The car that takes its place is BRL 7,000 more expensive, and costs BRL 79,090.00.
POLO TRACK FIRST EDITION 2023: launch version with 1,000 units for BRL 88,900 and 1.0 engine. See the video!
Track will also have a simpler version without a radio, intended only for fleet owners. Being much better equipped and of superior construction, it should maintain good sales rates and compete on an equal footing with Chevrolet Onix, Hyundai HB20, Renault Stepway, Fiat Argo, Peugeot 208 Style and Citroën C3, all in the range between R$ 72 and R$ 82,000, and equipped with a three-cylinder aspirated engine in the same power range and with standard items similar to those of the Polo Track. The consumer will say who should stand out more in a disputed segment like this.