The Polo now steers, brakes, and accelerates automatically on request with an optional IQ Drive Travel Assist. The Polo is Volkswagen's European subcompact hatchback.
The tech was once available only in larger models such as the Golf compact hatch, Tiguan compact SUV, ID.4 electric SUV, Passat and Arteon midsize sedans, and Touareg SUV. Now, the Polo (below) is the first to offer semi-autonomous driving tech in its segment with the IQ Drive Travel Assist, VW said.
To activate the feature, which also uses Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and adaptive lane guidance, a button on the steering wheel just needs to be pressed.
ACC ensures that the Polo automatically maintains the permitted speed selected by the driver. Aside from the manual selection, the camera-based Dynamic Road Sign Display allows the car to read how fast it's allowed to drive.
Using radar sensor technology, it also detects if a slower vehicle appears in front. Once the slower vehicle is detected, the system applies the brakes, and therefore always keeps the correct and safe following distance. If there are no longer any cars in front, the Polo accelerates again.
There will also be a forward-looking ACC system that combines the navigation system and dual clutch gearbox (DSG). Among other things, this will allow the vehicle to reduce or increase speed in bends or town boundaries, VW added.
The lane-keeping system (lane assist) scans the area in front of the Polo using the same camera in the windscreen as the Dynamic Road Sign Display system. The assist system reads the lane markings and steers correctively as soon as any veering out of the lane is detected.
Volkswagen reminded that the driver must keep his or her hands on the wheel. They are always responsible for judging the traffic situation and controlling vehicle behavior. The driver signals can inform IQ Travel Assist that he or she will take control just by touching the touch-sensitive steering wheel.
The semi-autonomous driving gadget can do its job from speeds ranging from zero to 210kph, Volkswagen said.
Another safety feature in the new Polo is the center airbag. This airbag opens between the driver and front passenger, preventing their bodies from smashing into each other in the event of an accident.
Standard fitment LED matrix headlights and fog lights could also provide better illumination of the road ahead.
As for specification, one-liter engines with different states of tune power this hatch. It starts from a naturally aspirated unit with 80hp and 93Nm of torque, which goes to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Up the range is a 1.0 TSI with either 95hp or 110hp.
The Volkswagen T-Cross is equally as safe. In two of its trims, they are equipped with park distance control to avoid reversing into other cars or objects, tire pressure monitor, and electronic stabilization program that prevents the subcompact crossover from slipping in various surfaces.
The top-variety T-Cross SE ups the safety kit with side and curtain airbags, autonomous emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
Photos from Volkswagen, Volkswagen Philippines
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