Welcome to the interior of the all-new, allegedly era-defining Volkswagen ID. Polo, which has been unveiled as the brand continues to build anticipation for the electric supermini’s world debut this spring.
Volkswagen has clearly listened to recent feedback from critics and customers alike because, for starters, the infuriating touch-sensitive sliding controls and haptic feedback panels you get in the ID.3 hatch and VW’s other EVs are gone.
Instead, the ID. Polo’s new, slightly unusual square steering wheel features chunky buttons, while a row of physical climate control switches sits proudly on the dashboard; there’s even a proper volume dial on the centre console. This perhaps shouldn’t feel like such a big deal, but it really does after years of complaining about VW’s user interface.
The same goes for there being four window switches for the driver, instead of just one pair that you have to toggle between controlling the front or rear. One little detail that has stuck around, though, are the play and pause motifs on the pedals.
These pictures also suggest that perceived quality has taken a big leap forward over the ID.3, because even the air vent tabs and volume dial have a premium knurled finish. Volkswagen says it also put a lot of effort into making the ID. Polo’s interior feel more inviting, which is why there’s soft-like fabric across the dashboard, doors and even the centre console.
The layout of the screens is also different to that in any other VW EV. The 10.25-inch driver’s display is fitted to the dashboard, as most people would expect, rather than mounted to the steering column, as the 5.3-inch unit is in the ID.3. The 13-inch central touchscreen is not only larger than the ID.3’s as well, it’s also not angled towards the driver, making it easier for the front passenger to use.
