21 October 2002: Hot on the heels of the launch of the new SEAT Cordoba, Volkswagen has revealed details of its own new Polo saloon derivative (above). But it will initially only be on sale in Latin American markets, which have a high preference for notchbacks.

Unlike Polo saloons of the past, the new VW is styled quite differently to its SEAT cousin, particularly aft of the B-pillar where it is very Bora-esque. With an overall length of 4,179 millimetres, it is 282 mm longer than the hatchback Polo here.

Buyers of the new notchback Polo will be offered a choice of 101bhp 1.6-litre or 115bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines

The Brazilian plant in Anchieta will build the notchback Polo alongside the existing hatchback version. The question of exporting it to certain European countries or building it at locations on other continents is currently being examined.

The company's share of the Brazilian market is currently about 28 per cent. Twelve and a half million vehicles have already been sold - more than any other automobile manufacturer with a location in South America.