Although the model has quite a large following in both South America and across Europe, the Polo's never been offered in the U.S. With Americans newfound acceptance of subcompact cars like the Honda Fit, VW thinks there's a chance the Polo could do well in the New World.

We'd have to agree with that notion. Although the car is sized like a Fit (albeit without as tall a roof), it exudes the charisma of a larger car both inside and out. Exterior styling virtually apes that of the new fifth-generation Golf, while the interior feels just as good as that of the Jetta. Sure, plenty of pieces (namely buttons, radio, gauges, and other goodies) are picked out of VW's parts bin, but we're hard pressed to name another small car interior that feels so mature.

The new Polo will be offered with no fewer than eight different engine choices (including four diesel options), but we'd expect the 105-hp, 1.2-liter turbocharged I-4 - the top-end engine in Europe - to be standard fare in the U.S. It can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG transmission, which then sends power to the front wheels.

If a Polo TDI were to arrive in the U.S, we'd guess the 90-hp 1.6-liter turbo-diesel I-4 would be the most likely offering. Although a 105-hp version is offered in Europe, the 90-hp motor allows buyers the choice of a five-speed manual or the DSG.

The new Polo is expected to arrive in European showrooms this June, but don't expect it here until sometime in late 2010. Here's hoping this model crosses the pond and not the outgoing Polo.

GENEVA — The introduction of the redesigned Polo, Volkswagen’s second-best-selling model, kicked off the Geneva auto show today. Actually, the starting gun was jumped a bit by outdoor advertising crews, who unveiled massive billboards of the car here the night before the show.

The Polo, now entering its fifth generation since its launch in 1975, figures to be one of the show’s most important debuts because it is such a big seller. A chunk of VW’s success hinges on continuing the franchise’s popularity.

From a styling standpoint, the new design is conservative, breaks no new ground and seems to offer little to offend, or inspire. It certainly looks as if it could have been right at home in VW’s lineup 10-15 years ago. VW said the Polo offers quality akin to an Audi, at a starting price of about $17,700.

The new model’s major appeal is likely to be under its skin, where its powerplants place a premium on fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Smaller gasoline-powered turbocharged engines will shrink to 1 and 1.2 liters. A BlueMotion diesel variant will emit less CO2 and top 60 miles a gallon in fuel economy.

The Polo introduced at Geneva, a five-door hatchback, will initially be sold only in Europe starting later this summer. A three-door model will also be offered. A small crossover-style model and minivan will follow. For the tuner crowd, a 170-horsepower GTI model will likely appear by 2010.

Also in 2010, if market conditions and exchange rates allow, Volkswagen intends to introduce the Polo to the United States, because the company said it believed that fuel prices there will be on the rise again by then, and fuel-sipping econocars like the Polo could be in high demand.