Gol is the Brazilian equivalent of VW Golf, and it’s a popular hatchback in South America as well as some other emerging markets. Now at the 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show they unveiled a new three-door version , and it looks strangely like the current VW Polo we have in Europe.

The 3-door Gol is about the same size as the Polo, slightly shorter, and really rather practical for what it is with 285 liters of luggage space. Engine available for the Gol include a 72 hp 1.0 liter unit, and a 140 hp 1.6 liter. For the Brazilian market these engines also run on ethanol. Available transmissions include a manual and an automatic, both with five speeds.

The Gol has been on sale in Brazil for 25 years and over 7 millions of it have been sold. Despite what this car’s character as a cheap eco car from South America might suggest, it is actually a very good hatchback. VW will never offer in Europe of course, because it would mess up the Polo’s market.