PoloDriver

We’ve managed to get our hand on an early Polo BlueGT brochure, and it reveals a few more details about the technology-laden small hatchback, which is released for sale in Germany in July. Just to recap, the Polo BlueGT mixes near-GTI performance with near-BlueMotion levels of economy, thanks to its clever 1.4-litre 138bhp TSI engine, which features cylinder deactivation technology. Running in two-cylinder mode between torque outputs of 18-74lb ft and between 1250 and 4000rpm, Volkswagen states that the changeover is imperceptible. The Polo BlueGT gets to 62mph from rest in 7.9 seconds, while emitting just 108g/km of CO2, and with forecasts of over 60mpg on the combined cycle, it seems performance and economy can be bedfellows after all.

So, what else does the brochure tell us? Only four paint colours are available – Candy White, Silk Blue Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic and Intense Black Pearl Effect – with only the former being standard at no extra cost. The seats are trimmed in ‘Blue Speed’ mesh-type cloth with while blue alcantara panels, and the multifunction steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and handbrake are wrapped in leather with ‘Grey Crystal’ stitching. Wheels are 17-inch ‘Montani’ silver alloys, although can be specified with an Anthracite finish at extra cost. We also hadn’t noticed how the rear spoiler is supported by two black aerodynamic fairings either side of the rear window – a neat, but subtle touch. The one thing this early preview brochure doesn’t include however is prices.

Debuting online on Friday evening, the new Volkswagen UK commercial for the Polo revives the familiar ‘Small but tough’ tagline from 2004, and chronicles the early life of a young girl. Volkswagen UK says that the 90-second spot ‘shows the evolving relationship of a protective father and his daughter, from the moment he first brings her home from hospital to the day she finally leaves home, when he hands her the keys to a shiny new Polo – ensuring she “stays in safe hands.”’ Soundtracked by Sniffy Dog’s ‘Whispers and Stories’, the ad seems to have gone down well – we particularly like the Mk 2 Polo coupé which appears at the very beginning of the commercial. Let Volkswagen UK know what you think of the ad on its Facebook page, and visit the company’s website to find out more information on the Polo itself.

According to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) for April 2012, the Volkswagen Polo held its position as the seventh best-selling car in the UK, and the third best-selling supermini, behind the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. Once again the sixth best-selling car for 2012 so far with 15,743 sales, its larger Golf sibling sold only 21 units more last month, placing it one position ahead in the SMMT’s chart. April again saw a rise in supermini registrations, while overall, registrations rose 3.3 per cent to 142,322 units, the largest 2012 increase.

‘A strong April new car market has raised confidence across the UK motor industry with registrations increasing 3.3 per cent,’ said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. ‘We are seeing a steady increase in consumer confidence with growth in private demand, boosted by the arrival of a raft of new products. SMMT has increased its full year forecast to 1.95 million units, putting the market marginally ahead of 2011, indicating a period of relative stability.’ The top 10 UK best-selling cars in April 2012 and for the year overall (sales figure and position in brackets) are as follows:

1 Ford Fiesta: 8780 (42,170, 1st)
2 Vauxhall Corsa: 6184 (29,934, 2nd)
3 Ford Focus: 5491 (29,933, 3rd)
4 Vauxhall Astra: 4684 (19,578, 5th)
5 BMW 3 Series: 3737 (13,685, 8th)
6 Volkswagen Golf: 3600 (22,394, 4th)
7 Volkswagen Polo: 3579 (15,743, 6th)
8 Nissan Qashqai: 2990 (15,481, 7th)
9 Vauxhall Insignia: 2751 (12,082, 9th)
10 Fiat 500: 2600

(The 2012 year-to-date top 10 best-selling car absent from April’s sales figures is the Peugeot 207 selling 11,957 units in tenth place.)

Here’s a nice surprise for a Friday afternoon. After its initial launch in Germany late last year, the Polo R Line is now available for UK customers. Not to be confused with the much-rumoured, high-performance Polo R, the R Line brings style to the impressive specification of the popular Polo Match. A unique ‘R’ styling pack with deeper front and rear bumpers, gloss black radiator grille, deeper side sills, and 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels gives the Polo more visual presence, while dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar back and front fog lights with cornering function add yet more optical punch.

The interior builds on the sports-orientated look of the exterior, with aluminium sill plates, sports seats with unique ‘Kyalami’ upholstery and embossed ‘R’ logos. A leather-trimmed three-spoke sports steering wheel with ‘R’ logo, and aluminium race-look pedals and black headlining complete the interior makeover. Equipment highlights include an RCD 310 radio/CD player with six speakers and multi-device/iPod interface, ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, a multifunction trip computer, electric windows, height-adjustable front seats, a split-folding rear-seat backrest, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, reading lights, tyre pressure monitor and remote central locking.

Available with one engine, the Polo R Line is powered by the turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI unit with 104bhp, coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance is a little off GTI pace, with 62mph coming up in 9.7 seconds from rest, and a top speed of 118mph, but fuel consumption is a very respectable 53.3mpg on the combined cycle, while emissions are a low 124g/km. How much for the unique Polo R Line style? Prices start at £15,195 on the road for the three-door model, rising to £15,815 for the five-door. The striking Polo R Line is available to order at Volkswagen Retailers now, with the first deliveries expected in July.

The Polo is among the most secure vehicle winners announced by Australia’s National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) last week. Volkswagen took top honours in four of the six classes, the Polo, Golf and Tiguan taking the first prize in their respective categories, while the Passat came joint first in the medium car group. NMVTRC chairman, David Morgan, said: ‘While there are some luxury vehicles amongst the winners, the inclusion of the many affordable cars, with the Polo starting at around $20,000 clearly demonstrates that good security is within reach of everyday motorists and that other manufacturers should be aspiring to matching these levels of design.’

Tough vehicle security tests included expert competitor analysis, and credits for entry system security, engine immobiliser effectiveness, and vehicle identification. Alarms, body stamping, boot access, doors, glazing, ignition locks, and micro dotting were considerations which helped the Volkswagens distinguish themselves as the most secure cars in their class. Volkswagen Australia Managing Director, Ms Anke Koeckler, commented: ‘We’re delighted to accept not one, but four awards for the most secure cars in Australia. These awards further demonstrate our commitment to offer vehicles with class-leading security as well as unparalleled drivability, at a price to suit every motorist.’