PoloDriver

Once again the Irungattukottai Race Track, Chennai hosted the last round of the Volkswagen Polo R Cup India 2011, as the drivers fought for honours over the weekend of 15-16 October. Round 5 saw 21 year-old Rahil Noorani from Mumbai finish first in race one, with Oshan Kothadiya coming in behind just 2.375 seconds after Noorani’s time of 20.46 minutes. Avdumber Hede rounded out the podium 2.477 seconds after Kothadiya. Gaurav Dalal took the chequered flag in the second race in 20.43 minutes, with Vishnu Prasad following 4.907 seconds later. Mihir Dharkar finished third. Vishnu Prasad leads the championship overall, as the series moves to its final round in Noida on 25-27 November, 5 points ahead of Noorani. The series is run by Volkswagen India Motorsport in conjunction with JK Tyres. The field of 20 young racers drive identical and centrally-prepared 129bhp TDI Polo R Cup cars.

Volkswagen South Africa has announced a sponsorship of two vehicles to the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT). A Polo BlueMotion and Touareg BlueMotion Technology will assist DICT with beach rescues, transporting researchers and volunteers, as well as the general running of the organisation. Dyer Island is a 20-hectare nature reserve in Gansbaai and is managed by CapeNature. It is a rich breeding ground for birds, most significantly the endangered African penguin, and is classified an important bird area by Birdlife International. Dyer Island’s surrounding waters are home to African penguins, great white sharks, seals, dolphins and whales – otherwise known as the ‘Marine Big 5’.

The Dyer Island Conservation Trust plays a pivotal role in the research and conservation of the animals in the Gansbaai area and has partnered with leading universities, the Department of Environmental Affairs and other Non-Governmental Organisations. One of their main efforts is focused on supporting education to the community. ‘Volkswagen’s vision is to become a company with meaning and impact in terms of environmental consciousness, and an industry leader in environmental responsibility. We believe our partnership and support of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust will play a critical role in assisting them to conserve the rich marine life in the Gansbaai area. Our sponsorship forms part of our “Think Blue” initiative by which we try to implement small changes that will make big differences in the future,’ said Mike Glendinning, Director, Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.

[Source: Volkswagen South Africa]

In late summer, one of Volkswagen UK’s press fleet Polo GTIs came to rural Dorset with us for a 1000-mile test. J6 VWW experienced country lanes, motorways, and town roads in its time with us, and today, we’ve published a 14-page digital mini-magazine of our 14-day findings with the car. We first drove the latest performance Polo back in June, but the lanes in and around and south coast really gave us a chance to stretch its legs. As a cut-price Golf GTI, it’s an enticing proposition. Read what we thought of the controversial DSG gearbox, the searing performance, and how the car marries performance and refinement. Click the magazine graphic below, or if you can’t see the preview, visit this link. The sixth of our special digital mini-magazines, check out the PoloDriver bookshelf for our previous five titles. The first issue features mini-tests of the current Polo range in general, while the third is an account of our first drives of the SEL 1.2 TSI and 1.2 BlueMotion TDI.

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Volkswagen UK has announced a free insurance deal on selected Polo models, as well as £500 off the entry-level S trim. That means the entry-level Polo S now starts at £9495 for the 1.2-litre 59bhp three-door car, rising to £11,605 for the 69bhp S A/C with air-conditioning. In addition, the S, recently-launched Match, and SEL models boast a year’s free insurance* (excluding BlueMotion and GTI) if registered before 31 December 2011. Visit www.volkswagen co.uk for more information.

With Volkswagen UK’s enticing offer of free insurance on selected Polo models, car buyers have an excellent opportunity to secure comprehensive coverage while enjoying significant savings. As the cost of car insurance can be a significant factor in the overall ownership expenses, this promotion allows prospective Polo owners to not only benefit from the quality and performance of the vehicle but also from the added value of a year’s free insurance. However, buyers need to consider their long-term insurance needs beyond the promotional period. For a seamless transition to continued comprehensive coverage and to explore a wide range of insurance options, individuals can turn to reputable providers like Ultimate Insurance, known for their competitive rates and customer-oriented approach. Ensuring you have the right insurance coverage for your Volkswagen Polo is paramount, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals at Ultimate Insurance can help you make the best choices to safeguard your investment.

Polo S offer prices
Polo S 1.2 59bhp, 3dr manual: £9495 (previously £9995, saving £500)
Polo S 1.2 69bhp, 5dr manual: £10,890 (previously £11,390, saving £500)
Polo S A/C 1.2 59bhp, 3dr manual: £10,310 (previously £10,810, saving £500)
Polo S A/C 1.2 69bhp, 5dr manual: £11,605 (previously £12,105, saving £500)

Terms and conditions: retail customers only, vehicles must be registered from 1st October to 31st December 2011. £500 money-off offer can be varied or withdrawn at any time. Only on S. At participating Volkswagen retailers only. For more information on this great offer and to arrange a test drive contact your local participating Volkswagen retailer by calling 0800 333 666. *One years free insurance available from Volkswagen Insurance for drivers over 21, only on S, Match and SEL, excludes Northern Ireland. Visit www.insurewithvolkswagen.co.uk/polo for full terms and conditions. Volkswagen Insurance is sold, underwritten and administered by Allianz Insurance PLC.

Want imposing daytime running lights for your 6R Polo, but don’t want to pay official Volkswagen prices? If so, then German tuning company Dectane may well have something you might be interested in. Replacement whole front lamp units in black or silver are available for €249,00 (plus shipping costs) for the latest Polo, and these also include a strip of daytime running lights, so that you can bear down on other drivers in true menacing Audi fashion. The black units have a code of **SWV24GXB, while the silver fitments’ product number is **SWV24GX. We believe that the price is for one, single unit only. Dectane also offer LED brake lights and licence plate lamps for Polo 6Rs, too, as well as a whole host of custom light clusters for older Polos from 1994. Click here for more details.