PoloDriver

We’ve got the photos, but we’ve yet to publish a report. Performance VW magazine obviously haven’t been so busy, though, as within its pages in the latest issue is a report on the Club Polo show held back at the end of July. With words and pictures by leading light and journo Alex Grant (with help from long-standing Club Polo-er Martin Buck), the two-page write-up features lots of snaps of the best cars at the event (our Polo GT coupé gets half a wheel in, too!), and makes for a good quick read. Blessed with good weather, we went to Billing Aquadrome for the Sunday and had a good, Polo-filled day. One for the diaries next year. Look out for our photo report on PoloDriver.com.

[Image: Performance VW]

The Polo has a double appearance in the UK weekly motoring magazines this week, as both Autocar and Auto Express test the £13,225 1.4 Match against notable rivals. J9 VWW, a Sea Blue 84bhp Match five door is pitted against the new Chrysler (née Lancia) Ypsilon SE, while Autocar sees the same car square up to 14 of its most notable rivals in a 14-page supermini mega-test. The competition includes the Audi A1, Citroën C3, Fiat Punto, Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Peugeot 207, Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza, Škoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and Vauxhall Corsa. We won’t spoil either result here, but we will say that the Polo makes the final top six in the Autocar test… Both magazines are on sale now, until next Wednesday 26 October.

[Image: Auto Express]

Following its creation of a modern-day Polo Harlequin courtesy of a multi-coloured film wrap, Drift Bridge Volkswagen of Epsom have again made an eye-catching Polo to lure potential customers onto its forecourt. Once again, Paul Baker is the man behind the idea, and this time, the wrapped car apes the Polo R WRC unveiled earlier this year by Volkswagen Motorsport. In a repeat of the last process, wrapping was carried out by professional wrappers Creative FX, with Chris Pook leading the transformation. Based in Bromley, Greater London, Creative FX specialises in vinyl wrapping and personalisation of cars, vans, bikes and scooters, as well as offering stone chip protection and window tinting services for customers.

‘We had it done after seeing the pictures of the Polo R WRC at the Frankfurt Motor Show. We always try to be current and do something that grabs people’s attention, said Paul Baker. ‘The car is for sale, and is a Candy While 1.4-litre 84bhp Match with ‘Knight’ alloys, VW genuine accessory boot spoiler painted white then wrapped in matt black, and VW genuine accessory exhaust trim. It’s certainly getting allot of attention parked on my forecourt!’ Paul also states that the car is for sale, at £14,495, but that he’d let it go for less once it’s served its purpose. Alternatively, Drift Bridge VW Epsom would transform another car should anyone want a Polo R WRC replica sooner. The wrapped Harlequin may also be up for sale soon.

Following success with its cricket-themed ‘IPL Edition’ Vento, Volkswagen India has launched the Polo and Vento ‘Breeze‘ special limited edition models. Launched in a fanfare with a ‘Breeze Weekend’ at its 77 retailers, Volkswagen India state that the Breeze models feature up to Rs 40,000 of extra equipment. The Polo Breeze is available with both 1.2 (75bhp/55kW) and 1.6-litre (104bhp/77kW) petrol engines and in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trims. The Vento Breeze meanwhile comes with either a 1.6-litre petrol or the same capacity diesel engine, both developing 104bhp/77kW.

Both models come with special ‘Breeze’ badging at the rear and on the C-pillar and (nice, these) unique rear seat cushions. Extra kit on the Polo Breeze includes a Navon 4.3-inch satellite navigation system, special ‘Breeze’ seat covers and floor mats, as well as rear parking sensors. The Vento Breeze’s special equipment includes a touchscreen multimedia player with Bluetooth and USB connectivity and a centre armrest between the front seats. The hatchback Polo Breeze is available in a choice of six colours, while the notchback Vento’s palette features two fewer options. Ex-showroom prices for the Polo and Vento Breeze special models start at Rs.4.5 lakhs and Rs.6.95 lakhs respectively.

On 26 August, Volkswagen Group Malaysia launched the Polo GTI 6R at the Sepang International Circuit. Launched in Europe in May 2010, the Malaysian model appears the same as the European variant, but there are however, some key differences, especially when compared to UK cars. Engine and transmission choice is the same (178bhp/132kW, 1.4-litre TSI unit with seven-speed DSG gearbox), but Malaysian cars are equipped with a multifunction steering wheel, parking sensors, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, and an electric panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, all of which are optional extra-cost items in the UK. As in South Africa, Malaysia Polo GTIs come with alcantara seat coverings (optional on UK SEL models) as opposed to the ‘Jacara’ cloth in Europe.

Despite having more power than its direct predecessor, the 148bhp Polo GTI 9N3, the GTI 6R is 24% more fuel efficient, and has CO2 emissions of 139g/km compared to 188g/km of its ancestor. Weight is unchanged to the European cars at 1194kg, and performance is the same as in other markets. Top speed is 142mph/229km/h, and the 0-62mph/0-100km/h dash is dispensed with in 6.9 seconds. Power is transferred to the front wheels via the DSG gearbox, and an electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) reduces the tendency to understeer. Prices start at RM132, 888.00 for the three-door version while the five-door is priced at RM135,888.00. The Polo GTI comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty plus a five-year roadside assistance package. Visit www.volkswagen.com.my for details.