PoloDriver

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.

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Various internet sources are reporting that Volkswagen will launch a plug-in hybrid powertrain version of the Polo in ‘coming years’. AutoWeek.nl state that Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn confirmed to Auto Zeitung last week that it was ‘necessary’ for the German giant to have at least one plug-in hybrid vehicle on sale, and that the Polo and Golf were prime candidates for such eco-friendly models, especially as Toyota has launched hybrid ‘HSD’ versions of both the Auris and Yaris. Volkswagen have already developed an electric hybrid version of the Golf, the blue-e-motion, which develops a maximum output of 114bhp/85kW, continuous power of 68bhp/50kW, and 200lb ft/270Nm of torque. The Golf blue-e-motion is scheduled to go on sale to the general public in 2013.

South African Engen Volkswagen Cup drivers Kosie Weyers and Devin Robertson were victorious at the latest rounds of the series at the fast Killarney circuit in Cape Town on 1 October. Weyers won ahead of both Lee Thompson and Robertson in the first race, while in the second, championship leader Robertson was the front runner. Weyers had to settle for the second spot on the podium ahead of Kyle Barnes.

The 2011 Engen Volkswagen Cup series is similar to the other racing VW Polo Cup single-series championships run in both Europe and India. Just as in those series, the one-make format particularly highlights a wealth of new young driving talent. In the Engen championship, as many as thirty drivers regularly take to the track in technically-identical, 2.0-litre, 234bhp Volkswagen Polo Vivo racing cars. The next two rounds of the 2011 Engen Volkswagen Cup are scheduled for 5 November at the Zwartkops circuit, Pretoria.

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The Polo R WRC is being shown at the Johannesburg International Motor Show – which runs from 6-16 October – by Volkswagen South Africa, which is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2011. The 2013 rally challenger being displayed at the Johannesburg Expo Centre event is the styling mock-up, unveiled by Volkswagen Motorsport on the eve of the Rally d’Italia Sardegna back in May. And, excitingly, it has been revealed that the new Polo S2000 rally car will debut in 2012, and will share most of its visual cues with the Polo R WRC. From 2013, Volkswagen will contest the World Rally Championship with the Polo R WRC.

‘The new technical regulations of the World Rally Championship (WRC) perfectly suits Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles,’ said Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division. The new set of rules determines 1.6-litre turbo engines with direct injection. This is in line with Volkswagen’s strategy of downsizing engines – a philosophy that has been pioneered with small-volume, turbocharged but highly efficient powertrains. ‘The timing of the WRC debut is ideal for Volkswagen. The task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal,’ Dr Hackenberg continued.

The centrepiece of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC will be a 1.6-litre TSI engine with direct injection and turbo-charging that will achieve a power output of 220kW (295bhp) with a maximum torque of 350Nm (258lb ft). In accordance with the regulations, the four-cylinder powerplant will have its air intake reduced by a 33-millimetre air restrictor. To transmit the engine’s power to the wheels a sequential gearbox is planned, but substantial driving assistance systems are prohibited by WRC rules. The aim is to reasonably cap development costs.

The Polo R WRC will be fitted with a safety cage, four-wheel drive and an aerodynamically-optimised exterior. According to the regulations the minimum dry weight will be 1200kg. In the World Rally Championship the technical concept of a world rally car has to be based on the body shell of a production vehicle. At Volkswagen, ‘R’ is associated with models with superior dynamics, compelling performance data and sportiness. The entire ‘R’ model package is offered at outstanding value for money. Other new VWs being displayed in Johannesburg include the eco BlueMotion range, which has a Polo-based variant.

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