PoloDriver

We think we might have uncovered the reason why some prospective owners of the latest version of the Polo GTI in the UK might be experiencing delivery delays. The car has just gone on sale in right-hand drive Australia, too, most probably adding pressure to delivery estimates. Like the Brits, they like their hatches hot (or at least moderately piping) down under, and the first reviews that have come in from the Australian motoring journos certainly make for encouraging reading. The car was launched to power-hungry Polo enthusiasts at the Australian International Motor Show 2010 in Sydney.

Available from $27,790 for the three-door model and $28,990 for the five-door, Drive states that: ‘The levels of grip demonstrated by the GTI through some of the tightest bends in the country was remarkable. It felt tied down and level at speed through snaking bends, and easily liveable on more open stretches of road. The steering is well-weighted, offers plenty of feedback, and is quick and responsive.’ Carsguide was equally enthusiastic: ‘The handling is exquisite – one of the reasons the Polo won COTY – and tied down even more in the GTI that sits 15mm lower and rides on wider, lower profile rubber,’ its tester commented.

At the risk of repeating ourselves, the latest version of the Polo GTI uses a 1.4-litre engine with both a supercharger and a turbocharger to boost power to 178bhp (132kW) and torque to 250Nm – all from a car weighing 1189kg. The 0-62mph (0-100km/h) dash is dispensed with in 6.9 seconds and standard equipment includes 17-inch ‘Denver’ alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, rear spoiler, twin exhausts, front fog lights and a seven-speed DSG gearbox (no manual option is available). Polo GTI deliveries have finally started in the UK, with the first owners receiving their cars, while some Volkswagen retailers have demonstration models in stock. Australian Polo GTI fans can find out more here.

Volkswagen Group South Africa has launched both the Polo and Golf to local markets this week. Both models are equipped with new common rail TDI engines, recovery of braking energy by regenerative systems, a Stop-Start feature and refined aerodynamic body tweaks. The success story of BlueMotion started in 2006 when Volkswagen first launched the Polo BlueMotion. The 9N3 Polo BlueMotion was the first five-seater in the world to consume less than 4.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The Polo BlueMotion (6R) for the South African market costs from R175,400 and is available to order now.

Just as in Europe, the latest eco-Polo has a combined fuel consumption of just 3.4 litres diesel (equivalent to 89g/km CO2) per 100 kilometres. It is eventually aiming to become the ‘3-litre fuel economy car’ of the modern era and the most economical five-seater in the world. Its 45-litre fuel tank has a potential driving range of nearly 1,200 kilometres. At the heart of the Polo BlueMotion is a 1.2-litre TDI with three cylinders derived from the 1.6-litre four-cylinder TDI of the new Polo. The BlueMotion’s maximum torque of 180Nm is produced from 2000rpm, with peak power of 55kW produced at 4200rpm.

The new engine and other specific modifications have delivered fuel savings of 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres. This represents a 20% reduction in fuel consumption, from 4.2 to 3.4 litres, compared to conventional 1.6 Polo TDI with 77kW. CO2 emissions are similarly reduced from 109 to 89g/km. The new Polo BlueMotion can sprint to 100km/h from rest in 13.9 seconds, and the top speed of the 1075kg car is 173km/h. Other features developed with economy in mind include low-rolling resistance tyres, lightweight ‘Greenland’ alloy wheels and longer economy-minded gearing. Standard equipment includes unique ‘Power Up’ interior trim, cruise control and multifunction steering wheel.

[Source: Volkswagen South Africa]

The Polo has been awarded the title of Best Import Car of the Year 2010-2011 in Japan by a committee of 60 Japanese motoring journalists. The 1.2-litre TSI model in particular impressed the judging panel, with the jury describing it as having a ‘high-quality interior and exterior’, ‘good fuel economy and powertrain’ and ‘no compromise on safety equipment.’ Adding to the fifth-generation Polo’s World Car of the Year 2010 and European Car of the Year 2010 gongs, the Japanese award is just one of a number the car has picked up in recent weeks on the far side of the globe. Other 2010-2011 winners picked by the Japanese panel included the Honda CR-Z (2010-2011 Japan Car of the Year) and the Peugeot RCZ (Special ‘Future Balance of Innovative Design and Driving Pleasure’ Award).

[Source: Paul Tan’s Automotive News]

Parth Ghorpade from Kolhapur is the new leader of the 2010 Volkswagen Polo Cup India championship after Round 5 of the series at the Irungattukottai race track in Chennai. Earning 108 points over the weekend of 27-28 November, Ghorpade’s total now stands at 359 points. Former leader Sailesh Bolisetti is now in second place with 333 points, while Chennai driver Vishnu Prasad rounds out the top three with 277 points. Close races were the order of the day at Chennai, with Ghorpade winning the first, beating Sahil Shelar by 0.481 seconds. The second race was won by Prasad, who started in sixth place on a reverse grid.

Ghorpade has been the silent contender throughout the Volkswagen Polo Cup India’s inaugural season. The 17-year old has worked his way up the leaderboard through hard work and consistent wins, starting from sixth position after the first two rounds of the championships. Commenting on his first-place position, Ghorpade said: ‘At this point in the season, being the leader of the pack is very exciting. The last few races have been very successful for me and I hope I can keep the momentum going right till the end of the final round.’

The first season of the Volkswagen Polo Cup India has been an exciting series for both the drivers and their fans, and with only one round to go, spectators can be assured to see a fight to the finish. With a difference of only 26 points between first and second place and an even smaller difference of 7 points between third and fourth place, the results of the championship will come down to the final races of Round 6 on 18-19 December at Chennai.

Volkswagen India & JK Tyre also staged a special Ladies Race during the Round 5 of the Volkswagen Polo Cup India at Chennai, with rally driver Nawaz Sandhu thrilling spectators to win the 7-lap all-ladies race, recording a best lap time of 1:14.623, at a speed of 178.5 km/h. The 2010 Volkswagen Polo Cup India 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 Cup cars.

German tuning company H&R has released a lowered suspension kit for the new 6R, fifth-generation Polo GTI. With a lowering height of 20 millimetres at the front of the car and 30mm at the rear, H&R says that ‘the sporty characteristics of the small car are improved.’ Additional lowering heights from the adjustable H&R Monotube coilover kits can be set at 30mm at the front of the car with a 45-millimetre drop at the rear. Optional H&R stabilisers (for use with the kit) will be available soon.

TRAK+ wheel spacers made of high tensile aluminum alloy can also be specified, regardless of whether they are combined with OE or aftermarket wheels, immediately removing the often unsightly gap between the wheel arch and tyre shoulder. The complete H&R product range – available for over 1350 different vehicles – can be found at specialist dealers and along with the usual H&R quality, components come with a model approval certificate or a TÜV certificate of conformity for parts.