PoloDriver

On Wednesday of this week, Volkswagen’s plan for world domination came a step closer. The company signed a ‘common understanding’ to establish a close and long-term strategic partnership. It came out of the blue for sure, with initial rumblings only appearing in last month’s motoring press. The German giant states that each party will respect the other’s independence, but that both companies are focused on ‘achieving synergies in the areas of rapidly-growing markets as well as in the development and manufacturing of innovative and environmentally friendly compact cars.’

The plan is simple. For now, Volkswagen will purchase 19.9% of Suzuki’s issued shares, expected to be completed in January 2010. Suzuki will then invest up to one half of the amount received from VW into the German car maker. The two will then form a long-term strategic partnership which should enable them to offer a ‘compelling solution’ for customers both buying their first car and those who want to downsize and reduce their carbon footprint. It could be a canny move on Volkswagen’s behalf.

What does it mean? Well, essentially, Suzuki predominantly has a good foothold in the growing south east Asian market and India, where it is a past master at selling small cars. Although the Polo is now a recognised face in China and Japan (and will soon be launched on the Indian market), a baby car-shaped boost wouldn’t do any harm to Volkswagen’s reputation. And, depending on how far down the development road the new Small Car Family of sub-Polo cars is, Suzuki could provide valuable expertise.

Of course, what’s more important to us, is whether the new Suzuki Swift and next-generation Polo will share platforms and be jointly-developed. It won’t happen immediately for both companies – Volkswagen has only just let the new Polo take its first steps in the world, and the Japanese company has a new Swift coming soon, which is currently in the final stages of development. One of the best phrases in the issued press release is ‘exciting cars’, which could of course mean many things from improved driving dynamics to cutting-edge tech.

What it means for the sixth-generation Polo is unclear. A jointly-developed supermini could do wonders for the small German’s personality, giving it a more cheerful and sparky character, while upping the Swift’s quality and image at the same time. One of the questions that could be asked is whether the VW Group can support another small car, what with the forthcoming Audi A1, the Škoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza, and Polo all spun off one platform. It’ll be one deal to keep a close eye on. Volkswagen Polift or Suzuki Swilo anyone?

Would-be modders of the new Polo will be delighted. The car has only just gone on sale, and already KW Automotive GmbH is offering several different coilover suspension kits for the model. ‘Variant 1’ with solid damping control and lowering heights of between 35 to 65mm offers ‘an optimal balance between sportiness, comfort and safety,’ say the tuning firm. This most basic version is also zinc-plated, making it not only perfect for winter use but also durable.

Stepping up, ‘Variant 2’ features adjustable rebound damping – ideal for drivers who seek adjustments on the basic lowering set-up, enabling a tailored, personal feel. ‘Variant 3’ is harder still, derived from motorsport, and, once again, can be tailored to the personal preference of the driver, offering both high-performance and comfort. The separate and independently adjustable rebound and compression damping allows individual suspension adjustments.

The unique patented system with its each two-stage valves allows a rebound damping (for comfort) and a compression damping adjustment (for driving dynamics) in low speed ranges, while the more responsible and saftety-crucial high speed ranges are fixed. Like the other two kits for the new Polo, ‘Variant 3’ features in-line stainless steel technology and is TÜV-approved.

Available from €799, the KW coilover suspension kits for the new Polo come with a certificate for trouble-free registration with the Technical Control Board (TÜV) (should you be an owner in Germany), as well as detailed instructions for assembly and adjustment. No prices or details have yet been confirmed for the UK market, but for more information about the extensive suspension kit programme offered by KW Automotive GmbH and application lists for other Polo models, click here.

The new Polo is now on sale in the UK and the rest of Europe, and with new economical and high-performance versions at opposite ends of the Polo spectrum coming in the next few months, as well as a launch in India and a new saloon variant, it’s shaping up to be a busy 2010 for Volkswagen’s newest arrival. With the Car of the Year 2010 victory ending 2009 on a high, read what impressed the European jury enough to hand the industry award to the Polo in our four-page review of the new range, which can be found here and previewed below. Driven back in September at the UK press launch, read our initial findings of the 1.2 59 and 69bhp SE, 1.4 84bhp SE, 1.2 59bhp Moda, 1.4 84bhp SEL and 1.6 74bhp TDI.

In addition to the rumoured new Polo variants still to come, does the news that Volkswagen has acquired the now defunct Karmann production site signal a revivial of the Polo Cabriolet idea? The German car maker is reportedly opening a new car factory in 2011 on the Osnabrück site where the once-legendary coachbuilder built original Beetle and Mk 1 and Mk 3 Golf open-tops and has not only bought land, but the machinery and equipment, too.

VW has said that a new car will be built there and many industry insiders point to this being the production version of the BlueSport concept car, seen earlier this year. Reports also hint at a new generation of the evergeen Golf Cabriolet. A drop-top Polo has also been mooted before, and with the high level of interest in the new generation, an open-air model would undoubtedly be a halo car for the range, in addition to adding some good old-fashioned glamour.

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On sale now, the Christmas 2009 issue of What Diesel magazine tests the new Polo SE TDI against the Ford Fiesta Titanium TDCi. The pair have a long sparring history and both are reviewed here in 1.6 TDI guise. While the Ford features more radical styling, the Polo favours a conservative look, also giving away 14bhp to the small car from the blue oval. In the latest duel, the Polo scores highly, but does it come out on top? Buy the issue to find out. Should you need another incentive, also inside is a first look at the latest range of Volkswagen BlueMotion models, of which the new 1.2 TDI Polo BlueMotion is one.