Autoblog

Volkswagen turns its latest Fox inside-out

Dan Roth — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, South America

An automobile's interior is just as important as its exterior when the time comes to close the sale. Keenly aware of this, Volkswagen has redone the Brazilian-market Fox and put a special emphasis on evolving the interior from low-rent to high-end. And a clever ad by agency AlmapBBDO puts it front and center.

Masterful advertising instantly grabs your attention, and seeing a Volkswagen Fox turned inside-out like a sock in the laundry basket is cause for a double-take. As the Fox shares plenty with the Euro-market Polo, there's been talk of the Fox heading to the U.S. market, but since the Polo has been all but canned for Stateside consumption, don't count on it.

Regardless of any migration north, Volkswagen has lavished some attention on the Fox by updating the exterior to keep the looks in line with the rest of the family. The interior, a source of previous criticism, has been changed, and is a point of pride for Volkswagen, hence its prominence in the advertising. The sharpened Fox is now wearing a more premium look as it continues to battle with the Chevrolet Agile and Ford Fiesta in the Latin American market.

[Source: I Believe in Advertising, auto-car-shop.com]

Volkswagen turns its latest Fox inside-out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end - treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper - plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options - three gasoline and three diesels - in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.

Intrigued? There's plenty more information where that came from in the press release after the jump, and a fresh batch of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Polo sedan unveiled in Russia

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Russia

2011 Volkswagen Polo Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen finally unveiled its new sub-compact Polo sedan in Moscow today, billing it as the first ever VW developed specifically for the Russian market. While Russia may be the first market for the trunked Polo, it isn't likely to have an exclusive on it for long. The Polo sedan is expected to make its way to North America within the next 12 months as part of VW's drive to expand its sales here to 800,000 units a year by 2018.

Like Americans, Russians consumers have generally had a preference for notchbacks over hatchbacks despite the sacrifices in utility. In an effort to keep the Polo sedan affordable in Russia, Volkswagen is equipping it with a 103-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline inline four-cylinder engine with a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

When the Polo arrives in the U.S., it will likely offer either this combination or the 1.2-liter turbocharged, direct injected TSI four- cylinder that we drove in Germany last fall.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo Sedan

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Polo sedan unveiled in Russia

Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Polo sedan unveiled in Russia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen Polo GTI, 177 hp, 40 mpg and plaid seats!

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has fleshed out its latest generation Polo lineup with the introduction of a new GTI variant. This latest GTI has the same output as the last hot Pol,o but now produces it on one-quarter less petrol. Each and every one of its 177 horsepower now comes from VW's twin-charged 1.4-liter TSI inline-four with direct injection, a turbocharger and a mechanical supercharger. The combined fuel efficiency goes from 29.8 miles per gallon to 39.9 mpg on the EU test cycle.

The Polo GTI gets a similar rounded five spoke wheel design to its big brother, the Golf GTI, along with the obligatory red brake calipers and trim on the grille. Note, too, that this is the first Polo to get LED eyeliner running lamps and corner markers along with bi-xenon headlamps. In proper GTI fashion, the seats are covered in a plaid fabric just like the originals of three decades ago. In fact, with the growth of the Golf over six generations, this Polo is actually almost the same size as the original Golf.

Interestingly, the Polo GTI only comes with the quick shifting seven-speed DSG gearbox and sprints to 62 miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds, and handling will be aided by VW's electronic differential lock, which is said to reduce oversteer.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Polo GTI, 177 hp, 40 mpg and plaid seats!

Officially Official: Volkswagen Polo GTI, 177 hp, 40 mpg and plaid seats! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen R GmbH reportedly working on Polo R

Noah Joseph — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:28:00 EST

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's barely been a couple of months since Volkswagen confirmed the formation of its own high-performance division, dubbed R GmbH. But with the Golf R and Scirocco R already released, what is the highly anticipated new performance studio up to next?

According to reports, a new Polo R is on the way. Picking up where the (above) Polo GTI - due for release this summer, complete with 178-horsepower, 1.4-liter Twincharger four - leaves off, the Polo R is tipped to benefit from a 1.6-liter turbo four. Because the Polo's platform reportedly can't accommodate the VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the Polo R will likely drive around 210 horsepower through the front wheels only, slotting in nicely below 270-hp, all-wheel drive Golf R. Sources expect the Polo R's arrival in 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

[Source: Autocar]

Volkswagen R GmbH reportedly working on Polo R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen announces new 1.2L three-cylinder diesel

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 01 May 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has officially unveiled a new three-cylinder turbodiesel engine at the annual Vienna Motor Symposium. The new 1.2-liter engine features the same common-rail fuel injection systems and basic architecture as VW's 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter inline fours.

The new 3-cylinder produces 74 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque at just 2,000 rpm. When VW unveiled the new Polo at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show ,a concept version of the next-generation BlueMotion model was shown with this engine. The three cylinder Polo is expected to be rated at 71.3 miles per gallon (U.S.) and 87 grams / kilometer of CO2 emissions on the EU combined test cycle. The new 1.2-liter Polo BlueMotion should debut later this year.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen announces new 1.2L three-cylinder diesel

Volkswagen announces new 1.2L three-cylinder diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 May 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen Polo sedan to be dubbed Vento in India, coming in July

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Volkswagen

If a report from Autocar India is to be believed, the upcoming four-door version of the Volkswagen Polo may be badged as the Vento in India. Vento is not a new name for VW - the Mk III Jetta sedan used that badge in the European market throughout the mid-90s.

Volkswagen has reportedly increased the wheelbase of the three-box Polo by two inches to provide rear seat passengers a bit more space. The lengthened roof should also aid head room out back, although eliminating the hatch will surely cut down on cargo volume and accessibility.

The Indian Vento is powered by either a 1.6-liter inline-four or a 1.6-liter common rail turbodiesel. If and when this car makes it to America it will probably use the 105 horsepower turbocharged and direct injected 1.2 TSI four-pot available in Europe.

Although Volkswagen still hasn't officially committed to selling the Polo in the U.S., VW of America officials have said that they would probably wait until a four door sedan is available with a probable launch in 2011. The Vento is expected to launch in India this summer.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

[Source: Autocar India]

Report: Volkswagen Polo sedan to be dubbed Vento in India, coming in July originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Volkswagen Polo wins 2010 World Car of the Year award

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Citroën, Design/Style

2010 World Car of the Year winner Volkswagen Polo

Awards season is finally winding down with the 2010 World Car of the Year and World Performance Car of the Year being handed out this morning at the 2010 New York Auto Show. After whittling the fields down to three finalists in each category, the panel of 59 international journalists voted one last time to crown the World Car of the Year.

While the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and Mercedes-Benz E-Class were nominated, it was the Polo that took home the gold for 2010 World Car of the Year.

On the performance vehicle front, the nominees were the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California, with the Audi winning top honors.

They also handed out a Design award for a group of finalists including the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro. That honor went to the Camaro. (U-S-A! U-S-A!)

The Green category saw Volkswagen's line of diesel-powered BlueMotion vehicles beat out the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids. (Die-sel! Die-sel!)

Click below for a gallery of all the winners.

Gallery: 2010 World Car of the Year winners announced in NY

New York 2010: Volkswagen Polo wins 2010 World Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced

Chris Shunk — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Diesel

The votes from 59 international journalists have been counted and the finalists for World Car of the Year have been named. The Detroit News is reporting that the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made the final cut, and the three vehicles will go toe-to-toe on April 1st (no foolin') at the start of the New York Auto Show, which is where the World COTY award is announced.

On the performance vehicle front, the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California are jockeying for the big prize. We feel sorry for the judges who have to choose from among these three junkers, but we're sure they'll somehow make it fun for themselves.

Design finalists are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro, and from the green category we have the previously mentioned Prius, the Honda Insight and Volkswagen's BlueMotion diesel offerings. Check back on these pages to see the winners of the individual categories when they are announced in New York on April Fool's Day.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Volkswagen CrossPolo to join GTI in Geneva

John Neff — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen CrossPolo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen will be using the stage at this year's Geneva Motor Show to flesh out its new Polo range, which includes the base Polo, a high-efficiency Bluemotion model, the GTI version unveiled earlier this week and the CrossPolo revealed today. The latest generation CrossPolo takes the hatchback's sharp new styling and beefs it up with black plastic molding around the wheel arches, across the sills and bottom of each door, as well as on the front and rear bumpers. The front bumper gets a honeycomb treatment for the lower air intake and light silver trim at the bottom that suggests underbody protection (there isn't any, though). Also included are the CrossPolo's trademark silver anodized roof rails and handsome 17-inch two-tone wheels.

With the rear seat down, the little CrossPolo will swallow about 37 cubic feet of cargo, and Volkswagen offers no less than six (!) engines to haul all that stuff. There are three gas-powered engines that include a 1.2- and 1.4-liter four-cylinder, as well as a 1.2-liter TSI engine that features direct injection and turbocharging. There are also three diesel engines available and your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or 7-speed DSG automatic. That is, if you live in Europe.

The Polo remains off limits to U.S buyers for now, but VW has confirmed it will eventually be sold in the U.S. We drove a new Polo with the most powerful 1.2-liter TSI engine recently and came away eager for the day it goes on sale in the States. With the unveiling of the GTI and CrossPolo, we're now anxious.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading New Volkswagen CrossPolo to join GTI in Geneva

New Volkswagen CrossPolo to join GTI in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Quick Spins

2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

At last year's Geneva Motor Show, we got our first in-person look at the all-new fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo, the brand's popular B-segment model that slots in below the ever-expanding Golf and Jetta range. While subcompact vehicles like the Polo have been a staple in Europe for decades where fuel prices hover around $8/gallon, in the last few years, Americans have finally started to take a serious look at cars of this size. With the Honda Fit and Mini Cooper well established, the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 twins on the way and an all-new Chevrolet Aveo coming late in 2010, the market for subcompact runabouts is picking up steam in the States - and VW is taking a long, hard look at adding the Polo to its North American lineup in the next few years.

With that in mind, VW trotted out a fleet of Polos for us to sample on its home turf near Wolfsburg, Germany recently - and while the automaker has yet to make a firm decision about importing the Polo to the U.S., they clearly wanted our feedback. Here's what we told VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby and his staff.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come

Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mk1 Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing does the quarter in 9.38

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Volkswagen

MkI Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing - Click above to watch the video

Remember that drag racing, 700-horsepower Saab 99 with the Audi Quattro chassis swap? Well here's the MkI Volkswagen Polo version of that car, by AME Racing. The Wild Wild East German tuning house thoroughly reworked the motor, getting 1,032 horsepower and 701 pound-feet out of the 1.9-liter lump. Yes, a giant turbo is involved. Redline is a sky-high 9,500 rpm. Going from standstill to 60 miles per hour takes 2.3 seconds. That's less time than it took you to read that sentence.

We'll let the car do the rest of it's talking. Follow the jump to see the vid and watch a Polo do things that can only be described as "ridiculous."

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: Mk1 Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing does the quarter in 9.38

Video: Mk1 Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing does the quarter in 9.38 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Sedan, Volkswagen, Rumormill

It seems that we'll be getting a new Jetta sedan next June, and it apparently won't be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to Car and Driver, VW's so-called New Compact Sedan, which will be built at the same Mexican plant that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.

Following its June debut here in the States, Volkswagen will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there's a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.

Lastly, we're told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there's a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: VW channels Back to the Future, Grease for new Polo ad

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo Commercial - click above image to watch the video

A few months ago, we found ourselves aimlessly and fortuitously wandering around the nether regions of a Los Angeles based press fleet's deep storage unit. Total "no cameras" zone. We stumbled in deeper and deeper, past the A8s used for Transporter 3, past the bright pink Mattel Barbie VW Routan and matching pink Barbie New Beetle Convertible with a motorized make-up valise that emerges from the trunk. Suddenly, lo and behold, there's a red 2009 Volkswagen Polo in all its Euro-only glory. Can we drive it? No. Please? No. Come on, man - just a quick drive? No, also - no.

So why is a Volkswagen Polo socked away in the very back of a warehouse? For a commercial, man. And it's actually a pretty nifty commercial, reminiscent of the town square scenes in Back to the Future. They even use the same Universal Studios back lot to film the new Polo spot. However, instead Marty McFly leading Biff and the baddies into the back of a manure truck, the commercial transitions to a Grease-like drag race between the Polo and some sort of chopped '50s zeitgeist flame job convertible - we'll go with custom Buick Roadmaster (or... 1953 Packard). Anyhow, we're not going to spoil the ending, beyond letting you know that the Polo wins. Make the jump to watch the video. UPDATE: ha ha ha.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

[Source:Volkswagen via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: VW channels Back to the Future, Grease for new Polo ad

VIDEO: VW channels Back to the Future, Grease for new Polo ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW planning Polo-based mini MPV

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Volkswagen

Next up to announce a miniature MPV is Volkswagen, said to be eying its Polo for conversion to a (little) people hauler. In Europe such a car would go against competition like the Opel Meriva and Fiat Qubo. A VW board member suggested that such a car would be about adding to the company's small car variety, and it wants to have the right mix of offerings when the recovery comes.

On a side note, VW is also planning a "less effeminate, more assertive and masculine" Beetle that they want more men to buy. Because who knew button-cute car with a flower vase holder wouldn't appeal to men?

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: VW planning Polo-based mini MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to debut four new models in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Truck, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Germany only gets its own top-tier international auto show every other year, with the Frankfurt Motor Show alternating with the Paris salon. So when the circus rolls into town, you can bet Germany's giant auto industry will embrace the opportunity to reveal their latest. Audi's tipped to unveil its A5 Sportback and revised A8, Mercedes is expected to unveil its new E-Class Cabrio, BMW the new X1 and 5-Series GT/Progressive Activity Sedan... even Opel is anticipated to unveil its new Astra in Frankfurt. But according to the latest reports, Volkswagen is preparing to upstage them all with four new models.

First up is the Robust pick-up truck recently spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. A more versatile version of VW's midsize hatchback called the Golf Variant is tipped to join the show stage, too. But the real excitement is in the pair of hot hatches set to make their debuts in Frankfurt. The Golf R is anticipated to pack a 265-hp 2.0-liter TFSI with all the trimmings, while a mini-Scirocco based on the Polo could also be in the cards, packing a 180-hp 1.4-liter four. Of course, it's entirely possible that one or more of these could drop off the card for the upcoming show in September, but either way, Volkswagen looks set to make a big splash in Frankfurt this year, and of course we'll be on hand to catch it all for you.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl]

Volkswagen to debut four new models in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo Challenge iPhone game - Click above for a gallery

What automaker isn't trying to cash in on the iCraze? Most are scrambling to include iPod and iPhone integration into their newest vehicles, and many have tried to mimic the look and feel of the Apple devices with their latest concepts. The "people's car" has as good a claim as any other automaker, and Volkswagen is looking to cement that with a new game for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Developed by German mobile game studio Fishlabs, the Volkswagen Polo Challenge, like other racing games, works with the devices' built-in accelerometer to control the car. Players can choose between eight different circuits to drive on while being serenaded by the music of Feinkost. When they're done playing, mobile gamers can find the nearest VW dealership to check out the car in person.

Just a month after its release, already 1.4 million people have downloaded the free game from iTunes. (Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary has also released a similar game highlighting the Seat Ibiza Cupra.) If you can read German, you can check out more info in the press release after the jump, along with the images in the gallery below.

Continue reading People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game

People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #118

Dan Roth — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:43:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Ford, Lamborghini, Nissan, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Join us for Episode #118 of the Autoblog Podcast, where Johnathon Ramsey makes his first ever 'cast appearance. Chris, Dan and JR cover the Opel Ampera and Volkswagen Polo, both vehicles we've sent our Geneva Dreadnoughts after. Attention then turns to the Ford iosis MAX concept before moving to the ridonkulous side of the street where the Ferrari 599XX and Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce are parked. Before it all wraps up, we go over P1, a video endeavor unlike anything before it. It's just a few ticks over an hour this week, and very soon we'll be putting together an all-questions show from your submissions to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Next week, we'll recap Geneva, so drop us a line with any show-related questions or comments.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #118

Autoblog Podcast #118 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:17:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Volkwagen Polo BlueMotion Concept

Volkswagen used the first press conference of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show to reveal its all new B-segment 2010 Polo in a variety of flavors. The Polo is expected to hit US shores in the next two years, but European dealers will begin taking orders this week. In a pleasant change of pace, VW managed to chop the body weight of the Polo by 7.5% compared to the old model and European buyers get a choice of seven different engines including three new common rail TDIs. The engines span the range from 59 to 103 hp and include an updated BlueMotion model that gets 61.9 mpg (US).

US drivers will likely start off with the new 1.2L TSI gas engine. Direct injection and turbocharging bring this little beastie to 103 hp while getting 42.8 mpg (US) combined. That's a 19% jump over the equivalently powered previous-gen. model. The gearboxes for the Polo include a new seven-speed DSG which could make this handsome little hatch a very serious competitor to the Honda Fit in the fun to drive arena. The new Polos will be available in June of this year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

Continue reading Geneva 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

Geneva 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Polo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Volkswagen unleashes the goods on new Polo

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Volkwagen Polo

Volkswagen is trotting out its new fifth-generation Polo at the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow, but we've got a slew of details and images of the new model to share today. Looking very much like a shrunken Pygmy Golf, it may take a trained eye to tell the difference between VW's newest hatchback and the current one at first glance. Volkswagen's keen to point out that the new Polo is a full 7.5% lighter than the outgoing model despite growing in every meaningful dimension, and it's still expected to score a perfect 5-star safety rating in Euro NCAP crash testing.

In Germany, the Polo will come with your choice of four gasoline and three diesel engines, many equipped with turbochargers and direct injection. VeeDub's latest 7-speed DSG transmission will also be available on select models. The most frugal trim will carry the BlueMotion badge and attain 62 mpg (U.S.) in European combined testing with just 96 grams CO₂ per kilometer, which makes it the most fuel efficient diesel-burning 5-seater in the world.

Sales are slated to begin in Germany by the end of June with the rest of Europe coming just two weeks later. In case you missed it earlier, the Polo is finally coming to America, possibly as early as 2010, so VW definitely has our interest piqued. Check out our image gallery below and read the official press release after the break.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Volkswagen unleashes the goods on new Polo

Geneva Preview: Volkswagen unleashes the goods on new Polo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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