Autoblog

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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Frankfurt Preview: Polo Three-Door diesel will get 71 mpg (U.S.)

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:19:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen, Diesel

Polo Three Door - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors of an all-electric Volkswagen concept making an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month have died down since May, but VW is starting to reveal more details on the vehicles that will be on hand. Today, we learn about the Polo Three-Door, a sporty, smaller version of the company's bestselling Polo that will be available this fall with six different engine options. Three diesel and three petrol powerplants will be offered, with outputs ranging from 60 to 105 PS (that's 59 horsepower to 104 hp, Yankee).

Fuel-conscious would-be VW drivers can opt for a BlueMotion version of the Polo Three-Door. The most efficient Polo burns just 3.3 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. In numbers that most readers will be familiar with, this is the same as 71 mpg (U.S.) and we want to drive one today. This frugal choice puts out 55 kW / 75 PS, so it is not the most powerful engine out there, but when you barely ever need to stop for fuel, the speed of your daily get-up-and-go kind is that much quicker. The new base Polo version will start at €12,150 in Germany's higher-priced market, or about $17,300 USD. Be sure to check out the complete press release after the jump and click through the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Polo Three Door

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Polo Three-Door diesel will get 71 mpg (U.S.)

Frankfurt Preview: Polo Three-Door diesel will get 71 mpg (U.S.) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:19:00 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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REPORT: VW logs 13,000 orders for new Polo ahead of launch

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Polo: Click above for a high res-gallery

The new Volkswagen Polo is all-new for 2010, and early returns show plenty of interest in the little European hatchback. VW is reporting 13,000 pre-orders for the B-segment five-door; news that is sure to have executives at the German automaker doing their best Mazda3 impression. The Polo has been in production since March, but it won't officially hit showroom floors until June.

The brisk interest in the handsome little Polo is doubtlessly partly attributable to the German government's "cash-for-clunkers" bill which provides €2,500 to scrap old cars ($3,400 USD) in favor of a new model. The legislation has prompted German car buyers to pick up new cars at a brisk pace. In Europe, the compact Polo will receive powertrains that can produce between 59 and 103 hp, with a BlueMotion diesel that's capable of 61.9 mpg (US).

The U.S. is reportedly likely to receive two versions of the Polo within the next two years. If the models come through, both models will likely receive the automaker's new 1.2-liter TSI gas engine. Direct injection and turbocharging help the little four-banger reach 103 hp and 42.8 mpg (U.S.) combined.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

REPORT: VW logs 13,000 orders for new Polo ahead of launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:00:00 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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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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U.S.-bound 2011 Volkswagen Polo headed to Geneva

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST

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

Volkswagen's continuing push into the U.S. market could be called Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue. "New" would be the coming mid-sized sedan, "borrowed" would be the Routan, "blue" would be BlueSport, and "old" would be the VW Polo. The version of the Polo we'll be getting in 2011 is expected to be at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Since it is coming to the U.S. and VW will need to convert American buyer to the idea of a supermini, we are looking for it to be a beautiful leap forward over the current MkV.

Gallery: Volkswagen Polo

[Source: AutoWeek]

U.S.-bound 2011 Volkswagen Polo headed to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CONFIRMED: VW Polo coming to the U.S.

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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

According to Automotive News, Volkswagen has determined that Americans might like a Polo, so it's bringing the 80-hp subcompact Stateside in the not-too-distant future. Until now, the importation of the Polo was all conjecture, but now we have confirmation, straight from the horse's mouth. No specifics were given about the diminutive hatchback's U.S. debut, but Volkswagen Group of America CEO Stefan Jacoby confirmed they think the time is right. The automaker feels that Americans are more open to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles following the summer of high gas prices and the struggling economy.

The car, which would slot in between the Toyota Yaris and the larger Honda Fit in size, could be built at the company's plant in Puebla, Mexico. Although they've never sold anything smaller than the Rabbit/Golf in the States, VW thinks the Polo could help them reach their goal of tripling U.S. sales over the next ten years. The latest genereation of the Polo is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but it's unclear if we will be getting that model or its predecessor. We just hope the Polo GTI version is in the cards.

Gallery: Volkswagen Polo

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

CONFIRMED: VW Polo coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More of the Same: Volkswagen Polo GTI rumormill swirls

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Click above to view the current Volkswagen Polo GTI in our hi-res image gallery

The interwebs were all alight like Times Square last night with reports of a new Polo GTI on the way. According to Auto Express, the mini-GTI will upgrade on the upcoming replacement for the current Polo with all manner of GTI-trademarked upgrades, from sport seats to the black grille with red stripe, with power provided by the same 1.4-liter twin-charged TSI four as the upcoming SEAT Ibiza Cupra and driving 178hp through a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG to reach sixty in about seven seconds.

Sounds good, though we're not likely to get the Polo in the American market, in regular or sport versions, for the foreseeable future. What the reports apparently neglect to mention, however, in their enthusiasm for a revived Polo GTI, is that Volkswagen already makes one. The current Polo GTI revived the model in late 2005 with a 1.8-liter turbo four offering up 148hp. Because that didn't measure up against the competition, VW came out with the Cup Edition that boosted output up to 178hp, the same output which Auto Express pegs for the new version. If the new Polo GTI does indeed bow this year in Frankfurt, we'll be on hand to bring it to you live, but one thing's for sure: Wolfsburg will hardly be reinventing the wheel if and when it does.

[Source: Auto Express]

More of the Same: Volkswagen Polo GTI rumormill swirls originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Volkswagen Polo could get the Scirocco treatment

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

As reported previously, Volkswagen is about to undergo a design renaissance that puts a premium on simplicity, style and, apparently, more Scirocco design cues. According to AutoExpress, the first model to benefit from Walter Da'Silva's new dictum is the 5th generation Polo, which is expected to go on sale sometime next year sporting a new front end inspired by the recently released Scirocco.

The new model is based off the PQ25 small car platform that currently underpins the SEAT Ibiza. As such, the dimensions will remain, but the interior will be larger and will include upmarket materials, soft-touch surfaces, a Scirocco-inspired dash, MP3 inputs, Bluetooth connectivity and the possibility of a sat-nav docking station that allows portable units to be removed on the go.

A range of gasoline and diesel mills, including 1.4- and 1.6-liter FSI fours, a supercharged, 138 hp 1.4-liter and a 168 hp GTI version, will provide motivation and all models will have the option of being fitted with VW's new seven-speed DSG. Expect three- and five-door models to be released at launch and then joined by a coupe-cabrio version sometime in 2010.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Next Volkswagen Polo could get the Scirocco treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi metroproject quattro Concept.

Buyers of the next generation of Volkswagen-developed small cars will have one more option box to tick when placing their order: all-wheel-drive. The new platform, dubbed PQ25, will find its way underneath a handful of new models, spanning the range from the low-end (SEAT), mid-grade (VW) and luxury (Audi). All-wheel-drive won't be an option for the new SEAT Ibiza, but consumers of the next VW Polo (specifically the CrossPolo) might be able to outfit their tiny runabout with AWD, while the Audi A1, due out in late 2009, will continue the automaker's love affair with quattro.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Mid-engined, 325HP VW Polo w/ 1.8T

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Auctions, Volkswagen

In what could be described as the most expensive game of polo ever played, Dubsport's Ian Birch built this mid-engine monster out of a relatively tame Volkswagen Polo Mk. III. Known for their twin-engined Golfs, among other things, Ian and the Dubsport gang are notorious for building these kinds of wild project VeeDubs. What started out as a 1.0 Genesis car now sports an Audi badged 1.8T that has had a bit of a makeover of its own. The result is approximately 325 hp, before the nitrous is uncorked. The car was also converted to rear drive to better handle the power.

The build of the vehicle was chronicled in a 2004 Performance VW magazine article and looks to be a top-notch job. Although street-legal, the car is really a drag racer at heart. The seller promises a 0-60 of less than 4 seconds and a lot of unwanted thrills in the rain. It also sports a line-lock front brake to allow massive smoky burnouts at will. And best of all, it could be yours, for the fraction-of-what-it-cost-to-build price of just £10,000.00. Well, that's the starting bid at any rate. Nobody has yet to offer that amount.

But for the lucky buyer, this would be one heck of a thrill-ride. The relatively stock exterior barely gives away its true power. Only popping the hood to fill up reveals a nitrous tank and fuel cell where the engine should be. A keen eye might also spot the open fuel filler area on each side, which are used as air intakes. A special ventilated rear hatch allows heat to escape. With three days left on the eBay auction, the car may go unsold, but the seller admits he is in no hurry to part with it and will wait until the right buyer comes along. Until then, you may see him catching unsuspecting VX220 turbo owners by surprise in a sudden round of stoplight grand prix.

[Sources: eBay, Dubsport]

eBay Find of the Day: Mid-engined, 325HP VW Polo w/ 1.8T originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Polo gets a 6-speed auto

Alex Nunez — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:49:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

In what's being touted as a first-in-class application of the technology, Volkswagen now offers a 6-speed automatic transmission in its Polo small car. Mated to the company's 1.6L 4-cylinder, VW states that the 6-speed Tiptronic's gearing is configured to maximize refinement and that the driving experience feels closer to that of one of their mid-level vehicles.

In addition to the usual P-R-N-D, the Tiptronic's gear selector also gets an "S" added. When this Sport mode is chosen, shifts occur at higher revolutions and 6th gear is not used at all, as the car hits its top end in 5th. Naturally, the driver can also choose to shift manually if that's his or her wish.

The Polo's fuel economy rating with the new drivetrain setup is 7.4L/100km - a little over 31 mpg.

More details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: VW via German Car Blog]

Continue reading VW Polo gets a 6-speed auto

VW Polo gets a 6-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

VW continues its new model push with a performance version of its Polo. The company borrowed heavily from the Golf GTI to come up with its new Polo supermini, which hits selected markets this spring, after having debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2005.

A significant step up from the last Polo GTI, which delivered 125 hp, the new GTI model pumps out 150 hp, good for 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds.

The baby GTI is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter, 5-valve per cylinder, four cylinder engine. Other performance upgrades include 16-inch alloys sporting 205/45 rubber, and a lowered suspension with standard ESP. Oh, yes, and red brake calipers, too! More pics after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI

Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion to appear in Geneva

Erin Mays — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show will play host to Volkswagen's "most economical Polo ever," according to the automaker. The 1.4L diesel engine has its emissions cleaned up by a standard diesel particulate filter and is amazingly fuel-efficient: it uses less than 4 liters of fuel per 100 km.

It will go on sale this summer in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

(Danke for the tip, Christian)

[Source: GermanCarBlog.com]

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion to appear in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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