Autoblog

Volkswagen previews 220-hp Polo WRC Street special ahead of Wörthersee debut

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

The annual GTI festival at Lake Wörthersee in Austria has exploded over the years into a celebration of all things hot-hatch in the Volkswagen Group - including concept cars and new debuts from Audi, Seat and Skoda - but the event has always been about VWs at heart. And the brand central to the empire isn't about to sit it out.

At the heart of VW's motorcade for this year's pocket-rocket fest is the Polo WRC Street, a preview of a special edition modeled on the actual rally car which Volkswagen Motorsport will be fielding in the top-level rally series next year. The street version features a 220-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder - significantly more than the existing 180-hp Polo GTI and a whole lot of muscle for such a little car - with an aggressive aero package and of course the requisite decals. In other words, it is, for all intents and purposes, a Polo R with some stripes.

VW will also be showcasing the competition-spec Polo R-WRC. And Wörthersee being centered around the Golf GTI, is also bringing the GTI Cabriolet that debuted in concept form at the same location last year and in production form at the Geneva Motor Show just a couple of months ago, plus a pair of black and white GTI concepts. Keep reading for the full press release and scope out the trio of images previewing the Polo WRC Street for a closer look at what Wolfsburg is driving eastwards.

Continue reading Volkswagen previews 220-hp Polo WRC Street special ahead of Wörthersee debut

Volkswagen previews 220-hp Polo WRC Street special ahead of Wörthersee debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen WRC program to lead to street-legal Polo R?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Volkswagen Polo R WRC - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been an on-again, off-again affair with rumors of a possible R version of the Volkswagen Polo. But according to the latest from the Old World, things are looking up for the prospective pocket rocket.

The change in fortunes come down, according to Autocar, to the launch of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC, the car with which the German automaker is preparing to mount its assault on the World Rally Championship. As you can see, the rally machine carries R branding, prompting the British publication to press VW board member Ulrich Hackenberg on the renewed possibility of a production Polo R hot hatch.

Hackenberg admitted such a vehicle is more likely with the launch of the WRC Polo, but that it wouldn't arrive before 2013. As for specs, that's all up to speculation. Autocar figures on a version of the Polo GTI's 1.4-liter twin-charger four with over 200 horsepower, with or without the all-wheel-drive system being developed by Audi for the A1 built on the same platform. One way or another, we'll be watching this development as it unfolds (or doesn't).

Volkswagen WRC program to lead to street-legal Polo R? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen to announce WRC entry in May

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST

Rumors surrounding a prospective motorsports expansion in the Volkswagen Group have been swirling around for years now. One of the largest automakers in the world, VW's factory-supported racing activities are largely limited to Audi and its considerable Le Mans program and Volkswagen's own Dakar efforts, with a handful of lower-level initiatives and non-works entries in other series. We're still expecting a big shake-up, but the first step, according to reports, will see the Volkswagen brand launch a challenge for the World Rally Championship.

The initiative was set to launch last month at the WRC Portugal Rally, but Germans being Germans, the launch was reportedly delayed because the papers had yet to be signed by the right people. With all the Johan Hanckonenshteins now apparently in place, the program is set to be announced next month at Italy's Sardegna rally.

Volkswagen's WRC entry is expected to revolve around the Polo (pictured above in South Africa in S2000 rally spec), which will challenge select rounds in 2012 before going flat-out for the full season in 2013 - similar to the path which Mini and Prodrive have taken with their new entry. Norwegian driver Petter Solberg - who won the championship for Subaru in 2003 - is rumored as a potential driver, as is Nasser Al-Attiyah, the Qatari driver (and competitive marksman) who won at Dakar in a Volkswagen Touareg this year as well as the WRC production class which he won in 2006 in a Subaru Impreza.

[Source: Autosport]

Report: Volkswagen to announce WRC entry in May originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW considering adding all-wheel drive to Audi A1, Polo?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Audi A1 TFSI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi surprised us all when it took the wraps off its top-of-the-line A1 TFSI hatchback packing everything but the kitchen sink...and the S1 nameplate. The reason, according to reports, was that every S model in the company's history has featured Quattro all-wheel drive, but the PQ25 platform on which the A1 is based can't accommodate it. At least, not yet.

The UK's Autocar now suggests, however, that a business case is being made inside the Volkswagen Group to engineer the platform to accept the extra driveshaft. Doing so would allow for proper Quattro-driven S1, but that's not all. In order to justify the cost, the Volkswagen Polo could get a couple of models driven on all fours, including a Polo R hot hatch to slot in above the Polo GTI and a CrossPolo soft-roader with actual traction to back up its butch styling.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Audi A1 TFSI

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

VW considering adding all-wheel drive to Audi A1, Polo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:28:00 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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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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Geneva 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI is the MKI for the 21st century

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST

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

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

When we drove the Volkswagen Polo in Deutschland last year, a few execs mentioned that the automaker was actively considering importing the subcompact hatch into the States. If they ever get up the gusto, the Polo GTI needs to make the trek as well.

Drawing a clearer line to the GTI's of yore than it's biggie-sized brother, the Polo GTI embodies everything we loved about the Mk1: a small footprint, supreme usability and a miserly mill packing a potent punch. In this newest iteration, said punch is provided by a 178-horsepower turbo- and supercharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder putting out an incredibly healthy 184 pound-feet of torque. Those figures aren't too far away from what our beloved GTI produces, and the Polo comes in a few hundred pounds lighter and doesn't skimp on the good bits (top notch interior and the XDS differential).

The GTI is set to go on sale in Europe this summer with a sticker of around £18,000. We figure if we ask nicely (and VW begins building the Polo in North America), we might get a crack at it in the U.S. Then again, we've been asking nicely for the Scirocco for over two years...

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Volkswagen Polo GTI

Continue reading Geneva 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI is the MKI for the 21st century

Geneva 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI is the MKI for the 21st century originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:28:00 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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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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