Polo Driver

Still they slowly drip online. Two more new Polo tests have appeared on the internet this week. Motoring weekly Autocar has been driving the 59bhp 1.2 Moda, while respected monthly Car has been evaluating the 1.4 SE.

The findings of both tests have been posted on the websites of both titles and they’re both largely favourable. Autocar says of the Moda: ‘This model is most likely to be used as an urban runabout and at that it excels. But its accomplished levels of performance, refinement, and character, as well as its ability to raise the odd smile, will also please those venturing outside the city.’

Meanwhile Car reports that the bigger-engined SE ‘is a great little car, tops for refinement and finish, the class act if acting classy is what you’re after.’ Click here to read the full Car test and view the results of the Autocar drive here.

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Fresh from the UK press launch in the week, UK motoring weekly Autocar has published an online first drive of one of our favourite new Polo models, the 1.4 DSG. Tested in top SEL form, the magazine was impressed by the technology of the seven-speed, double-clutch gearbox and the mature, quality feel of the latest version of Volkswagen’s premium supermini. Read the full first drive here.

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Hot on the heels of revelations concerning the possible introduction of new Polo MPV, estate and convertible versions at last week’s Frankfurt motor show, well-respected UK motoring weekly Autocar reported yesterday that Volkswagen could launch a GTD version of the newcomer, similar to the 168bhp model in the Golf range.

The magazine claims that a company source has said the German giant ‘wouldn’t rule it out’. The same source stated that although it’s still early days for the new Polo, a performance diesel version could sit happily alongside the 200bhp GTI when that car is launched in spring 2010.

Autocar has also tested the new mid-range Polo 1.2 SE and given it four stars out of five in this week’s issue on sale today. Pick up a copy at all good newsagents, or if you prefer to get your reading kicks digitally, view the highlights of the in-depth road test online here.

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Extended family: new Polo range could expand to include MPV, cabrio and estate. Three-door GTI to confirmed for 2010 with a firecracking 200bhp

The 63rd IAA Frankfurt (the 2009 Frankfurt motor show to you and us) opened its doors today, and fresh from the halls, UK motoring weekly Autocar reports that once-dead variants of the new Polo could be resurrected. In an exclusive interview with Dr Ulrich Hackenburg, VW’s product chief, a new MPV, cabrio and estate could all be still to come.

It’s been reported elsewhere that a new four-door saloon of the new car would be built in China, India and Russia for local consumption, but it may also now be offered to European markets (including the UK), too. One or other of the MPV and estate will come as well, both based on the notchback.

One model that definitely is coming, and one that we reported on just last week, is the new high-performance Polo GTI. Autocar also reports that tests on a 200bhp version have been taking place at the Nürburgring, ahead of a late 2010 launch. Standard kit could include a DSG gearbox with paddle-shifts and an electronic limited-slip differential, similar to the Golf GTI’s XDS system.

In a final twist, a 280bhp ‘Cup’ model could also be offered for limited sale. A 180bhp GTI Cup Edition version of the outgoing car was offered in European markets to tie in with the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup racing series, which has been visiting continental racing circuits since 2004.

Racing line: Polo GTI Cup Edition of 2006 had a 180bhp 1.8T engine, unique bodykit and interior, and was sold on mainland Europe in limited numbers

In a piece of equally encouraging news, Hackenburg declares that Volkswagen is determined to make the Polo ‘one of the most important Volkswagen models of all, rivalling the Golf in worldwide sales.’ About time, too. It’s only taken 34 years…

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The new Polo has only just turned a wheel in anger and already there are rumours circulating about upcoming models. The German Car Blog reports today that leading German car news weekly Auto Motor und Sport has inside information on at least two still-to-come Polo variants.

The much-spectulated MPV version has been canned according to various sources, but updated flavours of both the CrossPolo (Polo Dune in the UK market) and GTI are very much still in the frame.

Little brother: new Polo GTI due in 2010 once again borrows its sharp styling from big brother Golf GTI, and will pack a 169bhp punch. Will a hardcore ‘R’ version follow?

As well as showing both the three-door and BlueMotion versions of the new Polo at the Frankfurt motor show next week, we think Volkswagen will unwrap the 169bhp TSI-engined GTI version at one of 2010′s major car expos; either Geneva in March or Paris in September.

A jacked-up two-wheel drive CrossPolo with SUV-like styling will also arrive, more than likely completing the new Polo model palette.

Faux-by-Four: upcoming two-wheel drive CrossPolo has inherited styling flourishes from its predecessor (Polo Dune in the UK) and will have both petrol and diesel engines

Head over here to read the (German) Auto Motor und Sport article, which also details other 2010 upcoming Volkswagen models.

(Pictures: Auto Motor und Sport)

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