The new Volkswagen Polo is now on sale in the UK and the rest of Europe, and with revised and updated economical and high-performance versions at opposite ends of the Polo spectrum coming in the next few months, as well as a launch in India and a new saloon variant, it’s going to be a busy 2010 for VW’s newest arrival.

With the Car of the Year 2010 victory ending 2009 on a high, read what impressed the European jury enough to hand the industry award to the Polo in a review of the new range. Driven back in September at the UK press launch, read the initial findings of the 1.2 59 and 69bhp SE, 1.4 84bhp SE, 1.2 59bhp Moda, 1.4 84bhp SEL and 1.6 74bhp TDI.

The mini-magazine can be found on PoloDriver‘s Issuu virtual bookshelf here and is previewed below.

Volkswagen Polo in European Car of the Year 2010 winner shock. Yes, the fifth-generation of Volkswagen’s supermini (above, front right) has gone and done it. I can’t quite believe it. After 34 years it’s finally been awarded one of the oldest prizes in motoring. Snatching victory from the clutches of the Toyota iQ, the new Polo was announced the winner today at a ceremony in Madrid. Beating 33 contenders for the title, it drove over the six other shortlisted finalists with its total of 347 points. Pop over to PoloDriver for the full story.

You know that new online project I said I was working on about a month ago? Well, here’s what it was. Actually, it’s one of two, but it’s the one I’ve been spending most of my free time on recently. As you’ve probably guessed from some of the posts on this site, I’m a fan of Volkswagen Polos, and, as strange a choice that may be, they wormed their way in around 18 years ago, and have stayed with me ever since.

I used to co-run the UK’s first enthusiast group for the model, the VW Polo Register, and now, after 13 years and modest success (other clubs are now in operation for the small Volkswagen), I’ve launched PoloDriver.com – the new online resource for the Volkswagen Polo. I’d originally planned a Volkswagen site for all models, but realised that it might be too big an undertaking, so I decided to stick with what I know best.

Partly-timed with the arrival of the new fifth-generation model, the editorially-focused site features all the latest Volkswagen Polo news from around the world, road tests, spotlights on specific model variations, flashbacks to past generations, standard and modified cars and views from contributors.

They’ll also be digital infrequent ‘mini-magazines’, which take advantage of the latest innovations in digital publishing. PoloDriver.com has just published issue one – a first drives supplement of the new model, which is available to view online or download for offline reading in the popular PDF format. With viewing stats readily available, it’s instant, and much easier than the paper newsletter I used to compile and edit.

I hope it’s the start of something exciting. Not only does it promote the Polo (with some support from the Volkswagen UK Press Office, although the site is wholly independent), but it can also be used as a showcase for writing and design, which is what I can be found doing as a day job.

But, as the car is one of my hobbies, too, that’s what the site’s primary remit will be – to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for all enthusiasts of the model. In time they’ll be a forum and other sections and pages, including coverage of the Polo in motorsport. And, with almost as many years under its tyres as I have under my feet, there should be plenty of tales to tell.

While there still may be some Polo-related stories found here, the majority will be over at PoloDriver.com – the new online resource for the Volkswagen Polo. Send press releases and editorial contributions to rich@polodriver.com. Subscribe to the PoloDriver.com news feeds at http://www.polodriver.com/feed/ and catch up with all the latest on the Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/polodrivercom.

The reviews are in, the group tests have been conducted, and the new Polo has finally been released for sale in Germany. With advance orders of over 24,000 units before the general public has driven the car, it looks to continue the success of its four predecessors. Volkswagen UK has also confirmed an ‘on sale’ date of 16 October, and released pricing details for the new car.

Available to order now in five-door form only for the time being, the stronger, and safer fifth generation Polo is also more efficient, more refined, and more comfortable than ever. Initially seen at the Geneva Motor Show way back in March, the new model is also the priciest Polo ever, with entry-level 1.2 S models pegged at £10,035. The top of the range 1.6 TDI SEL comes in at £14,910.

It lives up to its upmarket image and heritage then, but, more kit comes as standard, and it’s the most grown-up Polo yet. ESP is standard on all models, and as the car is both lighter and more technologically advanced than the model it replaces, it should offer good value for money and class-leading residual values, long a Polo virtue.

At launch, the new car is available in four flavours with five engines. Three petrol and three diesel can be slotted into S, SE, Moda, and SEL trims, with an ‘A/C’ model exclusively for buyers who are keen on climate control. All models come with four airbags and ABS, with the Moda designed to appeal to a younger audience than the Polo has previously attracted.

Once again bringing many ‘big car’ comforts to small car drivers, the new Polo can be specced with a wide range of optional kit including touchscreen satellite navigation, a DAB digital radio, tyre pressure sensors, and electronic climate control.

The much talked about (and arguably most exciting new Polo) 1.2 TSI turbocharged SEL with 105 PS comes late to the party, though; expect it to swagger in at the turn of the year. 2010 will also see the arrival of the latest GTI and BlueMotion models. The only question that needs asking is, when will the three-door break cover? Ah, that’ll be December.

Continuing the success of the outgoing car (which now dates from 2002 remember), Volkswagen anticipates UK Polo sales of around 7,000 units in 2009, increasing to around 37,000 in 2010.  Full details of the new Polo can be found here; prices below.

S
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£10,035.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£10,645.00

S A/C
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£10,635.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,245.00

Moda
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,995.00

Moda A/C
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,985.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£12,595.00

SE
1.2 60 PS/5 spd manual/£11,385.00
1.2 70 PS/5 spd manual/£11,995.00
1.4 85 PS/5 spd manual/£12,450.00
1.4 85 PS/7 spd DSG/£13,650.00

SE TDI
1.6 75 PS/5 spd manual/£13,205.00

SEL
1.4 85 PS/5 spd manual/£13,575.00
1.4 85 PS/7 spd DSG/£14,775.00

SEL TDI
1.6 90 PS/5 spd manual/£14,910.00

It’s referred to as the ‘classic car’ in some circles, due to the heightened number of breakdowns it’s had recently, putting its parts on at the most inconvenient time. But, classic car it might be, on Monday night, my 1994 Polo GT was the star of the show. Or our drive at least.

Yes, the exhaust has fallen off recently (Eurovision night to be precise, and more than likely down to perished rubber hangers), resulting in a very noisy journey home from Mark’s, and the cambelt has been changed too in the last few weeks, really as a precautionary measure. In all other respects, though, my faithful motoring companion shows little sign of its 157,000 miles and 15-year life.

It still feels as solid as a modern day Volkswagen (and hewn from granite when compared with its French or Italian contemporaries), and while the paint is starting to show rust freckles in certain areas, I was told on Monday night that ‘Evo Car’ (so-called because of the evo magazine sticker on the back window) was one of the best examples of the breed that Justin had seen.

He came to collect the spare front bumper I sold to him on eBay for £1, and had a G40 which was in the garage being repaired after being shunted by a Volvo. We stood chatting on the drive for around 45 minutes. I’d have offered him and his ferrying friend a cup of tea if I’d known we’d be that long. I don’t get engaged in that long a conversation when we attend Volkswagen events.

It was fun, though, and as we discussed the merits of the Mk1 and Mk 2 Polos, the sun making the light and sky more orange, I realised that maybe the silver shed isn’t quite so bad after all. It’s gone past the stage of economical repair yes, but that doesn’t mean it has to be run into the ground. It’s lucky if it does 6,000 miles a year now, and is quite literally a shopping car these days, but 19-year old Justin was impressed.

Which sometimes, is all that matters. Polo GTs are getting fewer in number, and only last weekend did I read a letter by a similarly pleased GT owner to one of the classic car magazines stating that she thought they are ripe to become a future classic. While that would be nice (and I’d like to agree), the handling and ‘fun factor’ probably isn’t up to the best in class, and the car didn’t get overly rave reviews at the time its tyres first rolled onto tarmac.

But, it’s what it means to us owners that matters most. And as most cars get bigger, heavier, and less individually styled, older cars are appealing to me more. Alongside the Polo, I’d like a metal-bumpered Mk 1 Golf GTI, a BMW 2002, and an Alfa Romeo 1300 Junior/1750 GTV among others. Are classics fantastic? Oh yes.

Another week, another new Polo TV commercial. Volkswagen is clearly pushing the car relentlessly, this spot appearing in the car’s home market launch week in its home market 29 June. Partnering the ‘Neon’ spot that aired around the same time, the young and trendy still feature, with the Polo being the young and trendy transport of choice.

Volkswagen has also launched a technically amazing new configurator for the car. If you’re in Germany, choose your paint and wheels here.

These hip young things have seen the light. There are no surprises for the demographic Volkswagen is aiming the new Polo at. Here’s the first proper commercial for the new Polo, which launches this week in Germany, and has attracted over 24,000 advance orders.

A little harsh I think. I think they’ve been sniffing too much petrol at Sniff Petrol. Yes, sensible the new Polo may be, but it is different to the bigger Golf, and has got a style of its own. Don’t they realise that the more daringly-styled new Ford Fiesta will date much quicker?

It was under my nose all along, and I paid it little attention. Nik’s had his blue 1997 Fiesta Flight for as long as he can remember, and not being a Ford fan, I was quick to dismiss it. But, that dear reader was a mistake. I’d often heard that the Blue Oval’s small car was the best to drive in its class, and although I’d never doubted it, I’d never really had the chance to find out for myself.

Mum had Fiestas when we were young, first a peppermint green one, and then a metallic blue L, which lasted for years and years, and sometimes carried seven of us (I bet Ford would have liked to claim that as the first MPV with a small footprint). They, of course, were Mk 1s. Introduced in 1976 as a riposte to the Renault 5, Peugeot 104 and my beloved Polo among others, it has endured as one of Britain’s best-selling cars, and still tops the charts.

It gave supermini buyers a reason to buy British. Updates followed in 1983 and 1989, but it was in 1996, when the Mk 4 Fiesta hit the streets that it got its well-deserved reputation as the best steer in the small car class. The ‘guppy-mouth’ Fiesta was the most aerodynamic yet, and faced stiff competition from VW’s recently revised Polo. Magazine road tests of the time reported that although the small VW was the better buy – more refined and mature – Uncle Henry’s supermini was the more fun to drive.

And so it has proved. Even today, two generations from Nik’s car, the Fiesta is lauded as the best-handling supermini, and with the new Polo about to motor onto the world’s roads; the British v German small car story is to enter another chapter. Again, going on first reports, it’s one that the Polo may not win, conceding its handling card to the Ford. It does have other aces up its sleeve, though, like better build and overall perceived quality.

But, rewind to 1996. The Fiesta sitting on the drive outside is certainly more reliable and less temperamental than my 1994 Polo Coupe GT, throwing fewer strops, and being at a stroke, much more comfortable. (It’s there; see, in the picture above, in front of the Fiesta, parked in the ‘non-working’ or ‘classic car’ space, where it seems to be a lot these days.) There’s three years and a generation separating them granted, but the way the Fiesta steers is almost a revelation; to this driver anyway. And I’m not a Ford fan at all.

Whereas the Polo is crashy and almost agricultural in its suspension (though mine has been fitted with lowered springs and harder-riding dampers), the Fiesta, just like the contemporary Ka, scurries around corners with perfectly weighted steering, and darts through gaps, giving you the perfect amount of information to let you know what the tyres are doing.

So, shocker of the week, Fiesta drives better Polo. If you read the motoring magazines regularly, it’s old news. Overall, I prefer my Polo for its better build, more angular (and therefore more dated) styling. I aspired to my current car when I was 17 and driving a 1970s Mk 1 Polo, but now having my eyes opened a little, I can now appreciate why the baby Ford has sold over 12 million.

Fresh from its international press launch in Sardinia (the location for the Mk 2 Polo launch, fact fans), more details on the 2009 Volkswagen Polo have been released. Volkswagen has listed details on the three trim levels in Germany, more information on engines, and plans for the roll-out.

Mainland Europe is to get the car first, at the end of June, with other markets to follow. Cars for the UK are scheduled to land around September or October. Initial drive reports from the Italian outpost claim that the car is big-car impressive, but ultimately not as fun to steer as dynamic arch rival, the Fiesta. The same old story then; has Volkswagen missed a trick?

In other Polo-related news, Volkswagen has received over 13,000 advance orders for the new fifth-generation model (remember that the public hasn’t actually seen the car in the metal yet), and the rumour mill still reports that a deal for the US market has all but been done, although we’ll reserve judgment on that one until we hear a green a light has been given. It could well be true, though; the first UK road tests point to the top trim level in this country being ‘SEL’, which was used on the top-of-the-tree US Corrado a few years ago. The latest full and unedited press release from Volkswagen follows.

The New Polo – International Driving Presentation
Sardinia, Spring 2009

The New Polo – up to 20 percent better fuel economy points the way to the future

• Polo brings new dimension of quality to the supermini class
• Five new engines; TSI and Common Rail TDI in the Polo for the first time
• 3.6 liter fuel consumption and 96 g/km CO2 set new benchmark for five-seaters
• ESP plus Hill Hold Control are standard; significantly improved crash properties

Wolfsburg / Sardinia, May 2009

At the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March, the Polo debuted with a completely new look and technology. After its celebrated world premiere,
this latest Volkswagen is now entering the market. Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn: ‘The new Polo fulfills the highest standards of the auto motive present and goes a step further. Its extremely efficient drive technologies, best possible active and passive safety systems, a level of quality never before attained in this car class and impressive design all set new benchmarks in the fifth generation of this bestseller that has sold over 10.6 million units.’ The Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group continues: ‘The Polo is clearly the right car at the right time, and that is born out by the latest advance sales figures. Here we have created a Volkswagen that takes the unparalleled success of the Golf concept and effectively transfers it to an independent segment – the Polo class.’

‘It is already clear that the Polo will redefine the benchmarks in its class, especially when it comes to preserving natural resources,�? says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand, and responsible for technical development. Dr. Hackenberg continues: “As a 90-PS TDI with a BlueMotionTechnology package, the new Polo moves with 3.6 liter fuel consumption. Even our new 105-PS TSI only consumes 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers. We have succeeded in improving fuel economy between 8 and 20 percent over the entire gasoline engine lineup, and between 5 and 15 percent among the diesels.’

Another key fact: No other car in its class has such a mature and high-end image as the new Polo. Comfort, quality and safety have all taken a considerable leap forward. One example: among other things, the Polo was specifically designed to attain the recently established, stricter and more comprehensive, 5-star EuroNCAP rating. The greater structural rigidity of the Polo’s bodyshell contributes to these results. In the footwell area alone, intrusion – related to the car body’s resistance to deformation in a frontal crash – was lowered by 50 percent! In the case of a side impact, the intrusion value was reduced by 20 percent.

Standard equipment for safety
In addition, the European version of the Polo now being presented is equipped with standard ESP electronic stabilization program with Hill Hold Control, and it has a highly effective network of airbags on board, including combined head-thorax airbags (integrated in the front seatbacks), belt tensioners and belt force limiters plus seatbelt warning indicator and head restraints that counteract the risk of whiplash injury (both front seats), three rear head restraints and Isofix preparation for child seats.

Volkswagen has rearranged the line structure of its equipment lines since the previous model: ‘Trendline’ still represents the entry level variant, and ‘Comfortline’ still refers to the mid equipment level. New to the lineup – and bringing the Polo in line with the Golf here – is the top version called ‘Highline’. Convenience features that are already standard features of the Polo Trendline include: electro-hydraulic power steering, power windows in front, central locking, cargo area lighting and tie-down points, warning buzzer if lights are left on, height adjustment for driver’s seat, illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors and green tinted windows. Meanwhile, ‘Titanium black’ trim and ‘Metric’ fabric give the interior a perceptibly high-end ambiance.

Individually combinable high-tech features
Options that Polo drivers will be able to order on their new Volkswagen include static turning lights integrated in the front fog lights, daytime running lights (from Comfortline up), side curtain airbags (head airbag system for front and rear passengers), radio and radio-navigation systems and an integrated hands-free telephone system. A panorama sunroof and bi-xenon headlights will follow at a later time.

Weight down, fuel consumption down
Despite significant improvements in all aspects of the car, the Polo’s body weight has been reduced by 7.5 percent. Introduction of new TDI and TSI engines, and the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG), has resulted – as described by Dr Hackenberg – in considerable improvement in fuel economy and reduced emissions over a wide range of engine power outputs. An excellent example here is the new 1.2 TSI. This turbo-charged four- cylinder direct injection gasoline engine produces 77 kW / 105 PS, yet it consumes just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (129 g/km CO2); this is 20 percent less than on the equivalent model of the previous generation!

Five new engines for the Polo
In total, seven different engines will be offered on the new Polo in its first year – four gasoline and three diesel – spanning a power range from 44 kW/ 60 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS. Five of these engines are entirely new or are being used for the first time in the Polo. The new engines include all three TDIs (turbo-diesel direct-injection); thanks to common rail technology implemented for the first time in the Polo, these engines are both efficient and refined. The potential in the TDI engines is clearly evident in the example of the Polo 1.6 TDI with 66 kW /90 PS: when combined with a BlueMotion Technology package, its average fuel consumption of 3.6 liters per 100 kilometers and 96 g/km CO2 makes it the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting five-seater diesel in the world. The BlueMotion Technology package and 90-PS TDI may be ordered on the Comfortline and Highline equipment versions.

Market launch starts at end of June
Production of the five-door Polo already started at the end of March. This will be followed, starting in the last week in June, by the market launch of the visually and technically advanced new edition of the million unit bestseller in Germany. Just two weeks later, thanks to an ambitious logistics plan, Volkswagen will begin selling the car across mainland Europe, and soon Polo engines will be revving up across all continents.

The Polo on the iPod and iPhone
Volkswagen is very much targeting the generation of mobile gamers with the new Polo: in parallel to the world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, a Polo racing game for iPhone and iPod touch was launched on March 3, 2009 in Apple App Stores. After just two weeks of this innovative type of marketing, Volkswagen rocketed to number 1 on download charts in 39 countries and even climbed into the top ten on US download charts. So, along with traditional print advertising and media spots, in parallel Volkswagen is counting on interactivity via iPhone and iPod touch for the new Polo. And with success: more than 1.4 million downloads in the Apple App Store within four weeks are proof of the enthusiastic wave that the new Polo racing game Volkswagen Polo Challenge has triggered around the globe.

The Volkswagen Polo Challenge is an interactive racing game that takes place in brilliant 3D quality on eight highly detailed and accurately reproduced race circuits. In addition, the download contains key information on the new Polo. Those who would also like to try out the Polo in reality can look up the nearest Volkswagen dealer within the game and be navigated there.

Facts Summary

Equipment lines

• Polo Trendline
• Polo Comfortline
• Polo Highline

Engines offered at sales launch in June 2009

• 1.2 MPI with 44 kW / 60 PS
• 1.2 MPI with 51 kW / 70 PS
• 1.4 MPI with 63 kW / 85 PS
• 1.6 TDI with 55 kW / 75 PS
• 1.6 TDI with 66 kW / 90 PS
• 1.6 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS

Gasoline engine-transmission pairings and equipment lines they may be
combined with over the long-term

• 1.2 MPI with 44 kW / 60 PS, SG-5 * / Trendline
• 1.2 MPI with 51 kW / 70 PS, SG-5 / Trendline, Comfortline
• 1.4 MPI with 63 kW / 86 PS, SG-5, DSG-7 * / Comfortline, Highline
• 1.2 TSI with 77 kW / 105 PS, SG-6, DSG-7 / Comfortline, Highline

(* SG = manual transmission, DSG = dual clutch transmission)

Diesel engine-transmission pairings and equipment lines they may
be combined with over the long-term

• 1.6 TDI with 55 kW / 75 PS, SG-5 * / Trendline
• 1.6 TDI with 66 kW / 90 PS, SG-5, DSG-7 * / Comfortline, Highline
• 1.6 TDI with 66 kW / 90 PS at 96 g/km CO2, SG-5 / BlueMotionTechnology package for Comfortline, Highline
• 1.6 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS, SG-5 / Comfortline, Highline

( * SG = manual transmission, DSG = dual clutch transmission )

Key changes compared to the previous generation

• New TSI and Common Rail TDI engines
• All engines fulfill the Euro-5 emissions standard
• Up to 20 percent improvement in fuel economy
• BlueMotionTechnology version sets standards with 3.6 liter fuel economy
• Innovative 7-speed DSG appears in the Polo for first time
• First vehicle in the A0 class that should fulfill the new, more stringent EuroNCAP 5-Star standard
• Body weight reduced by 7.5 percent; gross weight reduced by 2.5 percent
• ABS is standard – worldwide
• ESP is standard – on all major European markets• Head-thorax airbags are standard – on all major European markets
• Static turning light, integrated in the front fog lights
• Audio and navigation systems from higher vehicle classes (Golf, Passat)
• Completely new level of quality in the A0 class
• Best insurance ratings in the A0 class

Insurance classifications (in Germany)

• Liability: Class 16
• Part comprehensive: Class 15
• Full comprehensive: Class 13

Dimensions

• Length: 3,970 mm (+ 54 compared to prior model)
• Width: 1,682 mm (+ 32 compared to prior model)
• Height: 1,453 mm (- 14 compared to prior model)
• Wheel base: 2,470 mm (+ 04 compared to prior model)
• Track width: fr. 1,463 mm (+ 29 compared to prior model) rr. 1,456 mm (+ 30 compared to prior model)