ABT Sportsline is arguably the world’s largest tuner of Volkswagen branded vehicles, so it is no surprise that ABT have wasted no time in releasing a tuned version of the latest VW Polo. According to ABT, their tuning skills applied to the new Volkswagen Polo hatchback creates “a small sports car that makes man’s heart beat faster, of course ladies will also love it.”

The exterior of the ABT Polo is enhanced with a number of accesories, including a carbon fibre rear spoiler, rear apron insert and a new twin-exhaust system that exits in the centre of the diffuser. Large 18-inch ABT Sportsline wheels emphasize the already sporty vision of the Polo. A set of decals have been added to the ABT Polo, which distinguish it from its standard siblings.

In the performace department, the ABT tuners are offering an ‘extra kick’ to all turbo engines. Power of the 55 kW 1,6-litre turbo-diesel is upped to 66 kW, and after ABT treatment the 66 kW turbo-diesel engine produces 81 kW. The range-topping 77 kW diesel engine is increased to a sporty 96 kW. The extremely economical 1.2 TSI is also tuned to produce 96 kW, an increase of 19 kW over the standard cars 77 kW. The fuel consumption and corresponding CO2 emissions remain unchanged, although for most ABT customers fuel consumption is probably the last thing on their minds – we haven’t heard any objections to ABT’s 17 l/100km, R8 5.2 FSI yet!

Adding to the dynamics of the ABT Polo, is an optional set of lowering springs, which lower the centre of gravity and improving the handling characteristics.