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.

Volkswagen has premiered its youngest offspring of the Polo family at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The agile three-door shares the new styling cues as seen on Tiguan and Golf for a more consistant family look.

The new Polo will be available with a choice of six engines, ranging from 44 to 77 kW, and in three model grades (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline) which include the new Polo BlueMotion which will also be available as a five-door.

The world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class, Polo BlueMotion develops 55 kW from its turbo-diesel engine while managing 3.3 litres per 100km and 87 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Although on display at Frankfurt the Polo BlueMotion will not go on sale until midway through 2010.

Volkswagen is also offering the Polo with an automatic seven- speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) for the first time.

The model’s entry-level version will now be the three-door Polo 1.2 Trendline with standard ESC.

Engine selections across the range include three diesel and three petrol units as follows:

• 1.2-litre four-cylinder (44kW) petrol
• 1.2-litre four-cylinder (51kW) petrol
• 1.4-litre four-cylinder (62kW) petrol
• 1.6-litre four-cylinder (55kW) turbo-diesel
• 1.6-litre four-cylinder (66kW) turbo-diesel
• 1.2-litre four cylinder (77kW) turbo-petrol

Key dimensions of the Volkswagen Polo:

• Overall Length: 3 970 mm
• Overall Width: 1 682 mm
• Overall Height: 1 485 mm
• Cargo Capacity: 280/952 litres

No dates for the South African  market introduction have been confirmed yet.

Adapted from CarAdvice

The new three-door Polo, has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Polo 3-door is a smaller version of the five-door Polo model with some new styling on the side windows and a sportier C-pillar that gives it a coupe-like appearance.

The Volkswagen Polo 3-door will be available with six engine choices and three equipment levels including Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Power output will range from 44 kW to 77 kW. An automatic 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is available for the first time in the Polo lineup.

Built in Pamplona, Spain, the three-door Polo will start production in right-hand drive form in late October ahead of first deliveries in early 2010.

Every Polo in the range includes four airbags as standard as well as ABS with EBA and ESC. A single CD tuner, power steering and power windows are also standard across the range.

Polo three-door will initially be available with a choice of six engines as follows:

• 1.2-litre four-cylinder (44kW) petrol
• 1.2-litre four-cylinder (51kW) petrol
• 1.4-litre four-cylinder (62kW) petrol
• 1.6-litre four-cylinder (55kW) turbo-diesel
• 1.6-litre four-cylinder (66kW) turbo-diesel
• 1.2-litre four cylinder (77kW) turbo-petrol

All engines comply with strict new Euro V emissions legislation.