Its 1.4-liter four-cylinder TSI takes just 7.9 seconds to hit 100kmph through a 7-speed Dual-Clutch box. Note that this Polo variant also benefits from brake energy regeneration and engine stop-start system. It returns over 20kmpl mileage with immense help from its ACT.

In the Volkswagen Polo BlueGT Brochure

Since IAB has given enough details about its ACT technology in the past, we will go through what’s in the brochure, thanks to PoloDriver.com who have laid their hands on an early version. We can notice lots of elements from GTI and BlueMotion variants blended into the Polo BlueGT

• Seats with Blue Speed type mesh cloth
• “Grey Crystal” stitched leather wrapping for its Multifunctional steering wheel, Handbrake and gear lever gaiter
• 17-inch Montani silver alloy wheels (Anthracite finish at extra cost)
• GT badges
• Dual tailpipes
• GTI style black headliner
• Cruise Control
• Pillar trims
• Ride height is lowered to 15mm and a special underbody trim for aerodynamics
• Bumpers, spoiler, fog and daytime running lights are from GTI
• Side-skirts and front rain channels are from BlueMotion

There was no info on price in the brochure though.

Oh yes! We know what’s in your mind right now (Rs 7.50 right?)

With petrol prices skyrocketing, Volkswagen’s decision to add the ACT to a small engine means that it may bring this technology to more fuel-frugal minded countries. Since the ACT is a complex technology, only after numerous customer reactions we can know about its full potential.

Another car with a similar technology running in India is the new Honda Accord V6 with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management). Manufacturers are pushing hard to bring technologies found on bigger cars into their smaller offerings. Even the relatively inexpensive features like keyless entry, push button start and automatic climate control were not present on smaller cars a few years ago. We’re being introduced to technologies such as turbocharged petrol engines in hatchbacks and mini cars in recent times. Volkswagen’s upcoming MQB platform is expected to be a breakthrough in this respect.

The petrol market looks like a royal mess today but with time, this could change. VCM is one way of providing a performance package without blowing a hole in the consumer’s wallet. We’re sure Volkswagen India is keeping all its options open for the next generation Polo.

[Source - PoloDriver.com]

Volkswagen has been testing the TSI Jetta or a TSI-badged Jetta around its Chakan factory for many months now. VW India’s strategy was diesel-only for both Jetta and Passat as demand for petrol skewed to the bottom of sales charts across segments.

Volkswagen finds it laborious to sell petrol models even on its small range. It’s not only Volkswagen but the entire industry that is seeing petrol variants transform into road rollers sitting in the stockyards, unwilling to move.

Volkswagen made up its mind to stick with diesel though it had to know driving enthusiasts, though very few in number, would prefer the turbo petrol.

To not disappoint the enthusiast and at the same time to keep his wallet from going off at the petrol pump, Volkswagen tested the smaller 1.4TSI and made necessary changes to run in the conditions India throws at it. The Car And Bike Show’s Siddharth Vinayak Patankar has left a note on his official show page wall that Volkswagen India is launching the petrol Jetta. Volkswagen India may not have confirmed it, but SVP’s spot on with his messages. He does not specify when, but it has to be imminent.

Volkswagen may not blow the market away with the Jetta TSI but the introduction of the petrol engine makes the Jetta as a brand cheaper to buy and a lot more fun to own. Our two cents is a superb partner to the cheaper petrol is a Jetta 1.6 TDI.

Good idea?

[Source - Facebook.com/cnbshow]

At Worthersee, Volkswagen unveiled the Polo R Concept, which is essentially a street legal WRC Polo.

VW is supposed to enter the world rally championship with a Polo in 2013. To mark this occasion, VW presented the Polo R Concept to the audience at the Worthersee Tour.

However, Volkswagen has now announced that the Polo R Concept will head to production and the launch will coincide with Volkswagen’s WRC entry.

The Volkswagen Polo R concept is a three door Polo which derives its pedigree from the WRC Polo. It has a full body kit including a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser. It has a sports suspension, bigger alloys, race inspired decals and R-WRC badges to differentiate it from the Polo R line.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre TSI engine which is supercharged and turbocharged at the same time shooting the power output to 217bhp. It has a 6 speed, flappy paddle, double clutch gearbox that sends all the power to the front wheels.

Volkswagen says the concept is “a preview of an extremely sporty small series, which is due to be launched in late 2013.”

[Source: autoexpress.co.uk]

Speaking to Live Mint newspaper, Dr John Chacko, VW Group’s chief representative in India, said a decision on the launch of the Up! is likely to be taken later this year.

The feasibility of Up! is in the study stage and the model is not expected to come out immediately even if it is positive. Volkswagen may not sell the three-door model in India as rear seat travel is common even on cars classified as B1, which the Up! falls under.

Similar to the Polo project which was modified to meet the Indian market’s cost expectations, the Up! is expected to go through a program which should make it a more affordable product. Volkswagen may not offer ABS or Airbags on lower and middle variants. The practices used on the Polo is expected to be extended on the Up!.

The Up! is Volkswagen’s i10 or Beat and should range in price between 3.5-5 lakh rupees. It may employ a tiny two-cylinder engine to provide it motivation or could draw power from the Polo’s three-cylinder diesel. The Polo’s 1.2L petrol engine is an available option but at this time it is tough to predict if VW India will introduce a new set of engines or use the currently running motors on the Polo.

Volkswagen is pumping in 2,000 crore rupees for Indian operations mainly to ramp up capacities at the Pune and Aurangabad plants and towards product development. Volkswagen is rumored to be working on an SUV project as well.

[Source - LiveMint.com]

Why is it called CrossPolo? Is it very angry?

No, the CrossPolo is a just a jacked up version of the Polo with rugged looking body kit and bigger wheels to make it look outdoorsy. The reason it is called a CrossPolo is because it is a Cross between a hatchback and an SUV. The CrossPolo is to Polo what the Scout is to Fabia. It does not meet the requirements to off-road, it is Volkswagen’s representative at a fancy dress competition conducted on the hills.

What do I get in the VW CrossPolo Urban White Special Edition?

• White paint with a matte black finish on the protective moldings
• Gloss black finish for the mirror housings and roof rails
• New 17-inch alloy wheels
• Tinted side and rear windows
• New seats trimmed in grey upholstery and alcantara with black leather bolsters
• Silver decorative trim for the dashboard and matching color stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, gearshift lever and floor mats

What powers the CrossPolo?

The CrossPolo comes in four-petrol and three turbocharged diesel units with outputs ranging from 68hp to 103hp with prices starting from €18,975 (around 13 lakhs).

Can I buy it in India?

Not this special edition one because it is only limited to Germany. Considering Skoda has already taken the plunge by launching the niche Skoda Fabia Scout, you should definitely keep your eyes open for the CrossPolo.

It certainly depends on the success that Skoda achieves with the Scout. If the market favors the Scout and Skoda gains good volumes, VW may introduce the CrossPolo in India.

[Source: carscoop.blogspot.com]

VW missed the numero uno position in 2011 because GM added GM-SAIC sales figures to its own balance sheet piping the German czar to the top spot. But VW Group is not worried because not only does it want to become the number 1 manufacturer in the world but also sell 10 million units annually by 2018.

However, TheAutomobileMag reveals that the strategy is not only on the right track but might just speed up the achievement of the target by a full two years. Yes, VW might achieve its ‘Strategy 2018’ as early as 2016. Here are some high points of the article:

• Unlike some other manufacturers who are focusing on the products, VW Group has put a strong emphasis on emotional values like driving pleasure, strong perceived quality, exciting design, and engineering excellence.

• The strategy hinges on four pillars

1. Further integration of the mainstream and premium brands
2. The creation of three highly flexible cost-saving architectures
3. A much more efficient global production network
4. To use its massive profits to fuel a clever and aggressive model policy.

• VW Group plans to introduce some 32 different models till 2018

• Nearly all of Volkswagen’s future models will be developed from one of only three new modular architectures:

1. MQB, for all FWD/AWD cars with transversely mounted engines
2. MLB, for all FWD/AWD models with longitudinally installed drivetrains
3. MSB, for all RWD/AWD models with front-, mid- and rear-mounted engines

• MQB will support all the bread and butter model such as Volkswagen Golf, Second-generation Tiguan SUV, next gen VW Jetta, New-generation VW Passat, Next-gen VW Polo, Audi A3, Third-generation Audi TT.

• MLB will support most Audi models such as next gen Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi Q2, Volkswagen Phaeton, Third-gen VW Touareg

• MSB Architecture will be further divided into three parts:

MSB-M – mid-engined, rear- and all-wheel drive

It will support Porsche 960, VW Bluesport/Audi R5/Porsche Speedster, Next-gen 982 Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Lamborghini Aventador replacement, New Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo.

MSB-F – front-engined, rear- and all-wheel drive

It will support third-generation of the Bentley Continental, Second-generation Porsche Panamera, Baby Porsche Panamera – Pajun

MSB-H – rear-engined, rear- and all-wheel drive

It will support Porsche 911 and its 20-something variations

Head over to Automobilemag to read all the juicy details!

However, owing to the increased demand of compact SUVs, VW is drawing up not one but two SUVs to target the compact SUV segment effectively.

Mahindra XUV500 in its sights

The first compact SUV will be based on the VW Polo and will rival the likes of For EcoSport, Renault Duster and Opel Mokka. This project will be replacement for the Rockton. This SUV will be very different from the Cross Polo which VW sells in international markets. The Cross Polo is just a normal Polo with a little bit of more GC and some off road cladding on the body. Major automotive sources are projecting a price tag of USD 26,000 for the Polo based SUV (around 13 lakhs)

Ford EcoSport – Be ready!

The second will be a compact SUV based on the Up! platform that will sit under the Polo based SUV. This will be a sub compact SUV that will rival the likes of Fiat Sedici. The Up! has a very modular architecture which enables VW to build multiple spin offs of the same platform. The Up-based SUV will be sold for under USD 20,000 (around 10 lakhs)

The Compact SUV segment is expected to drive the future growth in major auto markets across the world. This segment is expected to grow in double digits by 2015. Most automotive manufacturers already have at least one sub compact SUV in their arsenal. It is only a matter of time before the markets are flooded with these SUVs.

[Source: handelsblatt.com]

But Volkswagen India has said that India would contribute as high as 1 million units in the global sales figure by 2018.

That’s right, VW group (including Skoda, Porsche and Audi) plans to sell at least 1 million cars by 2018. That is 10% of that magical number expected to make the Volkswagen Group the No.1 car company in the world.  It goes without saying that Volkswagen’s and Skoda’s affordable models are going to be the most significant contributors to the overall volume. Cars such as the Polo, Fabia, Vento, Rapid, Citigo, Up! will clock most of the numbers.

However, the German czar doesn’t intend to indulge in any price war to rake-in the numbers. The company wants to do it qualitatively by firming up after-sale processes like dealer interaction, servicing and offering an additional fuel option in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) to scale up sales from current stagnant levels of around 7,000 units per month.

When we spoke to Thomas Kuehl about CNG/LPG variants for the Rapid, he clearly mentioned that Skoda India is working with Volkswagen India on CNG variants of most of its cars on sale. As most products of Volkswagen and Skoda are based on the same platform and share the same engine, together they can enjoy much better economies of scale when it comes to procuring CNG/LPG kits.

However, VW growth over the past months has been very stagnant. The German carmaker’s sales grew just two per cent to 20,644 cars on a relatively low sales base as compared to the industry average of 21 percent. Moreover, the company does not have any significant product launch in sight to enhance the product portfolio. When Maruti and Hyundai have more than three contenders in each segment, VW India has only one in each of them. This year Volkswagen has to rely on the Touareg and Beetle, showcased at the Auto Expo, to get some added dealer footfalls.

The key for VW India would be to expand dealership presence and product portfolio in India. The company is already spending millions of marketing dollars in promoting the brand and it has been a very successful campaign as well considering VW India started 5 years back and is already a household name. The future growth will come from additional products in the portfolio which will give customers more options to choose from. To raise its game, Volkswagen needs a product under the Polo with its DNA.

[Source: mydigitalfc.com]

The Polo R-Line is based on the Polo Match variant available in both 3- and 5-door configurations. The only engine (that goes with the sporty theme) available is the 1.2-liter TSI petrol engine delivering 105PS, driven via a 6-speed manual gearbox. It has a top speed of 190kph and can reach 100kph from a standstill in under 10 seconds.

The exterior of the Polo R-Line has some interesting features that include a new front bumper, black gloss radiator grille with the R Line badge, side sills that stretch deeper into the body, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear diffuser and chrome tipped tail pipe.

Interiors of the the Polo R-Line model is distinguished from the usual variants using brushed aluminium scuff plates sporting R Line logos, sport seats clothed in a bespoke upholstery, steering wheel trimmed in leather donning the R Line logo, aluminium sport pedals, and black cloth roof lining.

Besides these goodies, you also get audio system with six speakers and automatic climate control.

The on road price of the Polo R-Line is £15,815 (13.5 lakhs) for the five-door version.

After we showed you a few images of the VW Lavida from Beijing, we had a few thousand click throughs and curious image viewing by our readers. To this effect, we’re playing out another story on the Lavida today with some more images including interior shots.

The Shanghai-Volkswagen JV is showing two Lavida models, one with a full black interior and another with brown and beige interior at Auto China. The facelifted Lavida sits on the VW Group PQ34 platform (old Octavia platform) and according to auto.163.com, is powered by 1.4TSI and 1.6L NA engines.

The Chinese media refers to it as the junior Passat and you can with no strain see why. The interiors are inspired by the Passat, some of the switchgear is lifted from the Passat parts bin. The headlight and grille assembly, and the tail lights have been designed with inspiration coming from the Passat.

The Lavida is a Class A car which means it measures about 4.5m long. Seeing the images we can report that it has a generous rear seat and wheel arches do not intrude completely into the boot space.

Volkswagen India has a lot of time in its hands to bring a car like the Lavida into India. They may not use the PQ34 to build what we think is a compact sedan, but can look at the forthcoming MQB Platform to do all kinds of top hats.

[Source - Auto.163.com]