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Famed design house Italdesign has been part of the Volkswagen Group since the middle of last year, and the first fruits of the companies’ joint cooperation were unveiled last night on the eve of the 81st Geneva Motor Show. Leaked online last week, the two concepts are both less than four metres long, and feature twin-drive hybrid drivetrains. But, most intriguingly, does the Tex, the sportier of the the two models – the other, the Go! is a compact MPV, maybe another future Polo variant – point to a new spin on the ‘80s Polo coupé? The current Polo is 3970mm long, and lacks a true out-and-out sports focused model, so could the Tex fill the void and be a baby brother to the successful Scirocco?

Building on current and reported future Volkswagen design cues, we think the Tex already looks like a slightly edgier Polo, with echoes of the current model in its side profile. The front grille is an even slimmer version of that seen on current VWs, while the rear features a glass hatchback, with hidden rear lights (first shown on the Up! concept from 2007) and a mounted blade-type spoiler. A full-length panoramic glass roof lets light into the brown and read leather interior, while deeply-sculpted ‘quarterlight’ windows provide a new Volkswagen design flourish. Large spider-like multi-spoke wheels fill the pronounced wheelarches, while the red pinstripe evokes that of the original 1982 Polo coupé.

Powered by a Twin Drive plug-in engine built by Volkswagen, the Tex showcases modern hybrid technology. A 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is paired with a 114bhp electric motor, which, when used together, can produce 295lb ft of torque, enough for 0-62mph in around six seconds and a top speed of 137mph. All this power is driven through a seven-speed DSG gearbox, with paddles on the steering wheel, as seen on the latest Polo GTI. As well as being a sporty powerhouse, the Tex is also eco-minded, too, and can travel around 20 miles in all-electric mode only. If given the green light for production, both the Tex and Go! could be on the market by 2018. The full Italdesign/VW press release follows.

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One of the trailblazers for car manufacturer digital apps, Volkswagen UK has launched an iPhone configurator, showcasing its full range of models. Using it is simplicity itself. Just choose a model, and add your choice of engine and transmission, upholstery, colour and wheels. Optional equipment is also available to specify, and the app will also check that your chosen options are available with the configured model and even show an accurate price based on the boxes ticked. Different models can also be compared in terms of specification and performance, while your ideal chosen Volkswagen can even be sent to your friends for a pally approval or a scathing thumbs down. Whatever next, an iPhone virtual showroom? If you’re in the market for a new car and want a pocket-sized VW to try before you buy, download the Volkswagen UK Car Configurator app here.

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Back in December 2010 we reported on Volkswagen Group India’s 2-3 month waiting lists for the fifth-generation Polo and its notchback variant, the Vento. The cars have been a tremendous success for the company in the burgeoning small car market, and Volkswagen Group India have recently celebrated the 50,000th car to be made at its recently-opened Chakan plant in Pune. Currently the factory makes the Polo and Vento ranges for the local market, in addition to versions of sister car, the Škoda Fabia. The 50,000th vehicle was a Vento saloon, produced one year after the hi-tech Chakan facility opened.

The success of both the Polo and Vento is not to be underplayed. Figures state that Volkswagen Group India sold 5601 vehicles in January 2011 alone, the reported surge in figures due largely to the small cars’ success. Neeraj Garg, Director and Member of the Board, Volkswagen Group India, was quoted as saying that the company is looking forward to consolidating its growing position for both the models that are bringing in volumes as well as concentrating on the premium market. The company also offers the Passat and Jetta ranges, in addition to versions of the Phaeton, the Touareg and the New Beetle.

[Sources: Indian Drives/Top News Singapore]

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Not content with his new Polo GTI’s standard RCD 310 radio system or the factory-approved Volkswagen add-on Bluetooth Touch Phone Kit, owner Courtney Pettet has fitted an upgraded RCD 510 DAB-tuned unit along with a Nokia CK-100 Bluetooth car kit. The CK-100 has no screen, just a small button that can be located between the gear knob and the cup holders. Not a fan of the non-OEM look, in our first ‘How to’ article, Courtney describes how he did fitted the Bluetooth upgrade

Tools and parts needed:

• T-20 Torx wrench
• Special ‘trim tools’ (or an expired credit card)
• Ignition sense telemute loom as below
• Nokia CK-100 (or other ISO loom-based hands-free car kit)

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UK specialist VW title Volkswagen Driver puts the 2011 Polo GTI through its paces in its latest issue. The first time the performance Polo has been thoroughly tested by the VW press, Volkswagen Driver was more than a little impressed. Editor Neil Birkitt sent us a head-up email in January and said of the test, ‘The latest Polo GTI combines twincharged technology and 7-speed DSG gearbox to produce superb performance and excellent economy, combined with sharp handling, comfort and everyday practicality.’ Praising the 178bhp 1.4 TSI GTI, Birkitt continued, ‘We doubt that even the best of drivers could put much distance between the Polo GTi and the larger Golf GTI on a race track, let alone an open road… The Polo GTI is all the car you could want, and more.’ The March 2011 issue of Volkswagen Driver is on sale now and also includes a first driver of the new Series 6 Jetta for Europe, motorsport reports, and a model profile on the Series 5 Jetta.

[Images: Volkswagen Driver/Neil Birkitt]

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