PoloDriver

Performance software specialist and Volkswagen tuner Revo Technik has recently introduced replacement performance air filters for selected fifth-generation Polo 6R models built from 2009 onwards. Constructed from specifically-developed polyurethane foam, and resulting in higher performance and improved life expectancy, the filters start at £42.49 plus VAT. Available for Polo 1.6 TDI, 1.2 TSI and 1.4 GTI models, there’s even a fitment for the 1.2 TDI BlueMotion, somewhat going against the eco-car’s ethos we feel. Revo Technik also offers a Stage 1 Performance ECU Tuning Software upgrade package, which the company says, ‘is designed to work on vehicles with standard components. Power, torque, responsiveness and flexibility are all improved while maintaining factory levels of smoothness, reliability and fuel economy.’ A Supersprint cat-back exhaust system for the 1.2 TSI is also available. Visit the Revo website for more information and to order.

This caught our eye. We’re used to modified Polos gracing the pages of UK tuned Volkswagen magazine Performance VW, but maybe none like this. Richard Vale’s modified Polo is no tuning parts special. An early version of the blown coupé, Vale’s white G40 has been built with the sole purpose of taking on hill climbs. Harewood Hill Climb near Leeds being one of them. Competing in class 1B for modified production cars up to 2.0-litres, the 750kg, near-200bhp ex-Polo G40 Cup racer regularly takes on its larger rivals and emerges victorious. Find out what raft of modifications make Vale’s Polo a stripped-out special by grabbing a copy of the latest (July 2010) issue of Performance VW magazine, on sale now from all good stockists. UK readers who prefer to get their modded Volkswagen kicks digitally can read the magazine on their Apple i-devices by visiting the iTunes App Store and downloading the Performance VW app.

[Image: Performance VW]

German tuner Oettinger has recently released details of its upgrade to the Audi A1’s 1.6-litre TDI engine, which in standard form develops 89 and 104bhp. Now, as these engines are fitted to the Polo (104bhp is continental-specification only, though), we presume the same upgrades are applicable to the 6R. Oettinger takes the 89bhp TDI up to 109, while the 104bhp gains another 20 ponies to play with. With both upgrades, performance is improved lower down the rev range, with an additional 33lb ft of torque. Acceleration is improved, too, with the 0-62mph dash taking 0.6 seconds less time.

Oettinger has offered Volkswagen tuning parts for over 50 years, and offers two years’ guarantee on engine, gearbox and drivetrain upgrades. Until 30 June, the price of the 1.6 TDI upgrades is €990.00 plus fitting (list price €1090.00). This rate is valid for all Oettinger 1.6 TDI upgrades for Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda vehicles. Continental Polo owners can take their car to any one of Oettinger’s Performance Centres, located in 150 Audi and Volkswagen retailers in Germany and Austria.

We can exclusively reveal that Milltek Sport is currently in the final stages of testing a full turbo-back exhaust system for the new Polo GTI. Although it’s still in testing, Milltek confirms it sounds fantastic and really suits the mini-Golf GTI character of the car perfectly.

While the Polo GTI is closely related to the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and Bocanegra 1.4 TSI, the exhaust design still required some subtle changes to suit the slightly different aesthetics of the Volkswagen variant. As you can see from the photos, the tailpipes really add a bit of glamour to the rear of the car and let other drivers know the GTI in front is a little bit special. Not that they won’t be able to tell that from new sound coming from the enlarged twin tailpipes.

The Milltek exhaust system will be available in cat-back form (which does not require ECU tuning), or for those wishing to take full advantage of the engine’s tuning potential, a full turbo-back option featuring a large-bore downpipe and hi-flow sports catalyst. Milltek only uses the highest quality German HJS catalysts to ensure that the car will remain emission-legal and pass the UK MOT test – even with an ECU remap and a full exhaust system. Through an extensive development process, Milltek engineers have been able to develop an exhaust that is rich in its depth of sound with an aggressive undertone but have also been able to ensure that the Polo GTI’s everyday cruising integrity within the cabin is preserved intact.

The Milltek performance exhaust packages for the Polo GTI will be available from your nearest Milltek stockist very soon. Visit www.millteksport.com/dealers to find your nearest Milltek dealer or contact Milltek Sport for further details on +44 1332 227 280. We’ll bring you more details on the performance exhaust packages available and pricing when they are released.

German tuning company H&R has released a lowered suspension kit for the new 6R, fifth-generation Polo GTI. With a lowering height of 20 millimetres at the front of the car and 30mm at the rear, H&R says that ‘the sporty characteristics of the small car are improved.’ Additional lowering heights from the adjustable H&R Monotube coilover kits can be set at 30mm at the front of the car with a 45-millimetre drop at the rear. Optional H&R stabilisers (for use with the kit) will be available soon.

TRAK+ wheel spacers made of high tensile aluminum alloy can also be specified, regardless of whether they are combined with OE or aftermarket wheels, immediately removing the often unsightly gap between the wheel arch and tyre shoulder. The complete H&R product range – available for over 1350 different vehicles – can be found at specialist dealers and along with the usual H&R quality, components come with a model approval certificate or a TÜV certificate of conformity for parts.