PoloDriver

Would-be modders of the new Polo will be delighted. The car has only just gone on sale, and already KW Automotive GmbH is offering several different coilover suspension kits for the model. ‘Variant 1’ with solid damping control and lowering heights of between 35 to 65mm offers ‘an optimal balance between sportiness, comfort and safety,’ say the tuning firm. This most basic version is also zinc-plated, making it not only perfect for winter use but also durable.

Stepping up, ‘Variant 2’ features adjustable rebound damping – ideal for drivers who seek adjustments on the basic lowering set-up, enabling a tailored, personal feel. ‘Variant 3’ is harder still, derived from motorsport, and, once again, can be tailored to the personal preference of the driver, offering both high-performance and comfort. The separate and independently adjustable rebound and compression damping allows individual suspension adjustments.

The unique patented system with its each two-stage valves allows a rebound damping (for comfort) and a compression damping adjustment (for driving dynamics) in low speed ranges, while the more responsible and saftety-crucial high speed ranges are fixed. Like the other two kits for the new Polo, ‘Variant 3’ features in-line stainless steel technology and is TÜV-approved.

Available from €799, the KW coilover suspension kits for the new Polo come with a certificate for trouble-free registration with the Technical Control Board (TÜV) (should you be an owner in Germany), as well as detailed instructions for assembly and adjustment. No prices or details have yet been confirmed for the UK market, but for more information about the extensive suspension kit programme offered by KW Automotive GmbH and application lists for other Polo models, click here.

The new Polo is now on sale in the UK and the rest of Europe, and with new economical and high-performance versions at opposite ends of the Polo spectrum coming in the next few months, as well as a launch in India and a new saloon variant, it’s shaping up to be a busy 2010 for Volkswagen’s newest arrival. With the Car of the Year 2010 victory ending 2009 on a high, read what impressed the European jury enough to hand the industry award to the Polo in our four-page review of the new range, which can be found here and previewed below. Driven back in September at the UK press launch, read our initial findings of the 1.2 59 and 69bhp SE, 1.4 84bhp SE, 1.2 59bhp Moda, 1.4 84bhp SEL and 1.6 74bhp TDI.

In addition to the rumoured new Polo variants still to come, does the news that Volkswagen has acquired the now defunct Karmann production site signal a revivial of the Polo Cabriolet idea? The German car maker is reportedly opening a new car factory in 2011 on the Osnabrück site where the once-legendary coachbuilder built original Beetle and Mk 1 and Mk 3 Golf open-tops and has not only bought land, but the machinery and equipment, too.

VW has said that a new car will be built there and many industry insiders point to this being the production version of the BlueSport concept car, seen earlier this year. Reports also hint at a new generation of the evergeen Golf Cabriolet. A drop-top Polo has also been mooted before, and with the high level of interest in the new generation, an open-air model would undoubtedly be a halo car for the range, in addition to adding some good old-fashioned glamour.

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On sale now, the Christmas 2009 issue of What Diesel magazine tests the new Polo SE TDI against the Ford Fiesta Titanium TDCi. The pair have a long sparring history and both are reviewed here in 1.6 TDI guise. While the Ford features more radical styling, the Polo favours a conservative look, also giving away 14bhp to the small car from the blue oval. In the latest duel, the Polo scores highly, but does it come out on top? Buy the issue to find out. Should you need another incentive, also inside is a first look at the latest range of Volkswagen BlueMotion models, of which the new 1.2 TDI Polo BlueMotion is one.

The latest issue of motoring weekly Auto Express tests the new Citroën C3 against its rivals this week, one of which is the SE TDI version of the new Polo. The other formidable opponents in the contest which features five sections – costs, interior, performance, space and styling – include the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and the Polo’s in-house rival, the SEAT Ibiza. There’s little to choose between them, but summing up, the magazine states that ‘The conservative Polo isn’t going to win sales for its style or driver appeal, but it makes real financial sense. Competitive prices and class-leading residuals stand out, while kit is decent.’ Which car wins? Buy issue 1,092 (on sale until Tuesday) to find out.

[Images: Auto Express]