Facing stiff competition from the likes of Toyota’s IQ (2nd at 337 points) and Vauxhall’s Astra (3rd with 221 points), the Polo’s unusually high levels of trim and quality in this segment was cited as the main reason for the win.

2010 volkswagen polo interior

Of course, one cannot forget the (prize magents, as well) engines that power the Polo. Buyers can choose from three petrol and one diesel offering; all magnificent engines in their own right. The range-topping GTI has a 1.8 litre turbocharged inline four, producing a handy 110kw. Mind, the car only weighs 1190kg, so it can pull an 8-second dash to 100km/h.

The Polo Pacific Diesel makes a lot of sense in a lot of ways. Most importantly, the 1.9 turbodiesel has 240Nm of torque available between 1800 and 2400 rpm. Riding the wave of torque will keep your revs low, and fuel consumption at a claimed 5.0 litres per 100km (combined).

The engine range is also supported by 1.4 and 1.6 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine options,  which are also offered with 6-speed automatic gearboxes. These engines deliver a combined economy of  6.5 and 7.3 litres per 100km of driving.

The new Polo, as summed up by the judges of the CotY competiton, is essentially a smaller version of the Golf stablemate. It is built impeccably with quality, lasting materials, is safe and rewarding to drive. It provides a real benchmark for this segment, and a really tough option to turn down for prospective buyers.

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Sticking to the same name formula for the other options blessed with the ‘R’ moniker, VW have followed in the global trend of turning towards low capacity engines with significantly high power outputs. Long-distance cousin Audi’s TT-S has been mentioned as a possible source for the R20’s powerplant; meaning around 200kw being delivered to all four wheels.

Comparisons will be immediatly drawn between this and the current 3.2 litre R32. The R20 is claimed to have lost around 200 kilograms compared to the chubster R32; something very important. The only downside in the equation that I can see is that gorgeous, trembling exhaust note.

definite details are yet to be announed, so we aren’t sure if Australia will get lucky or not. Stay Tuned.

Volkswagen Golf R20

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Marked with the ‘BlueMotion’ motif, these options provide some incredibly efficient and clean options for commuting. Working our way from smallest to largest, the diminutive Polo is a perfect candidate for a thrifty diesel, amongst other developments.

Volkwagen Polo BlueMotion

Powered by a 1.3, three-cylinder litre diesel engine, producing 59Kw at 4,000rpm, and 195Nm of tourque between 1,800 and 2,200 rpm. Conservative driving can return an impressive 3.8 l/100km of fuel consumption, along with a meagre 99grams of CO2 per kilometre of driving.

The engine is not the only peice in this tree-hugging puzzle. Aerodynamics play a big part; especially for the Polo. The front and rear ends have been optimised for low drag, including the spoilers, grille and roofline being developed from windtunnel research & development.

Low rolling-resistance tyres are donned on the BlueMotion models, along with gearing, suspension, ride-height and lightweight components all developed to gain lower fuel consumption.

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Starting way back in 1976 with the MK I Golf and quickly cementing a strong reputation, Volkswagen’s Beetle successor has provided a hard-to-go-past option for decades in the small car segment.

The original Golf Gti only develops 81kW from the 1600cc four-pot, but also only weighs 810kg and provides a very entertaining drive. Fast forward to today, and the latest Golf boasts 155kW, but has to pull a chubby 1318kg around. How times change.

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Volkswagen's 1.4 litre TSI

Utilising ‘Twincharger’ technology that incorporates an exhaust turbocharger and a Roots-type mechanical compressor to provide both low-end torque and high-end power, without the need for a high-capacity engine.

Volkswagen Twincharger technology

The beauty of this, of course is that economy and emissions aren’t sacrificed in the name of higher power outputs. Essentially, having your cake and eating it too. The TSI has built up quite a considerable trophy cabinet over the years, notching up the same award consecutively since 2005.

TSI

Also available in various combinations and guises across the Volkswagen fleet, the TSI has been especially praised this year.

“It’s a masterstroke of downsizing technology and a real engineering showcase. I have no doubt that this engine will become the template for a whole new generation of high efficiency, small capacity engines in the years to come.”

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Porsche 914

Successor to the 912 and suceeded by the 924, Stuttgart’s little battler opened up possible Porsche ownership to many more than just those who could afford the fabled 911.

Well, the good ole’ car industry rumour mill is firing on all cylinders this week, spurting out claims that Porsche’s possible introduction of another low-cost,  mid-engined sports car is not dead yet.

Destined to sit below the Cayman in Porsche’s ever-expanding portfolio, the sketch-board ideas of this new incarnation already shares some similarities to the 914 of 1969-1976.

The original 914 was a joint collaboration with Volkswagen, taking up space that the Karmann Ghia vacated at it’s end of production. Fast forward 40 years, and the situation is much the same. The two are still close; Volkswagen has the parts and development, and Porsche has the badge and swagger.

Volkswagen’s new ‘BlueSport’ mid-engine chassis designs are back in testing, and are available along with Volkswagen’s punchy 4-cylinder FSI motors/geabox combinations.  Don’t forget the humongous parts bin available through Volkswagen Group as well.

Porsche officials have flatly denied the testing and development of such a model, and there has not been any solid news to contradict this. Nothing but whispers, which is good enough for us.

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