Preview: 2009 Volkswagen Polo Cabrio

Volkswagen is reportedly planning to expand its Polo range by adding new cabrio, coupe and MPV versions of the popular hatch. The new models will be based on the next-gen Polo due in 2009 and are aimed at widening the target market for the Polo. According to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, production of the new Polo Cabrio will be outsourced to convertible specialist Karmann and a concept version may even make an appearance at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to the source, the Cabrio will likely come equipped with a folding soft-top to keep costs low but it could feature a glass rear window. Closest rivals include models such as the Opel Corsa Cabrio and Peugeot 207CC but there’s still no official word from VW weather the car has even been given the green light.

One advantage the new Polo could have is the availability of a dual-clutch DSG option. VW may also offer a new hybrid variant, but due to the low cost of the Polo the hybrid system is likely to a mild version utilizing regenerative braking and electronically controlled components in similar fashion to BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology.