Volkswagen has unveiled the latest Polo GTI, which is claimed to be both the fastest and the greenest performance Polo ever.
The new GTI uses a 1.4-litre TSI engine with supercharger and turbocharger. Maximum power is 178bhp and there is 184lb.ft of torque from 2,000rpm - enough, VW claims, to take the Polo from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 142mph. Fuel economy has not been overlooked with 47mpg possible on the combined cycle and official CO
2 emissions of 139g/km.
Transmission is via VW's familiar seven-speed DSG unit. To help get the power to the road there is an electronic limited-slip differential with 'XDS' electronic cross axle traction control - the same system fitted to the
Golf GTI. There is also revised suspension that allows the Polo to sit 15mm lower.
The new stance isn't the only visual change with a whole host of GTI styling cues. There is a new front bumper with an air dam, honeycomb grille with red edges and different headlamps with optional LED daytime running lamps. Other changes include sill extensions, a new rear bumper with diffuser and a GTI rather than Polo badge on the tailgate. There is also a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside there are sports seats trimmed in tartan cloth, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with red stitching and aluminium sports pedals. The instrument panel gets new dials and there is gloss black trim on the centre console.
Pricing and exact specifications will be announced before the Polo GTI goes on sale in the summer. We expect the new hot hatch to be on display at the
Geneva Motor Show next month.
John Lambert - 18 Feb 2010
