The New Volkswagen Polo GTI Unveiled
The new Volkswagen Polo GTI has been unveiled, promising to be the fastest, most focused and cleanest performance Volkswagen Polo yet produced.
The original performance variant of the Volkswagen Polo was unveiled in 1986 in the form of the G40 Coupe - a car that mixed a fast-revving, 113 PS, supercharged engine with a low kerbweight and sharpened responses.
Fast forward 24 years and the new Volkswagen Polo GTI bears similarities with the G40. At its heart is a 1.4-litre TSI engine that uses a supercharger from idle through to 3,000 rpm at which point the turbocharger cuts in to provide boost. The result is an output of 180 PS at 6,200 rpm and 184 lbs ft of torque from 2,000 rpm which, when aligned with a 1,184 kg kerbweight, allows the Volkswagen Polo GTI to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 142 mph.
Despite a keen focus on performance, the new Volkswagen Polo GTI is capable of delivering 47 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2.
The TSI engine is linked to a compact seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox that channels drive through the front axle. In addition, the Volkswagen Polo GTI is fitted with the XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling. The XDS system is a functional extension of the electronic limited slip differential (EDL) which is a part of the standard ESP system.
In order to sharpen responses, the Volkswagen Polo GTI is fitted with new springs and dampers which results in a 15 mm lower ride height than the conventional Volkswagen Polo.
Like its Volkswagen Golf GTI sibling, the Volkswagen Polo GTI features significant aesthetic changes. A new front bumper featuring a deep airdam is joined by a honeycombe grille element with horizontal red strips and a simple GTI badge. New headlight units complete with the option of LED running lights lend the Volkswagen Polo GTI an imposing new look.
Further back, a subtle sill extension wraps around the lower edge of the body while at the back a new rear bumper features a small diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts. The Polo badge is replaced by a simple 'GTI' version.
Finally, a set of 17-inch wheels identical to those fitted to the Volkswagen Golf GTI are fitted along with a set of red brake callipers.
The changes continue inside the Volkswagen Polo GTI with revised dials, a new, flat-bottomed GTI steering wheel complete with small gearshift paddles and contrasting red stitching, aluminium pedals and new, heavily bolstered front sports seats finished in tartan trim. Subtle gloss black trim covers the centre console while the headlining is now finished in black.
The new Volkswagen Polo GTI is due to arrive in the UK in summer 2010 at which point pricing and specification will be announced.
