Sure enough, the Polo GTI was announced earlier this week. Like before, it's front-wheel drive and comes with a powerful TSI engine and sports chassis.
Based on the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) platform, the Polo GTI boasts high body rigidity, low weight, and good crash properties.
Powertrain
Among the highlights of the transversely mounted 2.0-litre turbo engine are the dual injection system with combined direct and intake-manifold fuel injection, an engine control unit with four core processors, and an electronic valve-lift system on the inlet side.
Despite the high output, the engine is touted as efficient with moderate fuel consumption levels. This is aided by the low weight of the new Polo GTI when empty.
It changes gear via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG).
The Polo GTI comes with a sports chassis, tailored specially to the car, as standard. It lowers the chassis by 15mm so as to offer a balance of driving dynamics, safe neutrality and a high degree of driving comfort.
Exterior
The new Polo GTI is fitted with the new IQ.Light – LED matrix headlights and an illuminated radiator grille bar as a distinctive enhancement to the daytime running light.
This sees the sporty new Polo form a stylistic bridge to Volkswagen’s fully-electric ID. models and the new generation of successful models like the Golf, Arteon and Tiguan, which also come with this striking LED light strip, which is typical of new Volkswagens, as an option or depending on the equipment line.
The most striking visual change to the rear of the Polo GTI is the newly-designed LED rear lights with animated brake light and integrated dynamic indicators, which indicate a change in direction with flowing light movements.
The new, GTI-specific bumper gives the compact sports car an even more commanding and broader visual presence on the roads.
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), which is integrated in the side of the bumper and controlled via the main headlights, has been redesigned and now gives an even more concise lighting effect.
In combination with the IQ.Light – LED matrix headlights, it provides a uniform illumination of the road and surroundings.
The striking red GTI logo on the radiator grille, the honeycomb-shaped ventilation grilles, and the continuous red trim strip above the LED daytime running light strip remain the characteristic GTI insignia at the sharper front of the car.
To the right and left, it flows into the IQ.Light – LED matrix headlights with red winglets.
Interior
Black, red, grey and chrome are the dominant colours in the cabin.
The roof pillars and roof liner are always in the Titanium Black trim colour, which is typical of the GTI.
Red contrast stitching is also always a typical characteristic of a GTI. It adorns the multifunctional, leather sports steering wheel, which comes as standard, the gear lever trim and the seat surfaces. There's an optional beats sound system, with 300 watts and six speakers. The amplifier is located under the floor in the variable cargo area to save space. Luggage capacity of the new Polo GTI is 351 litres.
IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, used for the first time in a Polo GTI, enables semi-automated driving. The system can take over the steering, braking and accelerating of the new Polo GTI from standstill to the control limit of Travel Assist (210kph).
For longitudinal guidance, IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist calls upon familiar systems like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Latitudinal guidance is supported by Lane Assist, which comes as standard.
The driver can activate the system via the Travel Assist button in the redesigned, multifunctional, leather sports steering wheel. The driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel whilst using this system, meaning the driver is always responsible for the car.
Connectivity
Ensuring state-of-the-art connectivity is the latest MIB3.1 infotainment system.
An Online Connectivity Unit (OCU) with integrated eSIM makes it possible to use online services from We Connect (prepared for a limited time) and We Connect Plus (prepared for free use in Europe for one or three years). Features like natural voice control, access to streaming services and a cloud-based personalisation using “Volkswagen ID” enhance the latest MIB3.1 system, depending on the equipment line.
The integration of such apps as App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now wireless.
As in the Polo, instruments and the infotainment system are arranged on a visual axis, ensuring they can be viewed and operated easily in any driving situation. The Digital Cockpit Pro impresses with a higher pixel density, an improved contrast ratio and intense colours, as well as it sheer size at 10.25 inches.
The new Polo GTI is available in five colours: Deep Black Pearl Effect, Smoke Grey Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, Pure White Uni, and Reef Blue Metallic. The latter three chassis colours can be combined with a contrasting black roof as an option (Roof Pack). The car comes with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. The Polo GTI can also be ordered with optional 18-inch alloys.
