Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) today held a press briefing to introduce the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Delivering 110kW/150hp, it is the most powerful Polo since the series was introduced over 30 years ago. The exterior and interior concept of this potent super mini is deliberately true to the legendary Golf GTI.
Speaking at the briefing, Ms Karen Cheng, Head of PR & Marketing said: “In November last year, we launched the powerful Golf R32 and today, with the introduction of the Polo GTI, we hope to bring to our Malaysian customers another exciting range in the performance car series”.
The last Polo GTI made its debut in 1998. It delivered 125hp and reached a top speed of 205km/h. In the latest version, 150hp allows a top speed of exactly 216km/h. It is also interesting to note that the Polo GTI goes 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, has a maximum torque of 220Nm (at 1,950rpm) and an average consumption of 7.8 litres.
Like the Golf GTI, the new Polo GTI also has a turbo-charged engine with intercooler. The GTI badge does, of course, demand the appropriate torque development. In the Polo GTI, a 1.8-litre 20-valve four-cylinder transmitted via a 5-speed manual gearbox, provides powerful acceleration at low revs and top elasticity values. Nothing has been sacrificed for the sake of sportiness in the Polo GTI. The proven body plus the front and side airbags ensure a reassuring level of passive safety. Active safety includes Electronic Stabilization Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL).
The only sad thing is that Volkswagen Group Malaysia once again successfully teases us with the best looking of a particular model only to offer a humbler and uglier looking one. We get the 4 door Polo Gti instead of the coupe, apparently its all in the name of practicality, but I wonder, isn’t the CrossPolo supposed to be practical? And since when do sportiness and practicality go hand in hand? But as VW always seems to blend so perfectly, they did it again with the Polo GTI, at RM139,960.40 (w/out insurance) it seems that it is really worth it. I really dig the fact that it comes only in manual, so no pesky technological gizmo’s to interfere with your driving.
