Volkswagen has revealed its much anticipated Polo GTI ahead of its official unveiling in Geneva next month and together with these pictures are almost complete details of the inner workings of this fifth-generation Polo GTI.
The GTI will appear as both a three and five-door model but expect only the four door models to make it to the Malaysian market. To power the new VW, engineers are using both the twin-charged 1.4-liter TSI engine and seven-speed DSG transmission from the Seat Ibiza Cupra. A major step away from the previous generation Polo, the new GTI will feature steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.
To provide maximum power from idle, the GTI utilizes a supercharger from idle to 3,000rpm at which point the turbocharger takes over to provide 178hp at 6,200 rpm and a admirable 249Nm of torque from just 2,000rpm. 100km/h comes in just 6.9-seconds from standstill and top speed is rated at 229km/h. Complementing ride and handling is a lower ride height, stiffer springs, and also the same XDS differential as the Seat, which electronically replicates a limited slip differential.
The Polo GTI also carries over much of the visual cues of the Golf GTI like the black honeycomb grille ringed in red, dual tailpipes (mounted on the left side rather than either ends like the Golf), and a flat bottom steering wheel.
With its understated styling and smooth hushed lines, the Polo GTI is, to our eyes, better looking than the previous generation Polo GTI but the question remains, how much should it be priced at for it to make a more regular appearance on Malaysian roads? The previous generation Polo GTI was a lot of fun but at slightly over RM140,000 it didn’t quite high the mark with Malaysians. How much do you think the new Volkswagen Polo GTI should be priced at ? Read on below for the official press release from VW.
FAST, CLEAN AND SHARPER THAN EVER: NEW POLO GTI UNVEILED
The new Polo GTI has been unveiled, promising to be the fastest, most focussed and cleanest performance Polo yet produced.
The original performance variant of the Polo was unveiled in 1986 in the form of the G40 Coupé – 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 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 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 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 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 Polo GTI is fitted with new springs and dampers which results in a 15 mm lower ride height than the conventional Polo.
Like its Golf GTI sibling, the 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 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 Golf GTI are fitted along with a set of red brake callipers.
The changes continue inside the 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 Polo GTI is due to arrive in the UK in the summer at which point pricing and specification will be announced.
Source: WorldCarFans
