VW has unveiled the new, production-ready Polo GTI.
The hot hatch features an attractive new design, a powerful TSI engine, and for the first time on a Polo the option to add semi-automated driving.
The technical basis that makes the new developments possible, said VW, is the adoption of a “Modular Transverse Toolkit” which guarantees high body rigidity, low weight, and good crash properties across the range.
What’s new
On the outside, the new Polo GTI comes with redesigned front and rear bumpers, new 17-inch alloy wheels, and automatic matrix LED headlights as standard – while new taillights now offer dynamic turn signals as an optional extra.
“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,” said VW.
The familiar GTI look continues on the inside, where black, red, grey, and chrome are the most dominant colours – which VW said is typical of the GTI range.
It also sports a leather multifunction steering wheel and gear lever as standard, along with GTI-unique seats.
In terms of connectivity, the new Polo GTI brings the latest MIB3 infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and an integrated SIM which gives owners access to We Connect app functions.
For the first time on the Polo range, drivers can also option the IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist package. This can take over the Polo’s acceleration, braking, and steering at speeds up to 210km/h.
The system also provides adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, and can easily be activated or deactivated through a button on the new steering wheel.
Engine
In keeping with GTI tradition, this new Polo GTI features a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine that drives the front wheels only.
The motor is paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission as standard, and puts out 152kW and 320Nm – assuring a top speed of 240km/h.
“Among the highlights of the turbo engine in the new Polo GTI, which is installed transversely at the front of the car, are such features as a 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,” said the company.
Under the shell it then gets a new sports chassis, seeing the GTI variant of the new Polo sit 15mm lower than the standard models.
The South African launch date of the new VW Polo GTI is reported to be the first quarter of 2022.
VW Polo GTI
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