178 horsepower Volkswagen Polo GTI unveiled

Posted on February 19th, 2010 by George | Posted under: Volkswagen

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2011-volkswagen-polo-gti-1 Volkswagen has unveiled the new Polo GTI ahead of its world debut in Geneva. This little hot hatch is the fastest and cleanest performance Polo yet produced.

The original performance variant of the Polo was unveiled in 1986 with 111 horsepower. Now 24 years later the new Polo GTI comes with a supercharged 1.4-litre TSI engine that produces 178 hp at 6,200 rpm and 184 lbs ft of torque from 2,000 rpm.

The TSI engine is mated 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.

Weight of the Polo GTI is 1,184 kg allowing it to hit 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 142 mph. For better handling it is fitted with new springs and dampers which results in a 15 mm lower ride height than the conventional Polo.
Average fuel consumption is just 47 mpg while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2.

Visual highlights are a new front bumper featuring a deep airdam oined 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. New rear bumper features a small diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts. The Polo badge is replaced by a simple ‘GTI’ version.

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.

All this rides on a set of 17-inch wheels identical to those fitted to the Golf GTI. New Polo GTI will arrive in UK this summer. Expected pricing is around £18,000.