Volkswagen Polo GTI Showcased At Frankfurt

Published September 15, 2017
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Third car to get the performance badge after the Golf GTI and up! GTI

Volkswagen's range of performance hatchbacks has received a new member, the Polo GTI. It joins the likes of the Golf GTI, which is a famous brand in itself, with an illustrious 42-year-old history. VW’s range of performance hatchbacks will soon see another car, the 2018 up! GTI, that Volkswagen showcased at the annual VW fan-meet - Worthersee. The Polo GTI was officially showcased to the public at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The top-of-the-line Volkswagen Polo GTI will be launched in most European markets by the end of 2017, the highlight being its uprated engine. A new 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder TSI motor replaces the earlier 1.8-litre unit and develops 200PS of maximum power and 320Nm of peak torque paired to a 6-speed DSG sending power to the front wheels. The Polo GTI can achieve a 0-100kmph time of 6.7-seconds while top speed will be limited to 237kmph.

While the standard suspension on the GTI is lowered and stiffened up for better handling, customers can also choose to buy 'Sport Select' suspension with active damping and selectable modes. The GTI also gets a locking differential for better traction around corners.

On the outside, the Polo GTI shares the larger body with the all-new Polo. It sits 15mm lower than the standard car, gets additional bodywork and eye-catching details all around to help it stand out. Highlights include the 17-inch (optional 18-inch) alloy wheels, a larger bumper, GTI badges on the grille, front fender and boot, red stripe running from headlight to headlight, a rear spoiler and dual exhausts.

Inside, the Polo GTI also features the same interiors as the standard car but a tad less funky. Unlike the standard car which uses body-coloured panels in the cabin to brighten it up, the GTI uses brushed aluminium highlights for a more focussed sporty look. The all-digital instrument cluster and the smart infotainment system have been carried over from the standard Polo, though. The flat-bottom steering wheel and gear lever are covered in black leather with contrast red stitching. The seats, in typical GTI fashion, are part leather, part fabric.