Volkswagen has released a teaser image of the facelifted Polo GTI, which is due for a reveal at the end of June 2021. Here’s what we know so far.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

*Update* Our spy photographers have spotted the updated Volkswagen Polo GTI on public roads. It’s wearing very light camouflage and we can see the new look front bumper as well as the headlights. The rear still looks much the same as the current model.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI currently is a formidable offering. Combining excellent performance from its 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 147 kW and 320 Nm, the GTI also offers great levels of comfort and features.

Recently the facelifted Volkswagen Polo was revealed, showing off a fresher design inspired by the Golf 8 as well as big upgrades in the connectivity and technology departments. What about the sportiest model in the Polo family? While most would assume the GTI badge is associated with the Golf family, the Polo GTI has a significant fanbase too.

Volkswagen released a teaser image of its soon-to-be-revealed updated Polo GTI. When it’s revealed, we expect it to pack 152 kW and 320 Nm, and the 6-speed DSG will be replaced by a 7-speed DSG. This small mechanical change was rolled out to current shape Polo GTI units for the European market.

The standard car’s performance improved, with a claimed 0-100 kph in 6.5 seconds, which is an improvement on the current 6.7 seconds.

The most obvious changes will come in the form of the looks, which as you can see by the teaser image may seem a little too out there, but there are new elements like the daytime running lights and grille.

We’ll also see the same big changes in the tech and connectivity departments, much like the facelifted Volkswagen Polo range.

The facelifted Volkswagen Polo range, complete with new-look rear lights.

When does the updated Volkswagen Polo launch in South Africa?

We know Volkswagen SA will be manufacturing the new Polo range at its Uitenhage facility. We also understand the trim levels will be changing. Apparently, the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline designations will fall away and be replaced by the Polo (standard), Life, Style and R-Line specifications. The newcomer will arrive in South African showrooms early in 2022 and an updated GTI hot hatch version will follow during the course of next year.

Further Reading

New-look Volkswagen Polo: Coming to SA in early 2022

Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI SA Launch Delayed