Following the launch of the new Polo earlier this year, Volkswagen has now introduced the new range-topping Polo GTI to market in South Africa. Take a look at specification and pricing details for the Polo GTI below…

The new locally-built Polo GTI is now available in South Africa and not only does it offer better specification than the model it replaces, but it’s also a bit cheaper, which should please local buyers.

VW Polo GTI – Key Features

Engine and Performance

A 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine finds a home in the Polo GTI for the first time. It's a detuned version of the engine found in the Golf GTI.

For the first time, the new Polo GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 147 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.

In terms of performance, the Polo GTI will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 237 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.9 L/100 km. The driver can select various driving profiles and these include Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual.

The standard Polo GTI features sport suspension as standard but can be optionally equipped with Sport Select suspension with active dampers. An XDS differential lock further enhances traction and cornering ability of the Polo GTI.

Exterior styling features

GTI badging and obligatory red detailing sets the Polo GTI apart from its lesser Polo siblings.

The Polo GTI features an independent bumper with a spoiler lip and fog lights while the familiar red GTI stripe seen on the grille runs through into the red winglets of the optional LED headlights. The air intakes have a honeycomb structure and the C-shaped air curtains are finished in high gloss black, further differentiating the Polo GTI from the lesser Polo derivatives.

At the rear, a two-piece roof spoiler is fitted as is a rear diffuser finished in high-gloss black with dual chrome tailpipes and LED tail lights. The Polo GTI rides on new 17-inch ‘Milton Keynes’ alloy wheels while 18-inch ‘Brescia’ alloys are offered as an option for the first time. Red brake calipers are standard.

The Polo GTI is available in Pure White, Flash Red, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Reef Blue Metallic.

Interior features

The optional Active Info Display lifts the sportiness of the Polo GTI's interior considerably.

The Polo GTI features a customised interior in either black, red, grey and chrome. Titan black accents is used to finish off the interior look. The dashboard panel can be ordered in Deep Iron Metallic or Velvet Red. Typical red GTI stitching is seen on leather multifunction steering wheel, gear lever, floor mats and outer seat surfaces.

The sports seats are kitted out in Art Velour upholstery as standard while black leather upholstery with heating function is optionally available.

The Polo GTI can also be optionally equipped with Volkswagens’ latest Active Info Display. The high-resolution, 10.25-inch display can be adjusted to preference using the ‘View’ button on the steering wheel or further configured via the standard 8.0-inch Composition Media infotainment system. Note that the 8.0-inch radio/CD navigation infotainment system is optional as is a sunroof.

Safety features

The Polo GTI has a minimumof 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency braking, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control. Other standard safety features include a driver alert system, automatic post-collision braking system and tyre pressure monitoring system.

An optional Advanced Safety Package is also available and includes Parallel Park Assist, Park Distance Control, Rear View camera, Blind Spot Detection and electric folding mirrors. Rear traffic alert is offered in conjunction with blind spot monitoring.

New Volkswagen Polo GTI – Price in SA (June 2018)

VW Polo GTI – R375 900

The new Polo GTI comes standard with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, 3-year/45 000 km service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

Buy a new or used VW Polo GTI on Cars.co.za

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