It seems VW isn’t entirely certain what the best engine is for the Polo GTI. Initially it had a 1.8-Litre turbo that was a bit pap, then the next generation had a 1.4-Litre turbo that wasn’t pap and was more powerful than the 1.8-Litre and turned the GTI into a proper pocket rocket. Now, for this latest Polo GTI, VW is back to a 1.8-Litre turbo – but a better one. David Taylor will be attending the local launch on 17 April 2015, look out for his first drive soon after.

Manual transmission

From the second half of 2015, the new Polo GTI will be offered with a manual transmission. At launch, only the 7-speed DSG transmission will be available. With both transmission variants, the new Polo GTI accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.6L/100km with the 7-speed DSG and 6.0L/100km with the 6-speed manual.

The exterior of the Polo GTI features new bumpers, flared door sills, the GTI logo on the front wing and GTI insignia such as the red strips in the radiator grille and headlights. The Polo GTI is also available with optional LED headlights as well as LED daytime running lights.

The interior is accentuated by red GTI elements. The leather sports steering wheel, adapted from the Golf GTI, has contrasting red stitching, as do the gear lever and handbrake lever; the floor mats also feature borders with red beading. The seats are upholstered in Alcantara with leatherette inserts. The driver and front passenger have heated sports seats. Features such as the instrument cluster with GTI design, black headliner and aluminium-look pedal caps complete the interior ambience. Also standard are features such as: Hill Hold assist, XDS+ Transverse Electronic Differential Lock, Driver Alert System, Cruise Control and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

Updated Infotainment

The Polo GTI’s radio system has been redesigned to bring it up to date and make it more user friendly. The colour touchscreen offers functions such as Bluetooth connectivity and a proximity sensor (other menu details are shown when hand approaches the screen). The system also has CD-player, USB, MP-3 functionality, auxiliary and SD-card input for external audio source and 6-loudspeakers.

MirrorLink is offered as an option and makes it possible to display and control the contents and functions shown on compatible Android smart phone on the touchscreen of the infotainment system. To avoid distracting the driver, only specially configured apps are accessible while driving. Volkswagen offers apps which can access vehicle data such as engine speed, car speed and the fuel tank level. Apps may also be used that are not directly related to vehicle operation, such as internet radio and news services, provided that they support MirrorLink.

Adaptive Chassis

Volkswagen is offering electronically adjustable dampers in the Polo GTI. These form the core technology basis of the new, optional ‘Sport Select’ suspension, which for the GTI is always available in conjunction with the optional ‘Sport Performance Kit’ (sportier tuning covering a wide range of parameters, all at the push of a button). This can be adapted for use on the racetrack.

New Engine

The new Polo GTI is equipped with a 1.8-Litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that develops 141kW of power. The 1.8 TSI engine achieves this power at between 4 300 and 6 200 rpm with 6-speed manual transmission and from 5 400 to 6 200rpm with the 7-speed DSG transmission. These variations are due to technical differences in the design of the transmissions.

The same applies to the torque values: the DSG delivers a maximum torque of 250Nm between 1 250 and 5 300rpm whereas the figures for the manual gearbox version are 320Nm between 1 450 and 4 200 rpm. However, the differences in torque have no effect on the vehicle’s performance figures.

Optional features

These are the optional features that are offered with the new Polo GTI: LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, Panoramic sunroof, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Climatronic air-conditioner and Rear Assist Camera.

VW Polo GTI Pricing

1.8 TSI 141 kW GTI DSG R326 400

The new Polo GTI comes standard with a 3 year/45 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.