Fancy treating yourself to a breath-taking new hot hatch? You’re in luck - because the new Volkswagen Polo GTI is now available to order and lease prices announcing shortly!
Of course, the Polo GTI is nothing new. It’s been putting a smile on the face of youthful and young-at-heart motorists since 1998. But this new breed of Polo GTI is a different beast entirely, coming with revised styling, even more equipment, and improved safety.
Powering the German pocket rocket is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine producing 207 PS, along with maximum torque of 320 Nm. It’s mated to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which means the junior GTI can hit 62mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds, before attaining a top speed of 149 mph.
VW is quick to point out that, ‘Power is nothing without control’.
Which is why the Polo GTI comes with a raft of updates designed to keep it rubber-side down. Compared with previous versions, there’s a larger front anti-roll bar, more rigid coupling rods at the front and stiffer axle-locating mounts at the rear. As is usually the tradition, the GTI’s body is lowered by 15 mm compared with other Polo models.
Also improving cornering precision is the standard-fit XDS electronic differential lock which, if necessary, controls brake pressure on the front wheel on the inside of a bend, thereby preventing it from spinning and – in extreme situations – can even help to prevent loss of control of the vehicle.
A VW spokesperson adds:
“XDS is part of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control systems. Further aiding driver involvement is Adaptive Chassis Control DCC, including Driving Profile Selection. With this feature, the driver is able to activate two different damping characteristics for the adjustable shock absorbers.”
Whack it into ‘Sport’ mode and the exhaust system comes alive while everything else is sharpened, too.
VW IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are fitted as standard, as is an illuminated radiator grille crossbar - which is a little nod and a wink to the firm’s ‘ID.’ range of all-electric vehicles, as well as to the Polo’s larger sibling, the Golf.
Elsewhere lease customers get an eye-catching red GTI badge, honeycomb air intake grilles, and the red trim above the LED daytime running lights strip.
New GTI-specific bumpers give the new Polo a wider, more aggressive stance, while red-painted brake callipers are easy on the eye, too.
Step inside the cabin and VW says it’s ‘confident without being brash’, with red contrasting stitching applied throughout the interior. The sports seats feature the legendary ‘Jacara’ check pattern so loved by GTI enthusiasts.
Every Polo GTI comes as standard with the Discover Media Navigation system latest-generation Infotainment system with high-resolution 8.0-inch display. Optional extras include a Beats Sound System with six speakers, subwoofer, 300 w power output and 8-channel amplifier.
An all-black roof is also a tempting option.
Lisa Hartley, Polo Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said:
“The marriage of ‘Volkswagen’ and ‘GTI’ kicked off in 1975 with the launch of the now legendary Golf Mk I GTI. Since then, those hallowed three letters have adorned many other models such as the Scirocco, Lupo and up!. However, it is the Polo – whose GTI model debuted in 1998 – that is, after the Golf, the longest running member of this sporting family."
The new VW Polo GTI is priced from £26,430 RRP on-the-road - and stay tuned for lease prices being announced soon!
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