VW Polo GTI turns 25

Let’s give the birthday bumps to the brilliant Volkswagen Polo GTI, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

To mark the occasion VW has launched a new special edition model - called ‘Edition 25’ - which features sports suspension, an electronic differential lock for optimum traction, and LED matrix headlights, all as standard.

While there were warm ‘GT’ versions of the Polo as far back as 1979, it wasn't until 1998 that the supermini got properly hot thanks to the addition of a ‘GTI’ badge.

The little brother to the VW Golf GTI soon won an army of admirers.

Other Polo GTIs followed - including the highly sought-after Volkswagen Polo GTI Cup Edition from 2006 (below), which had power of 180 PS and is a proper collector’s item these days.

This new Polo GTI Edition 25, meanwhile, has power of 207 PS and 320 Nm of torque thanks to a 2.0 litre TSI petrol engine.

It means the Polo GTI Edition 25 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds.

The Edition 25 sits 15mm lower than the regular Polo GTI, thanks to a specially tuned sports suspension, that works in conjunction with the electronic locking diff to ensure the ‘synthesis of excellent driving dynamics, improved traction and precise handling that is typical of GTI models’.

This new celebratory model also gets unique 18-inch ‘Adelaide’ gloss black alloy wheels, a black roof and wing mirrors, and premium leather sports seats.

Lease customers will find lots of ‘25’ logos inside the cabin, as well as reminders that only 2,500 models of the Edition 25 Polo GTI will be built.

You also get an 8 inch infotainment system fitted as standard.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, says: “Volkswagen has a rich heritage and the Polo is one of our most iconic vehicles. GTI fans are very important to us and our anniversary model is a way of marking this milestone together with them: celebrating 25 years of power, performance, sportiness, and fun driving in the Polo class.”

The VW Polo GTI is a rival to other performance lease cars like the outgoing Ford Fiesta ST, the Hyundai i20N, the MINI Cooper S, and the Suzuki Swift Sport.

You can lease a VW Polo GTI with Select Car Leasing from just £309 per month*.

*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 18/05/23.

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