Volkswagen is going to launch the Polo GTI in India by mid-2016 and it will be offered as a two-door performance hatchback only. The hot hatch will get raised ride height to deal with Indian road conditions.
The Polo GTI comes with the same 1.8-litre TSI unit that powers the Octavia 1.8 TSI but in a higher state of tune. Output at 189bhp is a whole 10bhp higher. Torque is restricted to 250Nm as the 7-speed DSG unit it comes mated to can only handle this much torque. It’s a pity the manual isn’t coming because you can play with an extra 70Nm with it. The Polo GTI also has an impressive top speed of 236kmph.
It’s not just the engine though. The Polo GTI gets disc brakes all round – 310mm fronts and 230mm rears. It gets an electronic locking diff, stability control and a ESC sport function that delays the ESC’s intervention, ABS and traction control. The GTI also gets larger 17 inch wheels (the TSI gets 15 inchers) and an attractive set of multispoke alloys.
The interior gets racy chequered pattern cloth upholstery and a centre console redesigned to the Polo on sale in India and with richer quality materials. On the outside, the international Polo gets new LED headlights and LED DRLs as well. There’s a red strip on the grille and the GTI badge to the right of the VW logo to identify the GTI. The Polo GTI internationally also gets front and rear parking sensors and headlight washers.
Expect the Polo GTI to be priced around the Rs 20 lakh mark, which should make it a unique proposition for enthusiasts.