Volkswagen Polo GTI facelift revealed

After drooling over the teaser images of the Volkswagen Polo GTI a few weeks ago, the sixth-generation model has finally been revealed in production form. It is now more powerful, sports a sleeker design and packs some additional equipment over its predecessor to make it the top model in the Polo range.

Since this is the performance focused version of the Polo, let’s start with what excites us the most. The Polo GTI comes with a two-litre turbo-charged, direct petrol injection engine which is transversely mounted. It generates 201bhp and 320Nm of torque. Just like its predecessors, the TSI engine powers the front wheels of the car. The gear-shifts occur through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) which comes as standard on the GTI variant. The engine also packs features like a dual injection system with combined direct and intake-manifold fuel injection, an engine control unit with four core processors, and an electronic valve-lift system on the inlet side. The upgrades aim to make the Polo GTI more powerful and efficient at the same time.

Features

The new Polo GTI gets its first IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist which enables semi-automated driving. The IQ.DRIVE Assist has the ability to take over steering, braking and accelerating from standstill to the control limit of Travel Assist of 210kmph. It also packs in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) along with the Lane Assist which comes as standard.

Inside, the Polo GTI facelift is a properly connected car. It comes fitted with the latest generation MIB3.1 infotainment software which connects the GTI to various online services thanks to an eSIM. The system also packs in features like natural voice control, access to streaming services and cloud-based personalisation using ‘Volkswagen ID’. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now connected wirelessly. What’s also new is the 10.25-inch digital cockpit with a higher pixel density and improved contrast ratio for better visual appeal.

Design and chassis

The new IQ.Light – LED matrix headlights and an illuminated radiator grille bar comes as standard on the Polo GTI. The redesigned rear lights come with animated brake lights and integrated dynamic indicators, which indicate a change in direction with flowing light movements. The Polo has retained some of its defining features like the red GTI logo on the radiator grille, the honeycomb-shaped ventilation grilles, and the continuous red trim strip above the LED daytime running light strip. The roof pillars and roof liner are also retained in Titanium Black trim colour from the classic GTI bloodline. The car comes with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard but can also be ordered with the optional 18-inch alloy wheels internationally.

There are no significant changes to the chassis, however the ride height has been lowered by 15mm for better handling characteristics.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is an iconic name among hot hatches. The previous generation was briefly sold in India but ended up getting discontinued. For now, Volkswagen India is focused on its India 2.0 Project that includes the upcoming Taigun and the next generation Vento. Let alone the GTI, there’s no official word on the arrival of the new Polo in India as of now either.