New Volkswagen Polo GTI revealed ahead of Paris Motor Show

Volkswagen has taken the covers off the new Polo GTI, ahead of the car’s public debut at the Paris Motor Show, next month. Basically a facelifted version, the new Polo GTI benefits from a more powerful engine and subtle styling updates.

Gone is the old 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine seen in a variety of Volkswagen models. The car now gets a more powerful 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, also turbocharged. The latter comes from the EA888 engine range developed by Audi.

Design-wise, the GTI differentiates itself from the rest of the Polo range with its sporty front bumper, honeycomb grille, red accents and GTI badges. At the back, there’s a new rear bumper and a tailgate spoiler.

Thanks to a more powerful engine developing 190bhp of power and 320Nm of torque, the new Polo GTI can accelerate from the zero to 100kmph in just 6.7 seconds. The engine can be specced with either a 6-speed manual or Volkswagen’s familiar DSG automatic gearbox.  

The new Polo GTI will go on sale in Europe soon after its appearance at the Paris Motor Show. While Indian enthusiasts will be disappointed to know that Volkswagen has no plans of launching the Polo GTI in India but there is bit of a consolation to be had with the Polo GT TSI and the GT TDI – the India-spec go-faster versions of the regular Polo.