Is Volkswagen planning a Polo GTI for India?

Polo GT – the performance variant of the hatchback seems to have performed beyond the company’s expectations; and now there are rumours that more powerful variants of the Polo might be introduced. Indeed Volkswagen is looking at getting some of its sportier hatchbacks to India.

Earlier there were rumours that the Golf would be launched in India,[FV1]  however, if this rumour is to be true then they might settle down for the faster variant of the Polo. As the company will continue to sell the Polo with its future models, it is more sensible to introduce a souped up Polo than a Golf. Is that what the company is thinking?

Reports also indicate that the company might bring in the Polo GT with a 150bhp motor or get down to some serious performance business by launching a 189bhp Polo GTI. Either ways we are looking at some serious performance figures with acceleration rivaling some budget sports cars and a top whack limited to 250kmph in case the GTI is launched.

The engines powering the GT and the GTI are the familiar 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre TSI commonly found in VW and Skoda cars in India. The cars would be equipped with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and will get a beefier suspension setup and larger wheels. The GTI is available in three-door and five-door variants, but we assume VW is mostly likely to bring in the five-door model, however, the three-door model could be a major draw for the enthusiasts. 

The big question is price. It is contemplated that even an assembled Polo GTI would cost around Rs 16-18 lakh, and that could be a major turn off.  So, should VW launch the Polo GTI or the Golf? We will keep a tab on this development.

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