As red-hot 197bhp GTI has Fiesta ST in sights
Volkswagen unleashes hot Polo with 2.0-litre engine for first time; power output matches fast Ford
“New direct-injection turbocharged motor produces 197bhp, which is an increase of 8bhp”
Subtle look for new flagship hatch Choice of manual or auto box
ALONGSIDE the new Polo, Volkswagen has also introduced the hot new GTI model. The sporty hatch has the new Ford Fiesta ST in its sights with a new and more powerful engine, and is expected to go on sale slightly later than the standard version of the supermini (see Page 6).
VW’S all-new GTI continues the model’s trend for ‘upsizing’ its engine. The previous car went from 1.4 litres to 1.8 litres in its lifecycle, and now the new GTI sees engine capacity increase again to 2.0 litres.
The new direct-injection turbocharged motor produces 197bhp, which is an increase of 8bhp over the previous car. By contrast, the new Fiesta ST produces an identical power figure but from a smaller 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo unit. Volkswagen hasn’t revealed performance details yet, but it’s likely the new car will gazump the old model’s 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds and 147mph top speed.
As before, it’ll be offered with both a six-speed manual gearbox and a sevenspeed DSG automatic transmission. VW has confirmed two suspension options will be available: the standard ‘sport chassis’ and the optional Sport Select chassis, which will have adjustable dampers.
Like the standard car, the new Polo GTI has a more mature look than before. Subtlety, rather than lairy wings and skirts, is the name of the game here. At the front, a larger bumper features a small lip spoiler, a honeycomb air intake and front foglights, while a trademark GTI feature comes in the form of the red strip that runs through both headlights and across the grille.
At the rear, a gloss black roof spoiler, dual tailpipes and a diffuser are fitted, along with LED tail-lights and GTI badging. Extended side sills, 17-inch alloys (18-inch wheels are optional) and red brake calipers complete the look of VW’S new hot hatch.
Inside, the iconic tartan-patterned sports seats can be specced, while there’s a red-stitched sports steering wheel, black rooflining and a GTI gearknob. Ambient lighting is also fitted as standard on the car.