The 2021 Volkswagen Polo GTI has been revealed, with technology and styling influenced by the larger Golf. It, however, retains its 204hp turbocharged petrol engine. The updated Polo GTI gets inspiration from the eighth-generation Golf extending to a new front end, complete with the brand’s new light bar signature, and a revamped rear.
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New Polo GTI is based on sixth-gen Polo
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Gets a 204hp turbo-petrol engine
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VW Taigun to launch in India soon
As with the previous GTI, the front-wheel-drive Polo will be driven by Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox; as yet, there is no word on the long-rumoured manual gearbox option for the Ford Fiesta ST rival. Its 0-100kph figure is touted to be at 6.5sec.
The new Polo GTI gains an updated exterior design, with ‘IQ Light’ LED matrix headlights as standard to accompany the full-width front light bar. The firm says the light bar “creates a style connection to the battery-electric ID models from Volkswagen and to the new vehicle generation of successful models like the Golf, Arteon and Tiguan.”
A new bumper design refreshes the rear end, while standard 17-inch alloy wheels are available in a new design based on the one used by the Golf. The Polo GTI also receives dynamic turn signals for the first time.
The firm’s Discover Pro and Discover Media systems are optional, and the car also receives Volkswagen’s new ‘digital cockpit’ dashboard setup, as used by the Golf and ID 3. Other options include a panoramic sunroof, voice control, wireless charging, Beats sound system, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
It comes with three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – with the last one offering an enhanced exhaust note. The Polo GTI gets a bespoke, performance-oriented chassis tune, lowering the body by 15mm compared with the standard Polo and adding a large stabiliser on the car’s front axle, rigid coupling rods at the front and stiffer axle-locating mounts at the rear.
The Polo also benefits from Volkswagen’s Travel Assist system for the first time, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist, side assist and rear traffic alert. Autonomous emergency braking is also standard, as is a driver alert system and automatic post-collision braking.
The 2021 Polo GTI is based on the sixth-gen Polo, which is yet to go on sale in India. Volkswagen sold the previous-gen Polo GTI in India as a fully-imported unit in limited numbers. There is no news of the new Polo GTI making it to our shores anytime soon.
Volkswagen has lined up two new SUV launches for India this year, starting with the Taigun and then the updated 5-seat Tiguan.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
