Volkswagen reveals new Polo GTI

Volkswagen has revealed the 2018 Polo GTI that is based on the new sixth-generation Polo. Both are underpinned by the VW Group's new MQB AO platform. This makes its future in India uncertain. The current GTI, which is also sold in India as a CBU import, is based on the older PQ25 platform.

The 2018 Polo GTI will be powered by Volkswagen's new EA888 engine series. Under the hood, there is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbo-petrol engine which will replace the previous 1.8-litre unit. This engine churns out 197hp at 6,000rpm (up by 5hp) and 320Nm of peak torque (up by 70Nm) at 1,500rpm to 4,400rpm. As a result, the 0-100kph time has marginally improved by 0.05sec at 6.7sec. The top-speed, too, at 237kph sees a small bump of 5kph.

The engine will be mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) which will be followed by a six-speed manual transmission, a year later.

For the first time, the Polo GTI features fully digital instruments. Along with these come a host of driver-assistance systems like Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, proactive occupant protection system and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

The 2018 Polo GTI will get a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and a 300W sound system from Beats as standard. An 8.0-inch touchscreen option is also available. In addition to MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it also gets the Car-net application that gives the driver access to all the Google media apps.

The Polo GTI is also the only Polo to get ‘sports running gear’ as standard – which includes special tuning of the springs, auxiliary springs, shock-absorbers and anti-roll bars – with the body lowered by 15mm.

Along with the GTI, VW has also showcased the Polo GTI R5, designed for motorsport series like the WRC. The GTI R5 is powered by a smaller 1.6-litre engine (to meet the prescribed configuration of the WRC) but produces 268hp and 400Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a close-stepped, sequential, 5-Speed racing gearbox and is equipped with a permanent four-wheel drive system. The car can clock 100kph from zero in just 4.1sec. The GTI R5 will be manufactured in Pamplona, Spain and is strengthened with roll cage and other safety features, as per FIA regulations.