Volkswagen has an all-new Polo in the pipeline, and initial impression are that its set to be not just the fastest but also the wildest version yet
Volkswagen has an all-new Polo in the pipeline, and initial impressions are that its set to be not just the fastest but also the wildest version yet. It is almost sure to be a smash hit and will attract many car leasing customers as the new Polo GTI is without doubt going to shoot right to the top of the supermini pile when its released.
The Polo has always had a good identity so engineers and designers have good grounds to start from, but even with such a good grounded you have to take your hat off to their achievements.
It has a very distinctive and striking appearance that mixes the front end of the new Sirocco with small, Golf style body. All the classic GTI touches are there from the piano black grill to the badging and deep air intakes. It has strong muscular arches to enhance its neat alloy wheels. Top that all of with a subtle roof spoiler and body-kit and you have yourself an impressive looking vehicles.
Step inside and car leasing customers will be pleasantly surprised by the leap in quality, with similar soft-touch plastic to its big brother along with sports seats, red piping and racy aluminium. The Polo share the same platform as the Seat and in such gets increased space in the cabin. This has also enabled engineers to use stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars with a sophisticated traction and stability control system. All of which, when combined with accurate steering and minimal body roll, make for a first class ride.
Under the bonnet is where the best of the new Polo is hidden with a sporty 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The mix of both the chargers enable the engine to perform well at low revs and also give great acceleration almost to red line. The engine produces 178bhp and 250nm of torque in the GTI that will take this supermini from 0-60 in seven seconds with a top speed of 140mph.
Not to leave anything out the engineers have still managed to keep this GTI green. Emissions are down below 150g/km and it has fuel economy of around 40 mpg.
It really is a fantastic car, the only downside is that car leasing customers will have to wait until September to get a better look at the Polo GTI when its launched at the Frankfurt motor show.