It's the flagship Polo, and it looks spookily similar to the Golf GTI it takes obvious inspiration from. Everything that makes a GTI a GTI is here, including the wheels, honeycomb grille, tartan-esque seats, flat-bottomed steering wheel and red pin striping.
Why's it here?
It was always going to appear, but any fears it's all mouth and no trousers should be allayed by its on-paper stats: a 1.4-litre TSI engine with turbo- and supercharging generates 178bhp and dishes up a 6.9-second 0-62mph dash. It tops out at 141mph, and returns 47mpg. A seven-speed DSG auto is standard.
Show stopper or floor filler?
It's capable of stopping passers by on account of looking so similar to the hot Golf, though it has the potential to make a real impact if it drives as promised. The suspension is unique, and it has the VW Group XDS electronic differential. It should handle well. Pricey though, at £18,000 when it comes out in the summer.
Check out the press conference from the show below:
Mark Nichol - 3 Mar 2010
Earlier articles featuring 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI
