What's all this about?
Volkswagen has announced another hot hatch for its burgeoning performance range; this time, it's the facelifted Polo getting the GTI treatment.
But we've had Polo GTIs before.
Haven't we just - and they've all been rather underwhelming. However, Wolfsburg is clearly targeting Essex's champion of the moment, the Ford Fiesta ST, with this new car.
How so?
The Polo GTI junks the old 1.4-litre twin-forced induction engine (the one with both a turbo- and a supercharger), which made 180hp and 250Nm, for a 1.8-litre single-turbo petrol of more muscular outlook. Headline figures are 192hp and 320Nm, driving through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard; this is good news, as the old car was DSG-only. You can still specify a seven-speed DSG transmission as an option.
And does it bloody the Ford's trapezoid nose?
If you're comparing it to a standard 180hp/290Nm ST, yes. The 0-62mph benchmark is done in 6.7 seconds, 0.2 faster than the Ford, while top speed is 147mph. But then for a mere £599, you can turn the ST into the stunning Mountune version...
What else should I know about the Volkswagen?
The GTI will be quite an upmarket hot hatch available in both three- and five-door formats. Prices will start at around the £19,000 mark for the three-door, meaning the Fiesta clearly has the edge here. The Polo will come with LED headlights, two-stage adaptive dampers, some classic GTI styling additions and adjustable steering/throttle response rates.
When will it come with these things?
You can order later this year and take delivery in early 2015.
And let me guess where this is going to be premiered - Paris, by any chance?
You're sharp, aren't you? Correct. See it at the motor show next week.
Matt Robinson - 23 Sep 2014
