By: IOL Motoring Staff
On the surface the new Polo GTI's story looks like a minor facelift but beneath that skin lies a bigger and more powerful engine. Yes folks, VW is bucking the down-sizing trend by returning to a 1.8-litre engine displacement.
While details are limited at this stage, the new 1.8-litre engine reportedly develops 140kW and 320Nm, meaning it has a bit more power and a lot more torque than its 132kW/250Nm 1.4T predecessor.
According to VW's claimed figures, the upgraded GTI is 0.2 seconds faster from 0-100km/h, performing that sprint in 6.7 seconds and the alleged top speed is 228km/h.
The other big news is that in addition to the dual-clutch DSG gearbox that was the only option on the previous model, this GTI will also offer the option of a six-speed manual shifter.
As for the subtle facelift, there's a new front bumper and grille, with a red bottom strip that runs into the headlights, which retain the same shape but sport a new inner design. It's much the same story at the rear end, where the GTI gains a redesigned bumper with a larger recess for the number plate and reshaped taillight innards. The external changes are rounded off by a new wheel design.
The 'ordinary' facelifted Polo range recently went on sale in South Africa, featuring a new 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine. Expect the upgraded GTI to hit our shores early next year.