Refreshed Polo GTI to get manual and more grunt

When Volkswagen released info on its updated Polo range info on its hero GTI model was pretty scarce. So much so that there were no images at all, the photo you see above is from the car’s local launch in 2010.

In fact this paragraph, buried deep in the press kit, shows the only words of any note Volkswagen had to say about the Pogo GTI:

There are also firm plans for a new Polo GTI. Here, engine power is boosted from 132 kW / 180 PS to 141 kW / 192 PS.

So a modest power increase, which most engines throughout the range have scored as well. More power is always welcome, of course, however, there’s one more headline act to follow according to UK mag Autocar.

To the delight of all hot hatch purists the updated Polo GTI will get a 6-speed manual gearbox. Hitherto only available with a 7-speed DSG the option of a trad manual transmission is a welcome, albeit late addition to the baby GTI.

You can expect the bulk of the facelifted Polo to be on sale in Australia before the year is out, while the new Polo GTI may not arrive in Australia until 2015.