Volkswagen has given us a pictorial update for its facelifted Polo GTI. We already think it’s the little hot hatch that could, but it’s now even better; for two reasons: 1. it has more power, and 2. you can buy it with a proper 6-speed manual gearbox!
Power is only up by 9kW to a new peak of 141kW but it has been achieved by ditching the technical and sometimes troublesome 1.4 litre twincharged engine for a 1.8 litre turbo unit usually seen in the Audi range.
Details for the new Polo GTI are thin on the ground at the moment but we know torque has also been given a boost and it’s now up to 320Nm, a pretty healthy nudge from the previous model’s 250Nm.
It’s okay, Playstation nerds can still get their fix through the option of a 7-speed DSG transmission, but the fact the Pogo is now available with a proper manual box is a great score for trad hot hatch fans.
We’re expecting full details once the Paris Motor Show is underway and we’ll update you when we can. Meanwhile there’s a few more pics for you after the break. It’s always been a nice looking car the 6R Polo, and this facelifted GTI is perhaps the best looking iteration yet.
3 replies on “Volkswagen updates 6R Polo GTI”
You’re right, it has maintained its looks really well. Good on VW for dropping the 1.4 TFSI (really cool idea, technically difficult to execute well), phone dial wheels (finally) and bringing in a manual as an option (hopefully this is a new trend in the hot hatch world).
Will be interesting to see what the options list is like now – it was a tad anaemic before.
Wonder if they are going to stay with torsion beam rear axle? I think this somewhat hamstrung the roundabout cornering cred of the previous gen. Also, hopefully with the (sort of) move away from double DIN, they have better sounding stereo options than before.
Such a great little car. I have always been a fan of the Polo, especially in its current iteration of design language.
I’m confused. Although this is a great move, isn’t it just a case of “back to the future” for the Polo? Wasn’t the previous series Polo GTi before they switched to the 1.4L engine a 1.8L turbo 4 with a manual gearbox? Why all the hoopla?
Also what has happened to the Polo R? Has it been canned? I haven’t heard much if anything about it in recent times. 2.0L with AWD and links to it’s rally success would be nice. I’d definitely be interested in a Polo R.