220bhp, 1.6 TFSI, 150mph, £21,000.
Is the Polo R back on?
‘From super frugal to extra spicy! VW told us back in March (Issue 1107) that there would be no performance flagship Polo – but sources have now confirmed plans to produce a hardcore R.’
Source: Auto Express, 26 January 2010 (Issue 1150)
The latest issue of the UK’s Auto Express magazine reports a story that we thought was dead. The news weekly reports that Volkswagen bosses have now confirmed that the Polo performance flagship, the R, will follow the Golf and Scirocco versions into showrooms ‘early next year’. The ‘confirmation’ comes at a good time; the internet is still awash with rumours that the Polo R is on the cards, and following the good reviews and encouraging customer demand for the latest 178bhp Polo GTI, a 220bhp version of the Polo could sell. We got the denials straight from the horse’s mouth last May when Volkswagen UK rebuffed any possible Polo R development.
The current Auto Express story states little that we didn’t already know. The projected Polo R will more than likely develop 220bhp from a new 1.6-litre turbocharged TFSI engine, dispatching the 0-62mph dash in ‘around six seconds’, and have a price sticker of around £21,000, only £2500 more than the £18,790 GTI. Despite Audi developing a quattro four-wheel drive version of the Polo’s platform for the S1, any Polo R would be front-wheel drive only. Is there any truth in the latest rumours? We’re a little sceptical, but all will be revealed in due course. The reported possible demise of the Polo GTI’s 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged TSI engine could be a pointer, though.
That does look gorgeous!
It’s a press shot from the Polo’s design process Rory, and doesn’t really represent the ‘R’ proper. Top right in this montage is a mocked up image from one of the German publications, which could give a stronger representation if the car was to be produced.
Time to get your orders in now guys!
I suppose by the time the ‘R’ arrives the GTI will be fully paid… LOL