Performance-orientated Polo GTI makes a South African comeback
The firecracking GTI version of the fifth-generation Polo has been let loose on South African streets. The same as European and Australian versions, the latest performance Polo is powered by a 178bhp, 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged (‘twincharger’ in Volkswagen speak) engine, and scrabbles to 62mph in 6.9 seconds. Standard equipment includes a twin-clutch DSG gearbox with steering wheel paddles, 17-inch ‘Denver’ alloy wheels and a styling pack borrowed from the Golf GTI. Optional kit includes a panoramic sunroof (now sadly deleted from the UK options list). Prices of the four-door new Polo GTI start at R259,000. For more information, visit the Volkswagen South Africa website. The full Volkswagen South Africa press release and photo gallery follows.
The Polo GTI is back. A powerful 132 kW comeback!
The new Polo GTI lives up to its legendary name with superior handling properties combined with uncompromising engine dynamics and a maximum of safety. The list of high-tech features runs through the new Polo GTI like a common theme. Take the engine: This Polo is powered by a new 1.4-litre TSI with petrol direct injection plus turbo and supercharging. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG. An electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) reduces understeer and improves handling in fast driving through curves.
The Polo GTI is extremely agile and super efficient. Weighing 1,269kg, the Polo GTI accelerates to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 229km/h. At the same time, it is the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting GTI of all time. Combined fuel consumption is just 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres*. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 139g/km.
TSI drive: more power by engine charging
The combination of direct injection, supercharger and turbocharger will generate plenty of excitement in this segment. The 132 kW 16-valve four-cylinder engine reaches its maximum power at 6200 rpm. Its maximum torque of 250 Newton metres is also impressive for an engine of this size. This torque is achieved from 2000rpm and stays at a constantly high level up to 4500 rpm.
DSG transmission: extremely efficient and sporty
Having a positive effect on this dynamic is the standard 7-speed DSG. The direct shift gearbox unifies the sports appeal and economy of a manual gearbox with the operating convenience of an automatic. As an alternative to the fully-automatic mode, the DSG may also be shifted manually – either by gearshift lever via the Tiptronic shift gate or via the standard shift paddle on the steering wheel.
Sport chassis: 15 millimetres lower and 17-inch tyres
The top performing model in the Polo range is a thoroughly sporty and safe car. Among the systems responsible for this is the GTI sport chassis including ESP and the XDS electronic transverse differential lock. It ensures that the Polo GTI’s power is cleanly transferred to the road, even in tight serpentine curves. The running gear is based on the fundamental layout of a McPherson front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension combined with exceptional dynamic tuning. New, stiffer dampers are linked to specially modified springs that lower the ride height by 15 millimetres compared to ‘normal versions’. The effect: lower angles of body roll and a lower centre of gravity. Serving the same purpose are the low-profile tyres (215/40 R17 87V) on alloy wheels in GTI-typical 5-hole ‘Denver’ styling (7J x 17).
Perfectly regulated: ESP plus XDS sets the direction
When it comes to safety, the Polo GTI is fully equipped with generously dimensioned brakes and ESP. Networked with this are numerous other electronic modules such as the anti-lock braking (ABS), hill hold control, anti-slip regulation (ASR), engine drag torque control (MSR) and electronic differential locks (EDL). Tyre pressure is also sensed by the standard tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
A modern extension of familiar EDL function is the XDS electronic transverse differential lock, which was introduced for the first time on the Golf GTI. XDS improves handling through fast curves and calibrates the car to be more ‘neutral’, since it prevents slip of the unloaded wheel at the inside of the curve by active brake intervention, improving traction. This system, which is standard feature on the Polo GTI, accesses existing sensor data such as steering wheel angle, yaw rate and wheel speeds.
The new top model in the Polo range is easy to recognise as a GTI at first glance – inside and outside.
Exterior: Here the sportiest Polo stands out from the crowd with the two classic red trim strips on its radiator grille. It sports the honeycomb structure of the air inlets inserts in the uniquely styled front apron. Also GTI-specific are the fender flares and the rear spoiler painted in body colour. Other exterior details of the Polo GTI include the 17-inch alloy wheels in ‘Denver’ styling that offer a clear view of the red painted brake callipers, as well as a customised rear apron with a diffuser look in its lower section. Integrated on the left side are the chrome dual tailpipes of the exhaust system. Another feature available for the first time on the new Polo GTI is the optional panoramic sunroof extending back to the B-pillars.
Interior: Here too the 132 kW Polo impresses with genuine GTI ambience. This is already achieved by the standard sport seats in Alcantara/Vienna leather trim combination. The roof liner, roof pillar trim, grab handles and sun visors are all styled in a sporty black; a glossy black surface treatment also decorates the panels of the centre console. They are coordinated with intentionally contrasting colour and material accents such as brushed chrome for the air vent surrounds and chrome accents for the round control knobs.
Also styled in this brushed chrome look are door handles, frames for the gearshift lever and parking brake, the DSG gearshift gate and the three spokes of the leather sport steering wheel. The distinctive decorative seams on the gearshift boot, parking brake grip and steering wheel are styled in classic red.
The extensive list of standard features emphasises that sportiness and comfort are not incompatible concepts in the new Polo GTI. Other standard features include aluminium look pedals, all round electric windows, electric adjusting and heated side mirrors, ‘Climatic’ air conditioning and front fog lights. Then there is of course a passive safety package with driver and front passenger airbags, head-thorax side airbags and belt tensioners in front, as well as Isofix points on the rear bench seat for suitably fitted child seats.
Optional features
The following optional features are available with new Polo GTI:
- panoramic sunroof
- park distance control (rear)
- curtain airbags.
Exterior colours
Volkswagen will offer the new Polo GTI in six colours, namely Candy White, Flash Red, Black, Reflex Silver, Shadow Blue and Deep Black.
Retail price (VAT & Emissions Tax included)
1.4 TSI Polo GTI 132 kW DSG: R259,000
Service and Warranty
The new Volkswagen Polo GTI comes standard with a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. A 5-year/60,000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a 5-year/60,000km Service Plan are optional. The service interval is 15,000 km.
* All claimed figures for fuel consumption and C02 emissions have been calculated using the prescribed and controlled methods of measurement. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on vehicle load, climatic and traffic conditions as well as driving style.
