PoloDriver

After appearances at last year’s Paris motor show and a track-based launch to the press, the fourth-generation Polo GTI has finally landed in the UK. We managed to nab the keys for a first drive at a recent Volkswagen UK range review day around the leafy lanes of Buckinghamshire. The most potent version yet, has Volkswagen finally added some dynamic sparkle?

Three generations of the Polo GTI have come and gone since 2000, and now, there’s a new version. Based on the updated and revised fifth-generation model launched last year, the small VW GTI newcomer has more power, a better gearbox, and, with the addition of the optional Sport Performance Kit, a welcome spot of adjustability.

More power
First, as it’s a GTI, the issue of more power. Now the most powerful production (possibly the most powerful) Polo to date, the 6C GTI gets its motive power courtesy of a version of the Volkswagen 1.8-litre ‘EA888’ turbocharged engine. From the same series of engines fitted to the Golf GTI, with 189bhp and 236lb ft (320Nm), the new Polo GTI comfortably beats the figures of the outgoing 1.4-litre twin-charged car, with an increase of 12bhp and 52lb ft (70Nm).

On the road, it feels more powerful, too. The 0-62mph dash now takes just 6.7 seconds (just 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor) but, more importantly for a GTI, the car feels quick. Volkswagen quotes top speed as 146mph, an increase of 4mph over the old car. The new engine really suits the new hot Polo much better than the old one did. There’s now the classic big-engine-in-a-small-car impression, something which was lacking in the 6R GTI.

Manual gearbox
There are other changes, too. At last, the manual gearbox is back. Bucking the current – and increasingly alarming – trend for automatic drivetrains, the Polo GTI brazenly welcomes the stick shifter back with open arms. A six-speed unit, the action is very positive and snicks home through the gate very nicely.

Its return is a good move by Volkswagen – it brings a very welcome level of interactivity which was previously just not there. The DSG hasn’t died yet, though: the seven-speed semi-auto is available for a £1245 supplement. We’d take the manual every time.

But, the decision may not be that clear cut. There’s an important difference between the two gear selecting options to consider. Choose the semi-auto gearbox and torque will be limited to 184lb ft (250Nm) between 1250-5300rpm compared to the manual’s 236lb ft (320Nm) between 1450-4200rpm. Volkswagen states ‘technical differences in the design parameters of the gearboxes’ as the reason why. It’s a toss up between simply more torque or less torque available over a larger rev range.

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‘Volkswagen is introducing the eagerly anticipated new Polo GTI with power output of 141kW (9kW more than its predecessor). The new Polo GTI is clearly recognisable as the sporty flagship derivative of the new Polo model range.’

Volkswagen South Africa has officially launched the latest version of the Polo GTI today. As with European models, six-speed manual gearbox and seven-speed DSG semi-automatic versions are available. The appearance is the same, too, with 17-inch ‘Parabolica’ alloy wheels fitted as standard as well as a smattering of ‘GTI’ badges. The DSG-only at launch (manual transmission is expected to arrive in the second half of the year) 141kW 2015 South African Volkswagen Polo GTI is priced from R326,400.

0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds
Performance of the new South African Polo GTI is on a par with European and UK models. Featuring the same 1,798cc single-scroll turbocharged ‘EA888’ petrol engine, power is up 9kW from the 1.4 TSI Polo GTI to 141kW (189bhp).

This means the sports-orientated flagship Polo can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 236km/h (146mph). Peak power comes in between 4,300 and 6,200rpm in the manual car and from 5,400 to 6,200rpm when the DSG gearbox is specified.

Torque for the DSG-equipped car is limited to 250Nm between 1,250 and 5,300rpm, but the manual model gets a full fat 320Nm to play with between 1,450 and 4,200rpm. Performance figures are the same whichever version is chosen.

Volkswagen states that the DSG transmission was specially configured for the 141kW GTI engine across a variety of individual parameters, characteristic curves and engine mappings. CO2 emissions are improved when compared to the outgoing TSI twin-charged car, with the manual version recording 139g/km, the DSG 129g/km.

‘Exceptionally agile and secure handling’
The suspension of the new Polo GTi has been retuned to deliver ‘exceptionally agile and secure handling’ handling. The chassis of the Polo GTI is 10mm lower at the front and 15mm at the rear when compared to its regular Polo siblings. A beefier anti-roll bar helps keep body movement in check.

Increasing the wheel width by half an inch – now 7.5 inches wide – also plays its part. Like other market versions, Volkswagen South Africa is offering the new Polo GTI with an electronically-adjustable damper system, the ‘Sport Performance Kit’.

The ‘Sport Select’ suspension is adjusted by a ‘Sport’ button in the centre console of the Polo GTI, which activates an electromechanical switching valve in the dampers. This alters the tuning from a comfort-orientates basic setting to one which exhibits the stiffer characteristics of a more traditional sports suspension set-up.

The new electromechanical steering system also gains more weight, and the accelerator pedal gains sharper responses. A sound actuator filters a more tuned engine noise into the cabin. Braking is taken care of by 310mm brake discs at the front of the car with 230mm discs at the rear.

Standard safety systems
The new Polo GTI also features Volkswagen’s XDS+ electronic differential lock, ESC Sport electronic stability control, engine drag torque control, ABS and Hill Hold Assist.

Further standard safety systems include an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System which automatically brakes the car in the event of an impact to prevent a secondary accident, and a Driver Alert System which detects falling levels of driver concentration, firing a warning alert in the instrument panel accompanied by an audible alarm.

Prominent red striping
Of course, the Polo GTI has to look like a GTI, and there’s definitely no mistaking the latest hot Polo for anything else. Prominent red striping on the front grille stretches into the headlights (LED units optional) and honeycomb patterns adorn the covered openings. Flared door sills, 17” “Parabolica’ alloy wheels, and red brake calipers add more visual presence in profile.

Moving to the back, ‘Dark Red’ rear lights, a gloss black rear roof spoiler, grained diffuser and twin exhausts differentiate the sportiest production Polo to date. Inside, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel features red stitching, and the floor mats are trimmed with red edgeds.

The heated sports seats feature leatherette and alcantara trim (they miss out on the ‘Jacky’ tartan cloth of European and UK models), while footwell lighting, black headlining and aluminium pedal caps add the final sports touches.

Phone and audio streaming
The 5.8-inch ‘Composition Media’ infotainment system with colour touchscreen offers Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phone and audio streaming, and a proximity sensor (menu details are shown when hand approaches the screen).

There is also a CD-player, USB connection, MP3 functionality, and auxiliary and SD-card inputs for external audio source as well as six loudspeakers. The MirrorLink function also allows Android smartphones to be displayed and controlled on the Polo GTI’s infotainment system.

Available to order now, the new South African Polo GTI also features a 3-year/45,000km Service Plan, 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15,000km.

Options offered include LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, panoramic sunroof, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Climatronic air-conditioning and a Rear Assist Camera system. Visit www.volkswagen.co.za for more details.




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Volkswagen is reported to be considering importing hotter Polos for sale in India. The Indian arm of the German company currently sells the Polo GT TSI and GT TDI with 104bhp petrol and diesel engines respectively. The Polo GT TSI has 175Nm of torque, with the GT TDI boasting 250Nm.

Autocar India reports that VW could choose either the 1.4-litre 148bhp TSI engine from the European BlueGT model to power an uprated GT variant, or import the new-for-2015 Polo GTI, more or less as it is. The latter model sprints to 62mph from rest in 6.7 seconds thanks to its 1.8-litre TSI engine.

The magazine states that both proposed engines have been homologated for sale in India, but that they will more than likely be expensive. It cites a price of Rs 17 lakh for the GTI, even if part-assembled locally, but points out that it would, in essence, be a brand builder for Volkswagen.

The current Polo GT has been met with a warm reception in India, much to Volkswagen’s surprise. The Polo GT TSI features a seven-speed DSG gearbox, while the GT TDI model is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. Both models feature special equipment and were refreshed in line with the facelifted fifth-generation Polo late last year.

[Source: Autocar India]

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It’s been another busy and exciting year for the Volkswagen Polo. Of course, the big news of 2014 has been the worldwide launch of a comprehensively revised version of the fifth-generation Polo. New engines, safety technology, interior refinements and a gently restyled exterior update it against refreshed competition.

On the asphalt and gravel stages of the World Rally Championship, the Polo has, like 2013, once again come out on top. Taking 12 event wins out of 13, the 300bhp four-wheel drive Polo R WRC has claimed the Manufacturers’ Championship title for Volkswagen Motorsport, and also carried Frenchmen Sébastien Ogier the Julien Ingrassia to their second consecutive Drivers’ Championship prize.

Other Polo-based motorsport series have also continued around the globe, with Wolfsburg’s small car competing as a rally, rallycross and also a track machine. Here, we round up the Polo’s biggest achievements in 2014. (Bold entries are illustrated by the picture above that particular month.)

January

– Refreshed fifth-generation Polo (known as ‘6C’) presented in Wolfsburg
– Polo ends 2013 as the eighth best-selling car in the UK
– 2014-specification Polo R WRC rally car unveiled

– Sébastien Ogier wins 2014 Rallye Monte Carlo with Polo R WRC

– Polo Vivo and is the best-selling car in South Africa for 2013; Polo 6R is runner-up

– Polo is the fifth best-selling car in the UK.

February

– Jari-Matti Latavala takes Polo R WRC to victory in Rally Sweden
– New Polo MY2015 production starts at Volkswagen Navarra factory
– New Polo BlueMotion, BlueGT and CrossPolo revealed ahead of Geneva motor show
– Volkswagen Motorsport signs rallycross partnership with Marklund Motorsport
– Polo is the sixth best-selling car in the UK.

March
– Mathew Hodges and Daniel Rowe take wins at 2014 Engen Volkswagen Cup opener
– Sébastien Ogier wins Rally Mexico, with Jari-Matti Latvala in second place
– Polo hatchback and saloon prices reduced in Brazil
– Volkswagen Sasolracing Polo S2000 triumph at 2014 Tour Natal Rally
– New Polo released for UK ordering – prices and full specifications announced
– Dewald Brummer and Tasmin Pepper take Engen Volkswagen Cup spoils at Killarney
– Polo is the seventh best-selling car in the UK.

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It’s official, the UK-bound new-for-2015 Polo GTI range will start at £18,850 when deliveries begin in March next year. With order books now open, the heavily revised version of the range-topping performance Polo will be available with three or five doors, and a choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearboxes.

The Polo GTI will cost £18,850 RRP OTR for the three-door manual with a £630 premium for five doors and an extra £1245 for the DSG gearbox. The most expensive version, the five-door seven-speed DSG, will be £20,725.

The New Polo GTI had its debut at the 2014 Paris motor show in October. Powered by a new 1.8-litre TSI turbocharged engine developing 189bhp (11bhp over the pre-refresh model), the new hot shot Polo can sprint to 62mph from rest in 6.7 seconds and tops out at 146mph.

The engine delivers its power between 4200-6200rpm (manual, 5400-6200rpm DSG) and records torque outputs of 236lb ft/320Nm (manual) at 1450-4200rpm. The DSG-equipped car is a little down on pulling power due to the limitations of the semi-automated gearbox, but is still capable of 184lb ft/250Nm at 1250-5300rpm.

Power and parsimony
But with that power comes new-found parsimony: Volkswagen quotes an economy figure of 50.4mpg for the new Polo GTI and emissions of only 129g/km (manual, 47.1mpg and 139g/km for the DSG version).

Completing the new Polo GTI’s technical make-up is a £245 ‘Sport Performance Pack’, which includes Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) switchable dampers. Sportier steering feel, sharper accelerator response and increased engine noise thanks to an in-car actuator are also part of the optional package.

The 2015 Polo GTI is also fitted with ESC Sport, which like the Golf GTI, enables the electronic stability control system to be switched off for use on the track. Working in two stages, first the traction control is switched off, then ESC Sport is activated which increases the ESC threshold and delays intervention (without ESC being completely deactivated).

Another Golf GTI feature is XDS+. Standard on the Polo GTI, XDS compensates for the understeer which is typical of front-wheel drive cars, meaning driving characteristics are more precise and neutral. Volkswagen has much confidence in the handling of the new car, and officially presented it to the press at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo in Spain.

GTI styling flourishes
As is de rigueur for sports Volkswagens, the Polo GTI boasts specific GTI styling flourishes. New bumpers, GTI badges, 17-inch ‘Parabolica’ alloy wheels and red strips which frame the honeycomb grille and extended into the headlights all feature. Lowered suspension (front 10mm, rear 15mm) is also standard.

LED headlamps make their debut on a Polo, while ‘Dark Red’ tinted rear lights, a larger roof spoiler, black grained diffuser and dual chrome exhaust pipes signify to other drivers that they are following the newest version of the Polo GTI.

Inside, the black and red theme continues. A leather three-spoke sports steering wheel with ‘GTI’ logo and red stitching nod to the Golf GTI, as do the red-edged floor mats. The chequered ‘Clark’-trimmed cloth seats with black bolsters have been a GTI styling touch since the first Golf GTI in 1976.

2015 VOLKSWAGEN POLO GTI PRICES (UK)
Polo GTI 1.8 3dr 189bhp 6-spd manual: £18,850
Polo GTI 1.8 5dr 189bhp 6-spd manual: £19,480
Polo GTI 1.8 3dr 189bhp 7-spd DSG: £20,095
Polo GTI 1.8 5dr 189bhp 7-spd DSG: £20,725

For more details, visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

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