Volkswagen Unveils Facelifted Polo GTI Ahead of Paris Debut
Volkswagen has revealed the updated Polo GTI, which gains a new 1.8-litre turbo engine, refreshed styling and a manual gearbox option for 2015.
Volkswagen has officially taken the wraps off the facelifted Polo GTI, confirming the updated hot hatch will make its public debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The new model features a more powerful 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, revised styling and, for the first time in this generation, a six-speed manual gearbox option.
Powering the revised Polo GTI is a 1.8-litre TSI four-cylinder, replacing the previous 1.4-litre unit. Volkswagen quotes 192 PS (141 kW) and up to 320 Nm of torque, depending on gearbox. This brings the Polo GTI into line with rivals in the B-segment hot hatch class, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 236 km/h. The engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.
The exterior receives a sharper look, with new front and rear bumpers, a honeycomb grille featuring trademark red accents, and a dual exhaust system. These changes are intended to reinforce the GTI’s identity within the Polo range. The car sits lower than the standard Polo and rides on unique alloy wheels.
Interior and Equipment
Inside, the facelifted Polo GTI continues the GTI tradition with sport seats finished in plaid upholstery, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, gloss black trim and red contrast stitching. Volkswagen also adds updated infotainment and safety technology, in line with the wider Polo facelift introduced earlier in 2014.
Performance and Rivals
With the move to a larger engine and the addition of a manual gearbox, the Polo GTI squares up more directly to other B-segment hot hatches such as the Peugeot 208 GTi and Ford Fiesta ST. The new power output and performance figures put it on par with these key competitors, while the availability of DSG continues to offer buyers a choice not found in all rivals.
Pricing for the facelifted Polo GTI in Germany was later confirmed to start from €22,275. For more on market availability and pricing, seeVolkswagen Prices 2015 Polo GTI Facelift from €22,275 in Germany.
Styling and Detail Changes
- Redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes
- Revised rear bumper and dual exhaust outlets
- Honeycomb grille with red GTI strip
- Unique alloy wheels and lower ride height
- Interior upgrades: plaid sports seats, red stitching, gloss black trim
The facelifted Polo GTI joins the refreshed Polo range, which was first shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. For details on the wider Polo facelift, seeVolkswagen Polo facelift debuts at 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
The car is set to go on sale in Europe following its Paris debut, with further details on international launches to follow.
