VW has been making GTI versions of the Polo for quite some time now, but the new generation wants to achieve more than its predecessors did.
The German company wants the GTI badge to represent the default choice in the hot-hatch segments, offering for the first time three GTIs at the same time: the small Up!, the supermini Polo and, of course, the Golf.
Hot versions of superminis can be really special as demonstrated in the past by Renault with the Clio RS and Ford with the Fiesta ST, and VW is more serious than ever with the Polo GTI in terms of performance and fun.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine this time, making 197hp (200PS) and 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque. When paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (a manual option is also available), the Polo GTI requires 6.7 seconds for the 0-62mph (100km/h) dash and it won’t stop accelerating before it hits 147mph (247km/h). Autocar delivers its first driving impressions on the video that follows.