2014 VW Polo R WRC Is One Pricey Homologation Special

If you think the current VW Polo GTI packs a great punch thanks to its 200 PS (197 HP) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, you’ll be glad to know there used to be an even more powerful Polo around.

The Polo R WRC was launched in 2013 as the most powerful production Polo ever made. It still holds that title, as its Golf GTI-sourced EA113 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder made 220 PS (217 HP) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

That was enough for a zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of 6.4 seconds and a 243 km/h (150 mph) top speed, which makes it quicker than the latest-generation Polo GTI. Despite carrying the ‘R’ in its name, though, the Polo R WRC is not all-wheel drive.

Read Also: Wimmer’s VW Polo R WRC Is A 414 HP Street-Legal Animal

The TSI engine is hooked to a short-shift, six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. The car also features a sports suspension but, unfortunately, no mechanical limited slip differential. For that reason, some reviewers said the Polo R WRC had difficulty at times to put all the power down.

Still, this is an interesting hot hatch, especially given its rarity. VW only built 2,500 examples in order to homologate the Polo-based World Rally Championship contender, as FIA regulations required.

All are three-door models and sport an identical livery consisting of a white body with blue and grey stripes and decals. The car also features exclusive 18-inch alloys as well as a number of gloss black elements including the front splitter, mirror caps, rear diffuser-like element and roof spoiler.

The interior features a flat-bottomed steering wheel with 12 o’clock marking and WRC-badged sports seats, both wrapped in Alcantara and featuring blue stitching. A black roof liner, metal pedals, R-line themed instruments with blue colored needles, and a plaque with the car’s serial number round out the upgrades.

If we still have your attention, you’ll be happy to learn there’s a one-owner Polo R WRC for sale with Auto Zitzmann in Nürnberg, Germany. First registered in November 2014, car number 0414 (out of 2500) has 19,000 kilometers (11,806 miles) on the clock and a complete service history.

Notable equipment includes bi-xenon headlights with cornering lights, tinted rear windows, Climatronic air conditioning, DAB+ radio, RNS 315 navigation system with Bluetooth, power windows and side mirrors, and more. The only potential problem we see is the €22,313 ($26,640) asking price, which would otherwise buy you a brand new 2020 VW Polo GTI.