ICE-powered hot hatches might be a dying breed these days but that didn’t stop Volkswagen from presenting a new special edition of the Polo GTI just in time for its 25th anniversary. The VW Polo GTI Edition 25 has a limited production of 2,500 units, bringing plenty of standard equipment and a beefed-up suspension setup for improved handling.
The Edition 25 of the fastest Polo is distinguished by the special stickers on the profile plus the Ascot Grey exterior shade which joins the other GTI Colors (Pure White, Kings Red Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Smoke Grey Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl Effect). The special edition comes standard with the IQ. Light LED matrix headlights and a set of 18-inch Adelaide alloy wheels finished in gloss black. The roof and mirror caps are also black, while the red brake calipers and exterior accents are typically red as with the GTI emblem on the tailgate.
More: The VW ID.2 Electric Hatch Will Get A Hotter GTI Or GTX Variant Too
Inside, the premium sports seats are upholstered in black perforated leather with red details and GTI logos on the seatbacks. There is also a “one of 2500” plate on the side sills, communicating the limited production nature of the model. Other features include the leather sports steering wheel with “25” lettering and paddles and the 8-inch Ready2Discover infotainment which can be optionally upgraded. Those who want the safest and most technologically advanced Polo can get the optional IQ.Drive assist package with the Travel Assist offering semi-automated driving.
Sportier Suspension, Same Powertrain
More importantly, the VW Polo GTI Edition 25 gets a unique sports suspension that sits 15 mm (0.6 inches) lower than the standard model and further improves its handling credentials. Under the bonnet lies the usual turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine producing 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front axle through a 7-speed DSG automatic with the help of a standard electronic differential lock XDS. As a result, the hot hatch completes the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 6.5 seconds with the top speed rated at 210 km/h (130 mph).
In order to highlight the launch of the pocket rocket, VW published a short video with plenty of action. VW CEO Thomas Schäfer and board member Imelda Labbé enjoyed a fun ride in the special edition, with experienced racing driver Jasmin Preisig sitting behind the wheel and treating them with some air time.
The Polo GTI Edition 25 will be available to order from June 1, with pricing starting from €35,205 ($38,129) in Germany. Just like the majority of VW Polo variants, the special edition will be produced in the Kariega plant, which is the largest automotive factory in South Africa.
The first generation of the Polo was introduced in 1975, but it wasn’t until 1998 that Volkswagen launched a GTI variant. The current sixth-generation model debuted in 2017, with a facelift following in 2021. This Polo is thought to be the last of its kind, likely to be replaced by the production version of the fully electric ID.2all in 2025. Thankfully, the EV will reportedly gain a hotter variant keeping the hot hatch spirit alive.
