In April, Volkswagen presented the new evolutionary stage of the sixth Polo generation. This is now followed by the sportiest variant: the new Polo GTI. This car with the legendary abbreviation leads the way in the Polo segment in terms of power, technology and sportiness. The high-torque 207 PS TSI engine and the sports running gear adapted especially for the Polo GTI turn the best-selling small compact car into a dynamic sports car with four doors. As an option, it also permits partly automated driving for the first time in the Polo GTI. The iconic design of the visually and technically updated compact athlete is characterised by legendary GTI insignia, such as the red strip in the radiator grille, the honeycomb structure of the air intake grille and the premium sports seats with the typical Clark check pattern on the seat centre panels. Numerous latest-generation assist systems guarantee even more comfort and safety for all passengers. Like in the other members of the new Polo product line, it comes equipped with the latest version of the online Infotainment systems (MIB3.1). This means that the five-seater sports car is “always on” and top-level connectivity is available on request. For brilliant full-colour display of digital content, the new Polo GTI now comes as standard with the Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25-inch display, as well as the Ready2Discover Infotainment system including App-Connect Wireless, online control unit (eSIM), features on demand and 8-inch touchscreen. Radio navigation systems with 9.2-inch touchscreen are also optionally available.
Modern sports car in compact format. There are three letters in the automotive world that have had a magical ring to them for almost five decades now: GTI. Grand Tourer Injection. Thanks to Volkswagen, this abbreviation has stood for outstanding driving pleasure in the small car segment ever since the original GTI from 1976. The Polo has borne the GTI abbreviation since 1998 – as the third model after the Golf and Scirocco. The latest generation seamlessly continues the great GTI tradition and sets new standards for small compact cars. The technical basis for this is provided by the modular transverse matrix (MQB) from Volkswagen. The MQB stands for technical progress across all product lines as well as for high body strength, exemplary low vehicle weight and very good crash properties.
New bumpers, headlights and tail light clusters. The new Polo GTI is now equipped as standard with the new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and an illuminated radiator grille crossbar as a characteristic complement to the daytime running lights. The new sporty Polo thus creates a style connection to the battery-electric ID. models from Volkswagen and to the new vehicle generation of successful models like the Golf, Arteon and Tiguan, which also feature this striking LED light strip typical for new Volkswagen cars either as an option or depending on the equipment specification.
The newly designed LED tail light clusters are the most conspicuous visual change at the rear of the new Polo GTI. These extend well towards the middle of the boot lid and feature an animated brake light and integrated dynamic turn signal, which indicates the driver’s intention to change direction by means of a flowing light movement. The new GTI-specific bumpers mean that the compact athlete now stands on the road with an even more confident and wider presence. The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) is integrated at the sides in the bumper and is controlled via the main headlights. This system has been newly designed and now produces an even more striking light design effect. In combination with the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, it ensures extremely homogeneous illumination of the road and surroundings. Within the limits of the system, the innovative matrix technology permits continuous driving with the main beam activated without dazzling other road users. The characteristic GTI insignia of the sharpened front end remain the eye-catching red GTI logo in the radiator grille, the air intake grilles with honeycomb structure, and the all-round red trim strip above the LED daytime running lights strip. On the right and left, this extends into the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with red winglets.
Sports running gear and XDS electronic differential lock. As only appropriate for a true GTI from Volkswagen, the new Polo GTI is equipped as standard with sports running gear that is specially tuned for the vehicle. This lowers the body by 15 millimetres and guarantees the synthesis of high driving dynamics, reliable neutrality and very good driving comfort typical for GTI models. In fast corners, the XDS electronic differential lock ensures perfect traction. As part of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control systems, XDS controls the brake pressure of the front wheel on the inside of the bend to prevent the wheel from spinning and loss of control of the vehicle in extreme situations.