First Look: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI To Debut In Geneva

Volkswagen has shown the Polo GTI ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The three-door performance hatch’s 1.4-liter gasoline engine benefits from both a supercharger and a turbocharger, boosting throughout the rev range, and minimizing turbo lag (this is the same technology found in Europe’s MkV Golf GT).  178 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque are put to the wheels via a compact seven-speed DSG transmission.

With a top speed of 142 miles per hour, the Polo GTI hits 62 mph in 6.9 seconds. Not the hottest VW hatch we’ve seen, but we imagine the power delivery feels good nonetheless.

The little GTI’s unique suspension lowers it, and gives it a more performance-oriented ride.

Inside, we see the GTI tartan trim we know and love, as well as that sweet-to-hold, flat-bottomed steering wheel fitted with paddle shifters.

See it in the gallery, or scroll down for more technical information in the press release.

FAST, CLEAN AND SHARPER THAN EVER: NEW POLO GTI UNVEILED

The new Polo GTI has been unveiled, promising to be the fastest, most focussed and cleanest performance Polo yet produced.

The original performance variant of the Polo was unveiled in 1986 in the form of the G40 Coupé – a car that mixed a fast-revving, 113 PS, supercharged engine with a low kerbweight and sharpened responses.

Fast forward 24 years and the new Polo GTI bears similarities with the G40. At its heart is a 1.4-litre TSI engine that uses a supercharger from idle through to 3,000 rpm at which point the turbocharger cuts in to provide boost. The result is an output of 180 PS at 6,200 rpm and 184 lbs ft of torque from 2,000 rpm which, when aligned with a 1,184 kg kerbweight, allows the Polo GTI to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 142 mph.

Despite a keen focus on performance, the new Polo GTI is capable of delivering 47 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2.

The TSI engine is linked to a compact seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox that channels drive through the front axle. In addition, the Polo GTI is fitted with the XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling. The XDS system is a functional extension of the electronic limited slip differential (EDL) which is a part of the standard ESP system.

In order to sharpen responses, the Polo GTI is fitted with new springs and dampers which results in a 15 mm lower ride height than the conventional Polo.

Like its Golf GTI sibling, the Polo GTI features significant aesthetic changes. A new front bumper featuring a deep airdam is joined by a honeycombe grille element with horizontal red strips and a simple GTI badge. New headlight units complete with the option of LED running lights lend the Polo GTI an imposing new look.

Further back, a subtle sill extension wraps around the lower edge of the body while at the back a new rear bumper features a small diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts. The Polo badge is replaced by a simple ‘GTI’ version.

Finally, a set of 17-inch wheels identical to those fitted to the Golf GTI are fitted along with a set of red brake callipers.

The changes continue inside the Polo GTI with revised dials, a new, flat-bottomed GTI steering wheel complete with small gearshift paddles and contrasting red stitching, aluminium pedals and new, heavily bolstered front sports seats finished in tartan trim. Subtle gloss black trim covers the centre console while the headlining is now finished in black.

The new Polo GTI is due to arrive in the UK in the summer at which point pricing and specification will be announced.