OSHAKATI – Volkswagen has reconfigured the Polo GTI, fitting it with the 7-speed DSG transmission, as well a 6-speed manual transmission, and an engine that has a power output of 141kW, and top speed of 236km/h. This is because the 1.4 TSI 132 kW engine has been replaced with 1.8 litre TSI engine delivering 141 kW.
It also has the optional ‘Sport Performance Kit’, which car enthusiasts can adapt for use on the racetrack.
According to a statement from Volkswagen, the 2015 Polo GTI would have an interior characterised by the newly “mixed” GTI insignias, including the new instrument cluster with GTI styling and the redesigned layout of the controls on the redesigned centre console.
On the upper control level, just beneath the air vents, is a control panel that has been expanded from seven to nine buttons; positioned in the middle and easy to reach, for instance, is the hazard lights switch. The interior specialists have also optimised the controls for the air conditioning system that is standard in the Polo GTI. They are arranged below the infotainment system. Chrome accents on the door trim panels, the air vents and around the gearshift console round off the sophisticated ambience.
The new Polo GTI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Yet the figures for the new Polo GTI’s fuel consumption show just how amazingly efficient it is: 5.6 litres/100 km in conjunction with the 7-speed DSG, and 6 litres with the 6-speed manual transmission.
The exterior of the Polo GTI features new bumpers, distinctively flared doorsills, the GTI logo on the front wing and classic GTI insignia such as the red strips in the radiator grille and headlights, which give the car a dynamic appearance. The Polo GTI is also available for the first time with optional LED headlights as well as LED daytime running lights. The Polo GTI’s sporty appeal is further enhanced by the new 17-inch ‘Parabolicca’ alloy wheels with GTI styling. At the rear, the GTI roof spoiler, tail light clusters in ‘Dark Red’, the black-grained diffuser and the chrome dual exhaust tailpipes all add to the sporty theme.
For the first time, Volkswagen is offering electronically adjustable dampers in the Polo GTI. These form the core technology basis of the new, optional ‘Sport Select’ suspension.
The sports suspension of the new Polo GTI has been completely retuned to deliver exceptionally agile and secure handling. The technical basis for this comes from a set-up with a McPherson-type front axle and a torsion beam axle for the rear wheels. The chassis of the GTI is 10 mm lower at the front and 15 mm lower at the rear compared with the less powerful Polo derivatives.
The chassis engineers have succeeded in reducing roll to a minimum to ensure that the new Polo GTI is agile and responsive. One of the factors responsible for this is the stronger anti-roll bar on the front axle. Replacing the 7-inch with 7.5-inch wide alloy wheels has also contributed to the improved handling; the newly designed 17-inch wheels come with 215/40 tyres.
The Polo GTI is equipped with a fade resistant 16-inch brake system. The front wheels have ventilated brake discs with a diameter of 310 mm, and at the back 230 mm discs are used. The red brake callipers are a characteristic feature of the GTI.
The new Polo GTI comes standard with a 3-year/45 000km service plan, 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km. Retail price starts at N$326 400.