Months after revealing the sixth-gen Polo facelift, German auto-giant Volkswagen has now finally unveiled the facelifted Polo GTI. Compared to the standard model, it features cosmetic changes inside out alongside some mechanical tweaks.
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Beginning with exterior changes, the new Polo GTI boasts a distinctive look with a contrast black-colored roof, ORVMs, and dual-tone spoiler. Added to its sportiness is a GTI-specific red highlight running across the grille. It also gets a sportier front bumper with honeycomb air dams and LED fog lamps, new 17-inch dual-tone Parker alloy wheels (or optional 18-inch Faro alloys), red brake calipers, and redesigned rear bumper along with dual exhaust tips. A red-colored ‘GTI’ badge is placed on the car’s front grille, side panels, and tailgate.
Inside, the Polo GTI gets a similar cabin layout as the standard Polo facelift, albeit with distinctive red trim on the dashboard, around the center console, and the door locks. It also gets premium Jacara tartan fabric sports seats along with an optional ArtVelours interior package, a sports steering wheel with a ‘GTI’ badge, stainless steel pedals, etc.
The other notable feature of the facelifted Polo GTI includes IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights, LED tail light clusters with sequential turn signals, animated brake lights, panoramic sunroof, Park Assist (optional), a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment (optional 9.2-inch unit) with wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto, voice controls, connected car tech, and more.
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Being a sportier version, the Polo GTI also sits on a suspension that is 15mm closer to the ground as compared to the regular Polo. It also gets an IQ DRIVE Travel Assist, which is a semi-autonomous driving assistant that combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist together to help you with steering, accelerating, and braking within your lane while you keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Beneath the bonnet, it carries the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot mill as the pre-facelift model, which produces a maximum output of 207PS and a peak torque of 320Nm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox transmitting power to the front wheels and helping the hot hatch to catch the 100kmph mark in just 6.7 seconds. It also gets XDS electronic differential lock as standard along with the following driving modes: –
- Eco: for fuel-efficient driving
- Normal: for everyday driving from A to B
- Sport: for sporty mileage at corresponding speeds
- Customised: for your own combinations of the above
Volkswagen will soon launch the facelifted Polo and Polo GTI in the European market. However, the brand has shared any words regarding its India launch. We also don't expect the new Polo to make its way to the Indian market anytime soon. It is assumed to be launched here sometime in 2023. As of now, the brand is all set to launch the heavily localized VW Taigun SUV in our market by August 2021.
