MOTORING NEWS - In the new Polo Gran Turismo Injection (GTI) the engine starter button becomes the trigger for a great driving experience, thanks to dynamic handling, safety and high levels of comfort. Key features include a very agile drive system, low unladen weight (1 355kg), firm sports-oriented running gear that is also good for long-distance driving, assured front-wheel drive as well as a sitting position that can be adjusted until it is just right.
This is all packaged in an expressive exterior and interior design and topped off with classic GTI insignia such as the red stripe in the radiator grille, GTI gear knob and velour-upholstered sport seats.
The GTI is also equipped with a connected and digitalised cockpit, which makes the Polo in four-door format the ideal compact and affordable sports car of a new generation.
STYLING
The front features an independent bumper with integrated spoiler lip and fog lights as standard. The red stripe in the radiator grille is the classic GTI feature. An exclusive feature in the GTI is optional LED headlights with a red winglet - a stylistic extension of the red stripe from the radiator grille.
At the bottom, the Polo GTI has C-shaped black high-gloss air curtains in the bumper.
At the rear, the Polo GTI can be identified by typical GTI characteristics using black as a stylistic element; inherited from the first Golf GTI of 1976.
In this car, it is an enlarged, two-piece roof spoiler that is painted in high-gloss black on top and matt on the underside.
Other GTI characteristics at the rear include a high-gloss black diffuser and the chrome dual tailpipes of the exhaust system integrated on the left-hand side. Located in a direct line above the tailpipes is the GTI signature on the boot lid. Another feature of the Polo GTI is its LED tail light clusters that provide for a very distinctive light signature at night.
GTI COLOURS
Typical GTI colours include pure white, flash red and deep black with pearl effect. In addition, the sportiest Polo can also be ordered in reef blue metallic. Inside, everything that is not red, grey or chrome is finished in black.
Red contrast stitching is another typical GTI characteristic inside, found around the leather multi-function sport steering wheel, gear shift lever trim, floor mats and the outer seat surfaces.
The sport seats are ergonomically designed for practically any driver's size and driving position. Black leather upholstery with seat heating is available as an option.
Numerous stylish chrome details include the steering wheel, gear knob, instrument surrounds, tabs of the air vents, climate controls and pedals.
The dash panel can be ordered in deep iron metallic or velvet red and the instruments in the upper dash area are also mostly finished in black.
DRIVING PERFORMANCE
In recent times the GTI has been powered by a high torque turbo-charged engine. In the case of the new Polo GTI, it is a two-litre direct-injection petrol engine with an output of 147kW.
The new Polo GTI will be represented in the 2,0-litre turbo class for the first time with a 1 988cc engine that delivers its maximum power between 4 400 and 6 000rpm.
This power plant of the third generation EA888 engine series transmits its maximum torque of 320Nm to the front wheels at a low 1 500rpm. This high torque figure stays constant up to a speed of 4 400rpm, giving the GTI engine a torque curve that features a sporty torque plateau. The new Polo GTI engine launches with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard.
The Polo GTI with DSG accelerates to 100km in 6,7 seconds and the most powerful Polo can reach a top speed of 237km.
Despite its power output, the Polo GTI can be driven very economically thanks to its efficient drive technology. The official combined fuel consumption of the DSG version is 5,9 litres per 100km.
DETAILS
Driver assistance systems include: blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, driver alert system, automatic post-collision braking system, driving profile selection with four programmes: eco, sport, normal and individual, park assist and tyre pressure loss indicator which utilises the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock brake system (ABS).
The price, including VAT and emissions tax, is R375 900. The new Polo GTI comes standard with a three year, 120 000km warranty, three year or 45 000km Volkswagen service plan and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is at 15 000km.
