The next-generation Volkswagen Polo GTi is likely to arrive in New Zealand next year with a 2.0-litre TSI engine and not a reworked version of the current 1.8-litre unit.
Reports in Europe say VW insiders have confirmed that the turbocharged 2.0-litre from the fifth-generation Golf GTi will power the hot front-drive Polo.
The Golf engine delivers 147kW/280Nm, whereas the current Polo GTi’s boosted 1.8-litre generates 141kW of power between 5400-6200rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1300-5400rpm when mated with the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch. Torque jumps to 320Nm with the six-speed manual gearbox, which is available on order only in NZ.
Despite the differences in torque, both Polo GTi models have a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds.The sprint time of the new GTi, however, is likely to come in under six seconds.
The sixth-generation Polo hatchback is underpinned by the VW Group’s flexible MQB A0 platform and will be seen for the first time in Europe in June/July. It is expected to be in NZ early in 2018.
The GTi itself won’t break cover in Europe until later this year and almost certainly won’t appear in NZ until well after the launch of the standard model.
Overall, the Polo isn’t expected to be a gamechanger in terms of design. The spy photos on this page reveal very little, but industry watchers say the car is likely to be a little wider the outgoing model.
Why? Because the platform on which it is based made its debut with the Seat Ibiza early this year, which is 87mm wider than the car it replaces.
The Polo GTi is likely to use the same XDS electronic differential lock as the current car, while adaptive dampers with comfort and sport settings could also appear.
It will ride on lowered sports suspension, racy alloys and get more agressive bumpers, larger wheels and a honeycomb style grille.