2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI: First Look

Jay Williams - 18/February/2010

United Kingdom - Volkswagen has released details of the 2011 Polo GTI. The fifth generation hot hatch promises to be the “fastest, most focussed and cleanest performance Polo yet produced”.

The 2011  Polo GTI can trace its roots back to 1986 when it was in the form of the G40 Coupé. Like the G40 the new Polo GTI shares some similarities, like a supercharged engine,  a low kerbweight and sharpened performance.

Powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine that utilises a supercharger from idle through to 3,000rpm at which point a turbocharger cuts in to provide boost creating a power output of 135kW and 250Nm of torque from 2,000rpm. While fuel consumption is listed at 6.0 l/100km.

Weighing in at just 1,184 kg (kerbweight) the new Polo GTI is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 229km/h, while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2.

The 1.4-litre TSI engine is mated to a seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. The Polo GTI features a 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.

Further enhancing handling and response times, the Polo GTI is fitted with new springs and dampers which results in a 15mm lower ride height than the standard Polo.

Much like its Golf GTI sibling, the Polo GTI features significant aesthetic changes. A revised front bumper now features a deepened airdam, honeycomb grille with horizontal red strips, topped with a GTI badge.

Also new headlights with the option of LED running lights finish the front end of the vehicle.

While at the back a revised rear bumper features a small diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts. The Polo badge is replaced by the ‘GTI' badge.

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

Interior wise, the Polo GTI gets 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. Other markets, including Australia, will follow in the later part of 2011.

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