New Volkswagen Polo GTI to debut next month

VOLKSWAGEN has released the first teaser image of its new Polo GTI hot hatch in the lead-up to what would have been the annual GTI meet at Wörthersee Lake if not for Germany’s ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

While a local introduction is yet to be confirmed, the new Polo GTI will be debuted officially next month with virtually all details still shrouded in mystery, although some conclusions can be drawn by studying the bigger Golf GTI.

As with the new-generation Golf, power in the new Polo GTI is more than likely to come from the same 147kW/320Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the current model while transmission duties are also likely to be left to the familiar six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Despite the likelihood of the carryover engine, the unchanged outputs would still leave the Polo in good stakes against its arch-rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST (147kW/290Nm) as well as the upcoming Hyundai i20 N (150kW/275Nm).

In terms of styling, the rendering reveals a much more aggressive front fascia clearly inspired by the Golf with a gaping lower intake flaunting shark tooth-like flicks which help to give the pint-sized hatch a bulldog-style underbite.

Other elements pinched form the Golf include the integrated daytime running lights within the mesh of the bumper, angular five-spoke alloy wheels and a new frowning expression from the headlights and slim-line grille.

Inside will likely be the new 10-inch ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system and possibly even the latest ‘Digital Cockpit Pro’ (digital instrument cluster) which would combine to form what Volkswagen calls the ‘Innovision Cockpit’ – just like on the Golf.

This trend of aligning styling and features with that of the Golf is almost becoming normal practise for Volkswagen this year with the new Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and now the Polo all flaunting Golf-like or Golf-inspired elements to their designs.

As for the current model, VGA has sold 1602 examples so far this year ending April, enough for it to snatch a 10.1 per cent share of the sub-$25,000 light car segment.