A few units of the Volkswagen Polo GTI have been shipped to India from Spain ahead of the hot-hatch’s official in December 2016.
Volkswagen has shipped a consignment of Polo GTI models to India from its Pamplona plant in Spain, ahead of the car’s highly anticipated launch in December 2016 The current Polo GTI was first showcased in India at the 2016 Auto Expo, over a year after its global launch. We will only be getting the two-door version, which will go up against the likes of the Mercedes A-Class, BMW 1-Series, Abarth 595 and MINI Cooper S.
Under the hood, the Volkswage Polo GTI gets the same 1.8-litre TSI engine which powers the Skoda Octavia, but in a higher state of tune. It produces 187 HP and 320 Nm of torque when paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox but since India will be getting the 7-speed DSG (with paddles of-course), the torque will be restricted to 250 Nm.
The sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr takes 6.7 seconds, which makes the Polo GTI as quick as the Cooper S. Considering both the cars are faster (and cheaper) than a BMW 320d or Mercedes C250d, these numbers are pretty impressive. The top speed of 236 km/hr isn’t shabby either.
Furthermore, the Polo GTI gets a stiffer chassis and suspension, all-round disc brakes measuring 310 mm at the front and 230 mm at the rear (the GTs get rear drum brakes), a high-tech ESP system, traction control and extended electronic locking differential. In Europe, the customers also have an option for a ‘Sport Performance Kit’ that includes a ‘Sport Select’ suspension with electronically adjustable dampers.
Meanwhile, the two-door configuration will give the Volkswagen Polo GTI a niche look and will be complemented by LED headlamps with DRLs, the red strip on the front grille that also sports a ‘GTI’ badge, dual-exhaust pipes finished in chrome and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin will be a bit more plush than your standard Polo but not as sophisticated as the ones in the European GTIs.
The Polo GTI will be imported to the country via the CBU route, so import duties and other taxes can rocket the price up to around Rs. 25 lakhs (ex-showroom). It’s a bit steep for a Volkswagen hot-hatch but considering this car can shame many BMWs and Audis around a track or on the drag strip, the GTI offers a very enticing proposition.
Volkswagen Polo GTI Launch
– Under the hood is a 1.8-litre engine producing 187 HP
– Car reaches 0 to 100 km/hr in 6.7 seconds before topping out at 236 km/hr
– India gets the two-door model with retuned chassis, suspension and all-round disc brakes
– No information regarding the price but CBU route means it won’t come cheap
