Pocket rocket VW Polo GTi unveiled; India only gets the 1.6L 100bhp version

Volkswagen has unveiled its pocket rocket – the Polo GTi. We really mean it – The Polo GTi gets VW’s famed 1.4TSi engine that features both Turbocharging and Supercharging to develop 177bhp (135kW) and 250Nm of torque. What’s more, it features styling bits borrowed from its bigger brother the Golf GTi which is no bad thing as the Golf GTi is sporty looking. The white paint coupled with lowered ride height (by 15mm) and those huge alloy wheels do give the Polo some presence but nothing striking like the 500 Abarth S or the Citroen DS3 sports. 

The early arrival of torque coupled with a quick shifting 7-speed DSG gearbox, the Polo will be one of the quickest in its segment. The Polo also gets VW’s XDS Electronic differential. All this along with just 1184kg, the Polo GTI rockets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 228km/h.  Lowered suspension coupled with re-calibrated springs and dampers will ensure that the Polo stays just as confident in the corners. The alloy wheel designs are similar tot he Golf’s, everything from the red framed honeycomb grille to seats trims to the flat bottomed steering wheel are very similar to the Golf GTi.

More details will emerge after the Golf’s Geneva debut in a few weeks’ time ahead of sales starting in August in Europe. The GTi will be available in both 3-door and 5-door body styles with prices starting at Rs 13.5 lakhs (£18,000) for the 3-door model. The Polo GTi isnt expected in India as VW will launch the 1.6L 100bhp model that will form the hot hatch of the Polo’s range in India. Moreover, the Polo’s price will be announced on 23rd February, which is on Tuesday. Finally, VW will also launch the Polo based sedan in India by the end of 2010.