VW's 147kW Polo GTI lands in SA - prices and specs

Published Jun 6, 2018

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Johannesburg: Boy racers rejoice - Volkswagen South Africa has brought out a

hot 147kW GTI version of its recently-launched Polo.

It's the most powerful Polo GTI to date, and the five-door hatch goes up against Renault's Clio RS 200 (147kW and 260Nm). Backed by a meaty 320Nm of torque, sports suspension and a

front differential lock, this baby GTI (Gran Turismo Injection, in case you didn’t

know what it meant) becomes the new hot-hatch flagship of the Polo range.

The 2-litre direct-injection petrol four-cylinder engine replaces the 141kW/250Nm 1.8-litre unit used in the previous-generation Polo GTI, representing a relatively minor 6kW power increase but a big torque hike of 70Nm. The new car fires its power

to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG),

giving quoted performance figures of 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed

of 237km/h. VW also claims a modest fuel thirst of just 5.9 litres per 100km - when

driven sedately.

The Polo GTI’s ‘war paint’ includes a red stripe in the

radiator grille, a sportier bumper with integrated spoiler lip and fog lights, 17-inch

‘Milton Keynes’ alloy wheels (18-inchers can be ordered optionally), red-painted

brake callipers, and C-shaped black high-gloss air curtains in the bumper. An

exclusive feature in the GTI is optional LED headlights with a red winglet, as a stylistic extension of the radiator grille’s red stripe.

At the rear, the GTI is identified from lesser Polos by its enlarged,

two-piece roof spoiler painted black, along with a high-gloss black diffuser

and chrome dual tailpipes, plus LED tail light clusters that provide a

very distinctive light signature at night.

Interior glamour comprises a GTI gear knob and Art Velour

upholstered sport seats, with black rooflining, red contrast stitching, and a

multifunction sports steering wheel. The sports seats are optionally available in black leather

upholstery with seat heating. The dash panel can be ordered in

Deep Iron Metallic or Velvet Red .

The GTI rides 15mm lower than regular Polos and comes standard with sports suspension on steel

springs, but for extra money you can opt for ‘Sport Select’ suspension with

active dampers offering Normal and Sport modes. Whichever version you

choose, the Polo GTI comes with driving profile selection which provides selectable Normal,

Sport, Eco and Individual Modes.

Clawing power in all Polos is assisted by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), but in the GTI the handling, particularly

when accelerating out of tight corners, is enhanced by the XDS differential

lock.

The new generation Active Info Display is part of the Polo GTI deal, which

includes a 26cm display with high-quality graphics that customises the

instrument panel to one of three layouts. Standard Infotainment is the 20cm Composition Media 20cm system

(optionally with navigation).

The Polo GTI can also be equipped with a vast range of

optional convenience and assistance systems, including a large panoramic

sunroof, and an Advanced Safety Package (which includes Parallel Park Assist,

Park Distance Control, Rear View camera, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic

Alert, and Electric Folding mirrors).

Rear Traffic Alert

takes much of the risk out of reversing from driveways and parking spaces. The

radar-based sensor detects imminent collisions with passing traffic and produces

an audible warning. If the driver or other road user don't react, the system automatically activates the car's brakes.

The new VW Polo GTI DSG is priced at R375 900 which

includes a 3 year/120 000km warranty and 3year/ 45 000km Volkswagen Service

Plan.

We're attending the Polo GTI's media launch in Cape Town later this week. Driving impressions to follow.

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