Geneva: VW Polo GTI

Volkswagen pulls the Polo GTI out of its hat for Geneva Auto Show.

I dub thee: Wolverine.  This hot little hatch has bite and claws !  It may carry a diminutive footprint but it packs a growl with its FF DI 1.4L TSI engine.

I was really taken back by this model. From a distance its hard to discern that it isn't a Golf GTI.  Thats not a bad thing since the Golf GTI is a handsome car.  Being a fan of the "Denver" style wheels on the Golf GTI I'm happy to see a variation of the same theme here.

How do you make the Polo stronger ?  Give it 180hp and a 7-speed DSG gearbox...as standard !  Lightness and power combine for a spritely 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 229kph (142mph).  The DI TSI engine provides top notch fuel economy as it sips fuel at a rate of 5.9L per 100 kms (40 mpg).

At the front we have McPherson's struts and in the rear are semi-independent control arms.  We also see the XDS electronic transverse differential lock making an encore here,  this system debuted in the Golf GTI and has been carried over into this model as well.  The system prevents slip of the unloaded wheel at the inside of the curve by active brake intervention, improving traction.  Using sensor data such as steering wheel angle, yaw rate and wheel speeds the system gets you through corners faster.  Wheels are 17" and it rides 15mm lower than a normal Polo.

It will be available with bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights as well as a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof .  3 and 5 door models are offered.

The happy part of this story is that it will be available in Germany in May, followed by Europe and Japan.  The sad part is that there are currently no plans to make the car available in North America.  This car makes me want a VW in the same way as the Scirocco does,  but I am only being offered the Golf GTI.

If given a choice between the three, it would be a nail biting decision.  The Polo GTI would definitely be in the mix and given its fuel economy might put it over the top for me.

So VW,  do me a favor and make my life harder by offering the Polo GTI in North America.