Volkswagen Polo GTi

If a Volkswagen gets the GTi badge, it has to be a hatchback and it has to be fast. The GTi badge has been associated with hot hatches since decades and finally, it will come to India, officially. The first GTi to be brought here is the Polo GTi, a souped up 3-door version of the Volkswagen Polo.

Exteriors

Well, it is a Polo. While the headlamps remain the same (with a possibility of DRLs being integrated) while the grille and the front bumper are new. It gets a mesh grille with the GTi badge perched on the left corner. The bumper is sharper and also gets a wide mesh grille with integrated fog lamps. While the side profile remains same, the rear doors have been ditched. The tail is the same except for the twin pod tail pipe that stands out.

Interior

The GTi will be based on the Highline variant of the Polo. It gets height adjustable driver seat, electrically adjustable and folding mirrors and cruise control. The 2-DIN music system has USB, AUX and Bluetooth compatibility. The interiors are black with a flat bottom sporty steering wheel with steering mounted audio controls.

Engine and Performance

Well, this is the most exciting part for the enthusiasts. It gets a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Octavia churning out at least 180bhp of power. While it gets the expected DSG automatic gearbox, enthusiasts will certainly be grinning as a manual transmission option will also be offered. The Polo GTi hits the ton from standstill in under seven seconds.

Price and Competition

The Polo GTi will dethrone the Abarth Punto to be the most powerful hatchback except for the Mini Cooper S and is expected to be priced over Rs 20 lakh. In that case, the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and the Mercedes A-Class are also within the reach for someone who is not performance focussed.

Expected Launch: September 2016

Expected Price:Rs. 20 - 22L