PoloDriver

‘Volkswagen is introducing the eagerly anticipated new Polo GTI with power output of 141kW (9kW more than its predecessor). The new Polo GTI is clearly recognisable as the sporty flagship derivative of the new Polo model range.’

Volkswagen South Africa has officially launched the latest version of the Polo GTI today. As with European models, six-speed manual gearbox and seven-speed DSG semi-automatic versions are available. The appearance is the same, too, with 17-inch ‘Parabolica’ alloy wheels fitted as standard as well as a smattering of ‘GTI’ badges. The DSG-only at launch (manual transmission is expected to arrive in the second half of the year) 141kW 2015 South African Volkswagen Polo GTI is priced from R326,400.

0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds
Performance of the new South African Polo GTI is on a par with European and UK models. Featuring the same 1,798cc single-scroll turbocharged ‘EA888’ petrol engine, power is up 9kW from the 1.4 TSI Polo GTI to 141kW (189bhp).

This means the sports-orientated flagship Polo can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 236km/h (146mph). Peak power comes in between 4,300 and 6,200rpm in the manual car and from 5,400 to 6,200rpm when the DSG gearbox is specified.

Torque for the DSG-equipped car is limited to 250Nm between 1,250 and 5,300rpm, but the manual model gets a full fat 320Nm to play with between 1,450 and 4,200rpm. Performance figures are the same whichever version is chosen.

Volkswagen states that the DSG transmission was specially configured for the 141kW GTI engine across a variety of individual parameters, characteristic curves and engine mappings. CO2 emissions are improved when compared to the outgoing TSI twin-charged car, with the manual version recording 139g/km, the DSG 129g/km.

‘Exceptionally agile and secure handling’
The suspension of the new Polo GTi has been retuned to deliver ‘exceptionally agile and secure handling’ handling. The chassis of the Polo GTI is 10mm lower at the front and 15mm at the rear when compared to its regular Polo siblings. A beefier anti-roll bar helps keep body movement in check.

Increasing the wheel width by half an inch – now 7.5 inches wide – also plays its part. Like other market versions, Volkswagen South Africa is offering the new Polo GTI with an electronically-adjustable damper system, the ‘Sport Performance Kit’.

The ‘Sport Select’ suspension is adjusted by a ‘Sport’ button in the centre console of the Polo GTI, which activates an electromechanical switching valve in the dampers. This alters the tuning from a comfort-orientates basic setting to one which exhibits the stiffer characteristics of a more traditional sports suspension set-up.

The new electromechanical steering system also gains more weight, and the accelerator pedal gains sharper responses. A sound actuator filters a more tuned engine noise into the cabin. Braking is taken care of by 310mm brake discs at the front of the car with 230mm discs at the rear.

Standard safety systems
The new Polo GTI also features Volkswagen’s XDS+ electronic differential lock, ESC Sport electronic stability control, engine drag torque control, ABS and Hill Hold Assist.

Further standard safety systems include an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System which automatically brakes the car in the event of an impact to prevent a secondary accident, and a Driver Alert System which detects falling levels of driver concentration, firing a warning alert in the instrument panel accompanied by an audible alarm.

Prominent red striping
Of course, the Polo GTI has to look like a GTI, and there’s definitely no mistaking the latest hot Polo for anything else. Prominent red striping on the front grille stretches into the headlights (LED units optional) and honeycomb patterns adorn the covered openings. Flared door sills, 17” “Parabolica’ alloy wheels, and red brake calipers add more visual presence in profile.

Moving to the back, ‘Dark Red’ rear lights, a gloss black rear roof spoiler, grained diffuser and twin exhausts differentiate the sportiest production Polo to date. Inside, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel features red stitching, and the floor mats are trimmed with red edgeds.

The heated sports seats feature leatherette and alcantara trim (they miss out on the ‘Jacky’ tartan cloth of European and UK models), while footwell lighting, black headlining and aluminium pedal caps add the final sports touches.

Phone and audio streaming
The 5.8-inch ‘Composition Media’ infotainment system with colour touchscreen offers Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phone and audio streaming, and a proximity sensor (menu details are shown when hand approaches the screen).

There is also a CD-player, USB connection, MP3 functionality, and auxiliary and SD-card inputs for external audio source as well as six loudspeakers. The MirrorLink function also allows Android smartphones to be displayed and controlled on the Polo GTI’s infotainment system.

Available to order now, the new South African Polo GTI also features a 3-year/45,000km Service Plan, 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15,000km.

Options offered include LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, panoramic sunroof, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Climatronic air-conditioning and a Rear Assist Camera system. Visit www.volkswagen.co.za for more details.