As the all-new generation of the VW Polo GTI gets ready to be launched the company released full official details of this little beast. The 2010 Polo GTI manages to be both sporty and economical, and that’s a hard trick to pull off. For that it’s equipped with a highly advanced 1.4-litre TSI engine which is both supercharged and turbocharged to give 180 hp.
180 hp is a lot in a car that’s slightly smaller than your shoe and also weighs considerably less! So it goes like a stabbed rat, but we are in 21st century and what really matters here is how economical it is. The Polo GTI has a combined fuel consumption to 5.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km, which is brilliant for a car that can do 229 km/h.
The car can also accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. Contributing to the good performance and astonishing fuel economy is indeed the 7-speed DSG gearbox they’ve put in it. Also the 1,194 kilogram weight of the car helps a lot.
VW has also worked a lot on the car’s handling and drivability:
An electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) reduces the tendency to understeer and improves handling especially in quick driving through curves. Like all versions of the model series, the Polo GTI also comes equipped with the standard ESP electronic stabilisation programme including Hill Climb Assist.
As for the suspension, new, stiffer dampers are linked to specially modified springs that lower the ride height by 15 millimetres compared to “Normal versions”. The effect: lower angles of body roll and a lower centre of gravity. Both have positive effects vehicle dynamics through curves. Serving the same purpose are the low-profile tyres (215/40 R17 87V) on alloy wheels in GTI-typical 5-hole “Denver” styling (7Jx17), whose look the new top Polo shares with the Golf GTI.
And sure they have not forgot about safety, as the Polo GTI comes standard with a highly effective airbag network, including combined head-thorax side airbags, belt tensioners, belt tension limiters plus belt warning, head restraints designed to avoid whiplash trauma (each in front), three rear head restraints as well as Isofix points on the rear bench seat for suitably fitted child seats.
A hot hatchback is as much about the performance as it is about comfort and convenience. Therefore the 2010 POLO GTI is packed with features including electro-hydraulic power steering, electric windows in front, central locking, bootspace lighting and tie-down eyes, warning buzzer for light not turned off, driver seat height adjustment, make-up mirror in the sun visors and green tinted insulated glass. The GTI will be the first Polo to be available with bi-xenon headlights with cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and corner marker lights as well as a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof. Naturally, GTI-specific features are always standard too, such as the sport seat system and 17-inch alloy wheels in “Denver” design.
Moreover you get pedal caps in aluminium look, electric adjusting and heated door mirrors, air conditioning, RF remote control of central locking and front fog lights. The leather trimmed steering wheel is equipped with two DSG paddles, one on the left and one on the right.
So there you go! If you want a Golf GTI but can’t afford one, here is a good alternative.
