By Otsile Kadiege

After presenting the updated Polo range in April, Volkswagen has released details of their updated, range-topping Polo GTI which gets a noticeably restyled exterior, interior, new technology and a potent powertrain.

Exterior

As standard, the updated Polo GTI gets new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with an LED light strip on the radiator grille and the iconic red trim strip. The most potent Polo also gets Golf 8 GTI inspired LED fog lights and the honeycomb structure for its radiator grille. The Polo GTI is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard or optional 18-inch alloy wheels. The most notable change to the rear is the newly designed LED tail light clusters featuring an animated brake light and integrated sequential turn signal, GTI badging on the centre of the boot lid, and GTI specific rear bumper with dual exhaust outlets.

The new Polo GTI is being launched in five colours – Deep Black Pearl Effect, Smoke Grey Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, Pure White Solid and Reef Blue Metallic. The last three body colours in the above list can be optionally combined with a contrasting black roof (Roof Pack).

Digital interior

Inside, the new Polo GTI is dominated by typical GTI colours – black, red, grey and chrome. New to the updated Polo GTI is a multifunction steering wheel with GTI badging and red stitching, premium sports seats with legendary Clark check pattern (dark grey, light grey and red stripes, black squares) or optional sports comfort seats with ArtVelours covers.

The new Polo GTI comes as standard with the Ready2Discover infotainment system with a high-resolution 8.0-inch display featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Optional extras include the Discover Media system and the Discover Pro system with a 9.2-inch display. The wide range of optional equipment also includes a large tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, voice control and the ‘beats’ sound system with 300 watts and six speakers. The volume of the luggage compartment in the new Polo GTI is 351-litres.

Performance

Underneath the bonnet of the 1,286 kg Polo GTI is the brand’s transversely mounted turbocharged direct petrol injection 2.0-litre TSI engine developing 152 kW and 320 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via the 7-speed DSG. It has a top speed of 240 km/h and despite having more power the sprint time to 100 km/h remains at 6.5 seconds.

Available in the new Polo GTI is IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, which enables semi-automated driving. As standard, the new Polo GTI is equipped with sports running gear and XDS electronic differential lock which lowers the car by 15 mm and ensures traction.

Safety

The new Polo GTI is equipped with the following driver assistance systems and safety features: anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist plus Lane Assist and Rear Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist, City Emergency Braking System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Park Assist and Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator.

Availability

The locally assembled Volkswagen Polo GTI will go on sale in the first quarter next year.