By Otsile Kadiege

Volkswagen is celebrating the 25^th birthday of the locally assembled Polo GTI with a limited-edition dubbed Edition 25. The Edition 25 gets exclusive exterior and interior styling, as well as exclusive anniversary equipment.

Polo GTI Edition 25 exterior

The Polo GTI Edition 25 has a host of other exclusive equipment features including 18-inch Adelaide alloy wheels in Black Glossy, a black roof and black exterior mirrors, all of which help create its sportier look. In addition to the GTI colours Pure White, Kings Red Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Smoke Grey Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect, the Polo GTI Edition 25 is also available in Ascot Grey.

Polo GTI Edition 25 interior

The interior is equipped as standard with premium sport seats in perforated black-red leather finished off with stitched GTI logos, and glossy black decorative trim with red GTI lettering. There is also the multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with paddles and the “25” logo. Owners will be reminded that their vehicle is one of a limited number by the “One of 2500” logo on the sill panel trim. The Infotainment system Ready2Discover is fitted as standard and boasts a high-resolution 8-inch display. Two other systems are also optionally available.

Polo GTI Edition 25 standard features

Features that come as standard include IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with Dynamic Light Assist and LED daytime running lights. It’s also equipped with a number of assist systems that belong to higher vehicle classes. The optional Travel Assist forms part of the IQ.DRIVE assist package and allows for partly automated driving. The Travel Assist system can take over steering, braking and acceleration of the new Polo GTI at speeds from 0 km/h up to the system’s limit of 210 km/h. To do so, Travel Assist relies on familiar systems including Adaptive Cruise Control for longitudinal guidance, and Lane Assist (fitted as standard) for lateral guidance.

Polo GTI Edition 25 performance and handling

Powering the limited-edition model is a 2.0-litre TSI engine offering 152 kW and a torque of 320 Nm. Power is fed to the front-wheels propelling the Polo GTI Edition 25 from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.5 seconds.

In addition, the model is equipped with a specially tuned sports suspension as standard. This lowers the body by 15 millimetres and, in combination with the electronic differential lock XDS, ensures the synthesis of excellent driving dynamics, improved traction and precise handling that is typical of GTI models.

Availability

The locally built Polo GTI Edition 25 will go on sale in Germany on the 1^st of June. Volkswagen SA is yet to announce local availability dates and pricing.