► 2021 VW Polo GTI
► A sensible hot hatch
► Plenty of tech upgrades
VW’s recently updated Polo supermini now has a GTI to match. The 2021 Polo GTI benefits from some of Volkswagen’s latest technology, with a slight tweak to its power outputs, too.
Let’s start with that power upgrade. It’s a relatively minor one in reality, with the updated GTI still featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that now makes 204bhp (seven bhp more than before) with the same torque figure as the pre-facelift model.
VW claims a 6.5-second sprint to 62mph and a top speed of 149mph, with the brand pointing to the GTI’s 1286kg kerbweight for its sprightly performance. There’s no mention of a manual gearbox here – the pre-facelift one was available with one on the Continent – just a seven-speed DSG driving the front wheels. An electronic diff lock for the front wheels is standard, and the Polo GTI sits 15mm lower than a common or garden Polo.
As for the aforementioned tech upgrades, the GTI benefits from VW’s IQ light technology, including a light bar that runs across the width of the grille – much like the Polo’s larger GTI sibling. An updated infotainment system features – thankfully not the same one as the awkward system in the Golf, ID.3 and ID.4 – with more driver assistance technology making its way onto the options list.
Elsewhere, it’s as you’d expect from a GTI model: tartan seats, red flourishes and tasty looking alloy wheel designs.
Prices aren’t revealed yet, but the new Polo GTI will arrive later in 2021.
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