Facelifted Volkswagen Polo GTI Revealed: Updates, Features And More

• This comes after the recent debut of the sixth-gen Polo facelift.

• VW offered the previous generation three-door Polo GTI in India, limited to just 99 units.

• There is still no word on if VW will bring this hot hatch to India.

VW has unveiled the updated Polo GTI hot hatch as per schedule. We first got wind of its debut when Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of VW Passenger Cars, shared two images on LinkedIn of all places. 

In terms of design, the core element of the Polo GTI has been retained. Of course, there have been some updates (borrowed from the facelifted Polo), such as the fully redesigned IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, wider tail lamps, and an illuminated grille serving as DRLs. To add to the sportiness, the Polo GTI also gets GTI-specific red accents all around the exterior, dual exhaust tips, and new 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (or optional 18-inch). The images also reveal a contrasting black roof and black ORVMs, which can be added as an option with specific colours. As is fitting for a GTI, this one gets a sports chassis and sits 15mm lower than the regular Polo.

The Polo GTI will be equipped with a bunch of safety systems, like in the facelifted Polo. This includes the IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, which offers semi-automated driving wherein the system can take over steering, braking, and acceleration from 0kmph to 210kmph. Other safety systems include lane assist and adaptive cruise control.

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The images reveal a familiar setting on the inside. As usual, the Polo GTI will get a dashboard layout similar to the regular Polo, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice controls, connected car tech, and a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Under the hood, the Polo GTI will be powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI from the pre-facelift model, with an output of 207PS and 320Nm. Power will be sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic transmission. 

When VW last offered the hot hatch in India as an import, it was restricted to just 99 units. However, considering the pre-facelift model was not offered here, the updated model is highly unlikely to make it to our shores.