Keep Your Kidneys Ready, Volkswagen Polo GTI Launched At Rs 25.99 Lakh!

Yes, you heard it right. Volkswagen India has launched its Polo GTI in the country, at an eye-watering price of Rs 25.99 lakh ex-showroom, New Delhi. Interestingly, Volkswagen has chosen to launch the three door version of the Polo GTI, which is a first from the German car maker, as the other versions of the Polo sold in the country are the regular five door versions. The Polo GTI was first showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, and the news did get enthusiasts across the country salivating at the prospect of a 192PS Polo, a car that’s acclaimed for its sporty demeanour. The sky high price might put a lot of enthusiasts off, but unlike the regular Polo the GTI is coming in as a CBU, warranting much higher taxes and duties. 

Of course, the fact that the GTI gets a lot more technology and equipment than the regular Polo is also something that also adds to the pricing. For now, only 99 unit of the GTI have been allotted to India, which means that you need to dash to you nearest Volkswagen dealership at the earliest if you want to buy the car. 

Powering the GTI is the Volkswagen group’s uber-popular 1.8-litre TSI motor that powers a whole range of cars including the Skoda Octavia and Superb in India currently, apart from the Volkswagen Jetta, Passat, Audi A4 and several other models in markets abroad. The engine is known for its performance and is popular with enthusiasts the world over, and is turbocharged and supercharged unit that makes a stonking 192PS in this guise, along with 250Nm of peak torque. Add the Polo GTI’s bantam weight of just 1280kg to the equation and you have what is the hottest hatchback to grace our shores yet. 

The Polo GTI will achieve the 0-100kmph dash in a scant 7.2 seconds, going all the way up to an electronically limited 233kmph. Complimenting this performance very ably is Volkswagen’s 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, though it’s a bit of a shame that the GTI is a front wheel drive car. 

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Inside, the car gets the signature GTI interiors with leather and fabric upholstery along with GTI badging on the steering, red inserts and the like for a racier appearance. You’ll also find a tighter cabin layout than that of the white collared Polo, thanks to the two-door layout. The infotainment system is more advanced than the regular Polo too, and is bundled with more features.

The appeal of the car’s design is accentuated by twin-five-spoke alloy wheels shod with low-profile rubber, all-LED headlamps (with DRLs) and tail lamps. The front grille gets the GTI moniker and a dash of red across it which runs into the headlamps. The rear gets a smart diffuser with dual exhaust tips that should offer a sporty exhaust note! How much more expensive it the GTI than the currently available hot hatches you ask? The GTI for the record costs about 16 lakh rupees more than the Fiat Punto Abarth (priced at Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom). It costs around Rs 17 lakh than its sibling, the Polo GT (priced at Rs 9.07 lakh). Want one? Well, good luck with those limited number GTI and yes, the kidney too!