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Volkswagen Polo GTI

Polo GTI 2000-2002 interior

Polo GTI 2005-2009 leather interior

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is a hot hatch version of the Volkswagen Polo supermini, produced by German automaker Volkswagen.

Mk2 Polo GT G40 and Mk2F Polo G40

The Volkswagen Polo GTI can trace its roots back to the original hot Polo, the supercharged 1.3 L 115 PS (83 kW) G40. It was sold in the United Kingdom between 1990–1994 in the form of the Mk2F Polo, but was available during the late 1980s in limited numbers in Europe in the form of the Mk2 Polo GT G40. The car was expensive compared to its rivals of the time, and therefore did not sell in vast numbers (Ford Fiesta XR2, Peugeot 205 GTI or Opel Corsa GTE/GSi etc.). This makes it highly collectible today and according to Top Gear magazine, "a potential future classic". If kept in good condition, this lightweight and small engined car will keep up with much larger rivals thanks to its supercharger. This is a technology that has recently found its way back into Volkswagen's range of cars, most noticeably the new Golf GT 1.4 TSI which boasts 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) from its small engine. It is likely that a TSI engine will find its way into a Polo GTI at some point in the future.

Mk3 Polo GTI

After production of the G40 ended in 1994, Volkswagen decided to release the first GTI-branded Polo in a limited batch of just 3000. It was released in 1995 and available only in left hand drive. It featured a 1.6-litre 16-valve 120 PS (88 kW) engine. The GTI was not available in the UK at any stage during its limited production, this meant that as of 1994 the UK only had the 100 bhp 1.4 16v as a model with any sporting intent. This was the case until 2000 when the Polo Mk3 model range was finally revamped and the first GTI-branded Polos arrived in the United Kingdom.

Mk3 Polo GTI

Between 2000 and 2002, Volkswagen offered two sporting models — the 16V and GTI. The 16V came with the 1.4 16V 100 PS (74 kW) engine and had options such as 15" Spa alloys and air conditioning. However, the GTI - available only in 3 or 5 door hatchback body styles with a 1.6 16V 125 PS (92 kW) engine with variable valve timing. External changes included deeper front bumpers with honeycomb mesh grilles, a subtle rear spoiler, side skirts, fog lights, and 15" BBS split rims for the wheels. There were also standard extras such as Climatronicfully automatic air conditioning, xenon headlights with a headlight washer system, a six-disc CD autochanger, exclusive sports interior with leather steering wheel and gearstick, chrome inserts, and driver aids such as ABS with EBD and an EDL (a system to aid traction). Leather and satellite navigation were also optional extras. The Polo GTI Mk3F however never got the new six-speed gearbox that was introduced in the smaller Volkswagen Lupo GTI which shared the same engine. This was because of repeated failures of the Polo GTI's 5 speed gearboxes due to faulty bearings.

Mk4 Polo GT

With the introduction of the 2002 Polo, the GTI model was discontinued and was given no direct replacement. There was however a GT model produced, featuring the same 1.9 TDI 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) engine found in the popular Škoda Fabia vRS and SEAT Ibiza FR TDI as well as a six-speed gearbox. Although this model had a relatively slow 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of over 9 seconds, it did have impressive mid-range clout with torque figures of 310 Nm (228 lb-ft). This gave the GT very impressive in-gear acceleration, meaning it could make light work of overtaking as well as pull itself out of corners on twisting B roads with ease whilst returning fuel economy of over 50 mpg.

Mk4 Polo GTI

It was not until late 2005, after yet another Polo revamp that the GTI was reintroduced. This time it boasted a 1.8T 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) engine which had been used in everything from the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf GTI to the Audi A6. Despite the impressive figures this new model lacked the standard features of the Polo GTI Mk3 with xenon headlights not even on the options list and fully digital climate control only being an expensive option. Although faster than the 2000-2002 Polo GTI, the newer model was also seen as being off the pace when compared to its rivals, most of which are now nudging 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp). In Europe this led to VW quickly beefing up the Polo further to create the Polo GTI Cup Edition, which was tuned to around 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) and featured more aggressive styling.

Mk5 Polo GTI

The Mk5 Polo GTI was launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The new GTI is powered by VW's award winning 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.4 TSI engine (adapted from that used in the current Scirocco) which uses both a supercharger and turbocharger to provide torque throughout the rev range. The Mk5 Polo is also 7.5% lighter than its predecessor and with a 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) increase in power over the previous generation Polo GTI it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds. The Mk5 Polo also includes features not found on previous generation Polos such as touch screen satellite navigation and a seven-speed version of VW's DSG gearbox as standard.