The 2011 Volkswagen Polo is expected to be coming to the U.S. soon, and now we have even more reason to want it: the 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI, previewed here ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut next month. Too bad we won't likely see the GTI version.
Powered by a punchy 177-horsepower, 1.4-liter supercharged four-cylinder, a seven-speed twin-clutch DSG gearbox drives the front wheels. An XDS differential helps manage torque steer and traction. Sixty mph comes in 6.9 seconds--not blisteringly quick, but enough for some good fun. Top speed is 142 mph, and the new Polo GTi weighs in at a relatively svelte--by modern standards--2,600 pounds.
Volkswagen says it's capable of 39 U.S. mpg on the U.K. combined cycle (47 mpg in U.K. gallons), so it's an efficient performer, too. It should handle well thanks to a 15 mm lower ride height than the standard Polo. Red-painted brake calipers, a full body kit, chrome-tipped exhaust outlets, and 17-inch alloy wheels give the Polo GTI the appropriate look.
Inside, the Polo GTI gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, sport seats with tartan trim, constrasting red stitching, and gloss black trim.
[VW]
