It has been critically acclaimed by reviewers across Europe, but for several months there was still no confirmation that the hot-hatch Volkswagen Polo GTi was going to be sold in the Republic.
However, VW has now confirmed that the car will go on sale here, prices from €32,395. That’s a hefty price tag for a so-called supermini, but given the significant increase in the proportions of the current Polo - close to previous generation Golfs - it may prove a tempting alternative to the Golf GTi, which starts at €38,195.
The Polo’s 2-litre petrol-engine delivers 200bhp and is capable of a top speed of 237km/h, with 0-100km/h time of just 6.7 seconds.
Along with its impressive performance, the Polo GTI also features many of the styling cues from its larger sibling, the Golf GTi, including the typical red stripe in the radiator grille, GTI gear knob and legendary “Clark” plaid seat covers, as well as 17-inch “Milton Keynes” alloy wheels. Standard equipment includes Park Distance Control, an Electronic Differential Lock, Driving Profile Selection and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard. A Technology Upgrade pack for the GTI adds a Rear-View Camera, Active Info Display, Folding Mirrors and the ‘Lights and Vision’ Package for €499.
