Polo GTI Is On Course To Follow Golf

Just as Vauxhall's Astra VXR genes have been spliced with the smaller Corsa, Volkswagen has similar plans for its own legendary hot hatch. Following in the tracks of the class-leading Golf GTI, the German maker will launch a high-performance flagship version of the Polo early next year.

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25th May 2005

The supermini is set to take on a similar style to its big brother, and will benefit from the full GTI treatment. VW's trademark grille is given a black finish, while the supermini gets a similar wheel design to the Golf. However, the Polo will be far less extreme than its Vauxhall rival.

The VW will be equipped with the company's tried-and-tested 1.8-litre turbocharged powerplant, which delivers 148bhp to the front wheels. Available in three-door form only, the range-topping GTI gets stiffened sports suspension to improve handling, while the steering is also likely to be revised to give greater feedback and control.

Prices for the flagship have yet to be confirmed, but the Polo GTI won't match the Corsa's bargain tag. Buyers of the smallest VW hot hatch should expect to pay around ΂£15,500, although they're likely to get lots of standard kit.