Volkswagen Polo GTI. A bright and hot hatch
The Volkswagen Polo GTI is the sporty version of the Volkswagen Polo, a compact B-class car from German Volkswagen group. In 2020, the 6th generation of the 2017/2018 Polo GTI hatchback was available on the Israeli market.
First generation
The first generation of the ‘sporty’ Volkswagen Polo hatch appeared in 1979 with a GT modification. The first Polo GT was a compact car with a striking, eye-catching exterior. It could be instantly distinguished from regular Polo due to the red line on the grille, front spoiler, and red 13-inch wheels. Production of the Polo GT ended in 1981.
Second generation
The second-generation Volkswagen Polo GTI appeared only in 1987 and was produced until 1994. Compared to the first generation, the progress was obvious! Larger and more spacious, the second GT retained the same engine, but German engineers supplemented it with a supercharger drive. The Polo GT G40 is almost twice as powerful. Moreover, acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 8.1 seconds, and the top speed increased to 196 km/h (from about 150 km/h). In the first year of production, the Germans produced a batch of 500 cars, most of them were bought by Volkswagen employees.
Third generation
The third-generation Volkswagen Polo GTI can be considered the first since for the first time a sports version of the Polo received the GTI codename. The third Polo GTI received a more rounded shape, a modified suspension with a 10 mm lower ground clearance, improved brakes with red calipers. It became larger and heavier. Its length exceeded 3.7 m, and the engine lost its boost. But the total displacement increased to 1.6 liters. But the lightweight predecessor was still more dynamic – 8.1 versus 9.1 seconds in acceleration to 100 km/h. Although the top speed of the third-generation Polo GTI reached 200 km/h. 1999 restyling added new bumpers, grille, optics, and radically redesigned interior with a new dashboard, steering wheel, and seats. The third generation Polo GTI was phased out in 2001.
Fourth generation
The fourth-generation Volkswagen Polo GTI was produced from 2006 to 2009. The fourth Polo GTI became more aggressive, added in size and weight, and returned to pressure charging again. The new 150-hp 1.8-liter turbo engine made it possible to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, and the top speed of the hatch was 216 km/h. Both 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks were produced.
The new Volkswagen Polo GTI accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, top speed is one of the best indicators in its class – 237 km/h.
Fifth generation
The fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo GTI was produced from 2009 to 2017, having gone through a facelift in 2014. The fifth Polo GTI features a new angular design, front bumpers with wide air intakes, a classic grille with red edging, and 17-inch wheels. The hot hatch was equipped with a direct-injection engine and combined supercharging. The acceleration time to 100 km/h was reduced to 6.9 seconds, and the top speed increased to 229 km/h. There are reconfigured springs and shock absorbers, reduced ground clearance by 15 mm, more tenacious brakes, and electronic simulation of a differential lock.
The restyling in 2014 added to the fifth sports Polo new headlights and fog lights, a radiator grille, bumpers, and a design of 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior has a new multifunctional steering wheel, a more advanced multimedia complex, and a redesigned dashboard with separate wells for each dial.
Sixth generation
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo GTI is produced from 2017 to the present. The sixth Polo GTI is noticeably longer, wider, and heavier than the previous one, but more powerful and faster. The 2017/2018 Polo GTI hatchback turned out to be heavy – its curb weight without a driver reached 1355 kg. Therefore, it accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. The top speed is one of the best in the class – 237 km/h. The GTI version differs from the standard Polo not only in a more severe appearance but also in a redesigned chassis. In the new Polo GTI, there is a mass of digital equipment that provides the driver with all the necessary on-board information. An optional Sport Select package is offered with electronically controlled dampers, a mode selection system, and less pliable steering and suspension system.
