2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI to use old Golf GTI engine – report
The next-generation Volkswagen Polo GTI will reportedly use the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the fifth-generation Golf GTI.
Sources from within Volkswagen have told AutoExpress the new Polo GTI will ditch the current car’s 1.8-litre turbocharged mill in favour of a 2.0-litre turbo unit, said to be the 147kW/280Nm engine used in the fifth-generation Golf GTI.
The current 1.8-litre Polo GTI has 141kW/320Nm when paired with a six-speed manual, but torque drops to 250Nm if the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is chosen. Despite the difference in torque, both models have a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds.
As with the current GTI, the new model will likely feature lowered suspension, revised styling, GTI-style alloy wheels, different interior trim, and the XDS electronic differential lock.
Under the skin, the next-generation Polo (above) will use the MQB A0 platform, which made its debut with the Seat Ibiza earlier this year. The new Ibiza is a significant 87mm wider than the old model, and the new Polo will likely share a similar jump in girth.
The regular Ibiza range is powered by a selection of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with power outputs going from 59kW all the way through to 110kW.
Australia
The new Polo will be given its global launch in June, but Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the new car won’t arrive down under until early 2018. It’s likely the Polo GTI won’t be launched at the same time as the rest of the range.
Undisguised prototypes of the new Polo were photographed in South Africa last month.
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