Volkswagen Polo GTI to be showcased at 2016 Auto Expo

Volkswagen to showcase the much awaited Polo GTI at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo

Volkswagen has confirmed the presence of the Polo GTI at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo. The German manufacturer will be previewing the 3-door version of the hot hatch on February 4, 2016. While Volkswagen has not confirmed putting the hot-hatchback on sale in India as yet, a festive season launch is likely.

The Polo GTI has been spied on Indian roads a couple of times in the past, sending the performance-hungry enthusiasts of the country into a frenzy. Volkswagen is reportedly planning to launch the vehicle in the Indian market, although only in a 3-door version. The company believes it to create a niche within the premium performance hatchback segment of the country and is expected to find decent number of takers. Volkswagen will be bringing the Polo GTI via the CBU route, meaning it will attract exorbitant excise duties; expect a sticker price of around Rs 20-22 lakhs on the 3-door hatch.

Powering the Polo GTI will be a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will have a rated power output of 189bhp and a peak torque of 250Nm (DSG)/320Nm (manual). Volkswagen has confirmed that it will be available with the 7-speed DSG as well as the 6-speed manual transmission. Performance figures are identical for the both the versions with 0-100km/h coming up in just 6.7 seconds!

Of late, the performance hatchback segment in the country has witnessed increased participation from manufacturers like Volkswagen and Fiat. The former already sells the performance-oriented versions of the Polo hatchback in the form of GT TDI and GT TSI, while the latter recently introduced the Abarth derivatives of the Punto and Avventura in the country. However, until Volkswagen decides to produce the Polo GTI locally, it’s safe to assume that it will be out of reach for most of the commoners. In fact, with a price tag north of Rs 20 lakh, it will compete against the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, Mini Cooper and Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione in our market.