Let’s face it: car enthusiasts are selfish. There’s always something we’d change and something more we’d want. Even when we’re dealt a good hand, we’re usually not satisfied. But that doesn’t mean we’re wrong.
Case in point, the Volkswagen Polo. Yes, the U.S.-spec Golf is very similar (and very good), but we’re ultimately still left with a Polo-sized hole in our collective hearts. It’s one of the coolest entrants in the supermini segment, and we Americans feel like we deserve the chance to drive the spunky hatchback on our roads because, hey, we’re consumers too.
Realistically, because of Volkswagen’s commitment to the aforementioned Golf, we probably won’t see the little Polo on our shores anytime soon. That won’t stop us from hoping, however.
Volkswagen announced the refreshed 2015 Polo GTI this week, the hottest and most fun offering in the Polo line.
The looks are obviously similar to that of the 2014 Polo, but it looks less like an economical family car and more like the sporty hatch it wants to be inside.
The Polo GTI’s trip under the knife mainly focused on the front fascia, where a new bumper now wears honeycomb grill inserts and lively red inserts. Volkswagen has ditched the rotary phone-esque wheels as well for more classically styled alloys.
Related: 2015 Volkswagen E-Golf first drive
The biggest change, however, comes under the hood.
For the GTI, Volkswagen has swapped out the twincharged, 177-hp 1.4-liter four for a 1.8-liter TSI unit. The new engine creates 189 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to push the hatchback to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
Thankfully, the Polo is still offered with a standard six-speed manual, but there’s a double-clutch DSG option for those who like their left foot staying put.
As the American market continues to mope, the Polo GTI will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show, which runs October 4th through the 19th.
