New Volkswagen Polo GTI priced higher

Volkswagen has announced a starting price of $30,990 plus on-road costs for its new VW Polo GTI hot hatch, which becomes available to Australian customers in August.

That’s $3300 more than the model it replaces ($27,690 plus ORCs), but this time it includes a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard (there will be no manual this time).

Like for like, that means the Volkswagen Polo 6 GTI is just $1000 more expensive than before, as well as $1000 more than Peugeot’s manual-only 208 GTi and the same price as the most affordable version of Renault’s auto-only Clio RS.

However, the new Polo GTI is also $3500 more than Ford’s soon-to-be-superseded, manual-only Fiesta ST ($27,490) and some $5500 pricier than Suzuki’s new Swift Sport ($25,490).

However, as we’ve reported, the latest Polo GTI – based on the same MQB platform as the Mk6 Polo launched earlier this month -- is the most potent ever, thanks to the switch from a 141kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder to a 2.0-litre TSI unit outputting 147kW/320Nm.

Standard equipment levels are also up, with Volkswagen Australia today also announcing the following standard features:

17-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels
Clark tartan trim
Sport Select suspension with Driving Profile Selection
Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL)
Front Assist with City Emergency Brake (City EB) and pedestrian monitoring
Low tyre pressure indicator
Rear View Camera (RVC)
Multi-Function Display (MFD Plus)
Leather multi-function sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles
Keyless Access, keyless entry and starting system
Power folding door mirrors
LED interior lighting
8.0-inch Composition Media infotainment system
App-Connect with two USB ports
Bluetooth phone connectivity
Six speakers
Cruise control
Dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning
Front fog lights with static cornering lights
Automatic headlight function and rain sensing wipers
LED tail-lights

In addition to metallic or pearl-effect paint ($500), there will be three optional packages:

Driver Assistance ($1400): Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor with rear traffic alert, Park Assist and proactive occupant protection system

Sound & Vision ($1900): Active Info Display, Discover Media navigation system, Media Control and beats 300-Watt premium audio system

Luxury ($3900): Art Velour microfleece upholstery, heated front seats, LED headlights with LED daytime driving lights, 18-inch Brescia alloy wheels, panoramic electric glass sunroof, dark tinted rear side and rear window glass

The Polo 6 GTI is the new entrée to what Volkswagen Australia claims is the market’s most comprehensive range of compact performance hatches and wagons.

However, it is expected to be followed at some stage by the first Polo R, offering all-wheel drive and up to 230kW, and Volkswagen Australia today announced its 12-variant Golf GTI and R hatch and wagon range will be further expanded later this year by the Golf GTI Performance Edition 2.