This Polo packs a mean punch
Volkswagen's rapid Golf GTI may have a new challenger. And the upstart in question also wears a VW badgeSay hello to the Volkswagen Polo GTI 'Cup Edition' -- a go-faster version of the budget-priced hot-hatch that launched here at the end of last year.
The Wolfsburg manufacturer is billing the newcomer as offering a "racing car feel, but licensed for the road".
That's perhaps a slight overstatement, but the pint-sized Veedub isn't exactly a slug. It retains the base model's 1.8-litre turbo four, but with power bumped up from 110kW to 132kW -- not quite up there with the Golf GTI's 147kW, but bear in mind that the Polo weighs a lot less.
Peak torque is a none-too-shabby 235Nm, and better still, it's on tap from a low 2000 rpm.
Volkswagen's performance figures put it within sniffing distance of the Golf GTI: the 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in a handy 7.5 seconds, while v-max is quoted at 225km/h.
The Cup Edition rides on 7.5 J x 17-inch 'Aristo' four-spoke alloys, within which are housed uprated brakes with red calipers. Together with the wide 205/40ZR 17 tyres, they provide "sports car braking performance", claims VW.
Other visual clues that differentiate the Cup Edition from 'cooking' Polo GTIs include a roof spoiler designed by Volkswagen Individual, front and rear skirts taken virtually straight from the ADAC Polo Cup racing car and "conspicuous" side sills.
The "Cup Edition" motif on the tailgate ensures that onlookers are left in no doubt about the Polo's racing pedigree.
Unfortunately there are no plans to sell the Cup Edition here at this stage, but it will no doubt provide many local aftermarket tuners with ideas for what can be achieved with the perkiest of Polos.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen has confirmed that the overtly sporting Passat R36 (essentially a big brother to the Golf R32) will debut internationally next year.
Euro sources suggest it will pack a 3.6-litre V6 engine with around 225kW. The extra oomph will be complemented by lowered, stiffened suspension, a bespoke cabin and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Visually, expect the R36 to draw inspiration from the Passat R GT Concept (pictured) that starred at last year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
