VW reveals Golf GTI and Polo 'concepts'

These may look like 'design studies' and that's the official line from Volkswagen HQ, but a closer examination reveals a sneak peak at the long-awaited Golf R and Polo GTI.

Volkswagen has used the fitting venue of Wörthersee 09 -- a haven for GTI enthusiasts -- to reveal a fettled version of its new Mk6 Golf GTI, as well as a tarted-up version of the new-generation Polo (more here).

While it would be easy to dismiss these cars as simple one-off concepts, the details and timing suggest they are something much more important. With a coat of blue paint, the Golf could easily pass as the new R Line version. The just-unveiled Scirocco R was previewed the same way last year with a 'one-off concept'.

The bodywork treatment matches the look of Golf R Line mules caught testing at the Germany's Nurburgring circuit recently. The new front spoiler, Scirocco-style headlights and rear spoiler suggest the R32 replacement.

The Golf GTI "Wörthersee 09" is more a visual makeover than a mechanical revamp of the sixth-generation hot-hatch, with bespoke "Firespark Metallic" paintwork being among its USPs.

The same hue is repeated as a fine trim line on the high-gloss black 19-inch alloy spoke wheels and in the classic GTI stripes of the radiator grille screen. Also unique to the concept are a new smoked LED taillight cluster.

Inside, it cops aluminium tread plates with "GTI Wörthersee 09" engravings, complemented by lashings of brushed aluminium trim throughout the cabin. There are also glossy black painted frames around the air vents, while the floor mats have red borders.

The multi-hued theme extends to the seats, which feature black nappa for the outer surfaces and flash red nappa for the seat side supports, bordered by light "Berry White" leather piping.

Hardcore enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn there's been no fiddling in the engine bay though, which means the concept retains the donor car's 2.0-litre TSI engine with 155kW -- but a 6.9sec 0-100km/h sprint isn't too shabby anyway, and nor is a v-max of 238km/h.

However, what the bespoke GTI does gain is a lower, firmer suspension set-up, as well as a new sport exhaust system that supposedly emits "music to the ears of genuine GTI fans".

Meanwhile, the Polo "Wörthersee 09" concept car is the recipient of a similar makeover, with a beefed-up stance and bold visuals. Expect to see an almost identical example hit showrooms shortly wearing a Polo GTI badge (more here).

But before we go any further we should point out that it's powered by a weedy 63kW 1.4-litre engine, so any hot-hatch aspirations are no more than skin-deep at this stage.

As per the Golf GTI concept, the Polo stands out with its extroverted "Flash Red" duco, which is festooned with a pair of black rally stripes that span the length of the car.

The black 18-inch "Budapest" wheels generously fill out the wheel housings of the lowered chassis, and their dark shade is echoed by the radiator grille screen, mirror caps, backdrop of the headlights and insert in the lower bumper.

Inside, there's ample use of high-gloss black finish, and the seats are trimmed in nappa leather in black, red and white. The aluminium tread plates are also a custom feature and, similar to the Golf GTI concept car, they bear "Polo Wörthersee 09" engravings.

VW hasn't made any official announcements about either concept making the transition to production status, but it suggests the Polo concept is a pointer to a future sporty model.

Watch this space...

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