Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
When Volkswagen introduced the fourth generation of the Polo in 2002, it didn't make it a GTI, and the small hot-hatch fans remained disappointed until 2005.
Along with the facelifted version of the Polo's fourth generation, the carmaker re-introduced the GTI version as well. It offered more power than its predecessor, and it was a pocket-rocket that could outpace many cars on the road and still managed to keep a decent fuel consumption. It was like Santa Claus in July. Unless it was unveiled in October at the Australian International Motor Show. The recipe was simple: take the three-door version, stuck the biggest engine it fits inside the engine bay, and call it a day.
Volkswagen used the three-door version of the Polo hatchback, with the new, wider headlights. Its front fascia featured a big, V-shaped, black grille with a red stripe on the upper side. In the apron, the carmaker installed two side-scoops that hosted the fog lights and a pair of fake air intakes. Its longer doors and the fixed rear windows were carried over from the 3-door Polo, while at the back, a small roof-spoiler adorned the top of the liftgate.
Inside, the carmaker chose the upholstery better and mounted bolstered seats at the front. The three-spokes steering wheel sported a silver badge with GTI lettering. But there were no white dials or screaming-for-attention elements. The only unique feature was the aluminum pedals.
Under the hood, Volkswagen installed the same 1.8-liter turbocharged engine used for more cars, such as the Audi A3, Audi TT, Volkswagen Passat, or Skoda Octavia RS. It provided 150 hp and was paired to a five-speed manual only. Later on, a Cup edition received an upgraded version with 180 hp.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L Turbo 5MT FWD (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1781 cm3 |
Power: | 110 KW @ 5800 RPM 150 HP @ 5800 RPM 148 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 162 lb-ft @ 1950 RPM 220 Nm @ 1950 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 134.2 mph (216 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/45 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 154.3 in (3919 mm) |
Width: | 65 in (1651 mm) |
Height: | 57.9 in (1471 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.3 in (1,430/1,430 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96.9 in (2461 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 9.5 cuFT (269 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2511.1 lbs (1139 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3747.9 lbs (1700 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 187 g/km |