autoevolution
 

Spyshots: Why the 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI Might Have a 2.0L Turbo

The current generation of the Polo GTI is a sinful little car. However, its replacement for the 2018 model year might ask for forgiveness by using a larger 2.0-liter turbo, just like the MINI Cooper S.
2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI 9 photos
Photo: CarPix
The little GTI only recently upsized from a 1.4 to a 1.8-liter, so our theory seems a little unfounded. However, there are plenty of little things to back it up. For starters, the competition is doing the same thing, and it's hard to ignore the success enjoyed by the new MINI models in America, which is partly due to the larger BMW-sourced mills.

As a fan of the VW Group, I've also noticed that there hasn't been any investing into the 1.8 TSI engine since the GTI came out. Recent vehicles like the A3 facelift, SEAT Ateca, Tiguan II and Skoda Kodiaq (not yet revealed) all ignored the 1.8 TSI for a de-tuned 2.0 TSI with 180 PS.

By developing only one displacement of engine, Volkswagen group is saving a lot of money as well. And let's not forget that in 2010, the GTI had two sister cars, one of which has been discontinued, the Fabia RS. So Volkswagen doesn't need to make one go-fast platform to suit many types of customers.

Weight is obviously going to be a small problem, as the Polo GTI will have not only a larger engine but also a slightly larger body. The MINI Cooper S and JCW have also put on some bulk, but not enough to put people off. And anyway, who's to say a supermini hot hatch is supposed to weigh a certain amount?

So what kind of power can we expect from this GTI 2.0? Well, my best guess would be: the same as the Mk5 Golf GTI, 200 PS. Rumor has it that its big brother, the Mk8 Golf GTI, will have at least 260 ponies, so there's still plenty of room between them.

Hopefully, they will also get rid of the 7-speed DSG gearbox currently used because it is a 250 Nm engineering bottleneck. Either no DSG or a wet clutch unit that can handle more torque - we don't really care which one they pick.

As far as the rest of the chassis is concerned, the next Polo GTI will feature the usual big brakes, twin exhaust, and 17-inch alloy wheels. We're not blown away by what's hiding under that camouflage, nor did we expect to be, since Volkswagen is known for making understatements a lot.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories