The dynamic heart of the Polo GTI is a newly developed four-cylinder EA888 engine. The 2.0 litre version of this engine family is used to power the Golf GTI. The new Polo GTI is equipped with the third generation EA888 with a displacement of 1,798 cm3. The turbocharged direct injection petrol engine develops 141 kW of power. The 1.8 TSI engine achieves this power at between 4 300 and 6 200 rpm with 6-speed manual transmission and from 5 400 to 6 200 rpm with the 7-speed DSG transmission. These variations are due to technical differences in the design parameters of the transmissions.

The same applies to the torque values: the DSG delivers a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1 250 and 5 300 rpm whereas the figures for the manual gearbox version are 320 Nm between 1 450 and 4 200 rpm. However, the differences in torque have no effect on the vehicle’s performance figures (top speed and acceleration from 0-100 km/h) – pretty brisk for a entry-level that should still be affordable and practical. The big catch? At present, VW has set pricing for this beast at R326 400 where it comes standard with a 3 year/45 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.