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Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25: A Miss for SA
As far as hot superminis go, Volkswagen's Polo GTI has always been a formidable hot hatch and a worthy sibling to the Golf GTI.
First launched in Mzansi in 1996, it was the beginning of SA's love affair with the Polo GTI, and despite a slowly-declining segment, it has held on to its popularity with a firm grip.
We look at the life of the Polo GTI in SA, including the recently revealed Edition 25 GTI model that SA isn't getting.
Love Affair
The first locally available Polo GTI packed a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 110 kW and 220 Nm plus a 5-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds before maxing out at 216 km/h. Despite its heavy nose and firm ride, it was a stellar performer in the mini hot-hatch segment thanks to a punchy-for-its-time engine.
Throughout the years, it became a battle of the superminis and manufacturers came in challenging for the Polo GTI's throne with their fire-breathing hot hatches, such as the Renault Clio RS, Peugeot 207 GTI, Ford Fiesta ST and Opel Corsa OPC. In 2010, the second iteration of the Polo GTI was arguably the most loved model of all time, courtesy of a superb mixture of a potent engine, everyday usability and good build quality.
Unlike the model before it, the Polo GTI based on the 5th-gen Polo wielded a smaller but capable 1.4-litre turbo and supercharged 4-cylinder engine with 132 kW and 250 Nm, enough to accelerate the supermini from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds while shuffling through either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission.
Then in 2015, the folks at Volkswagen facelifted the Polo GTI, and that's where things started to get interesting. Besides ditching the smaller 1.4-litre unit for a slightly more powerful 1.8-litre TSI engine, it was the last Polo GTI to ever feature a 6-speed manual transmission, sadly.
While it was a bit too well-behaved for some of us, its flawless suspension allowed the hot hatch to take corners at serious speeds. The 141 kW and 320 Nm engine, accessed by either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox, was a match made in heaven. For some reason, it was the manual-equipped variant I enjoyed spending time at the helm of. Besides the brisk performance, the engaging thrilling drive accompanied by immense handling prowess is one for the books.
Built in SA by fellow South Africans, Volkswagen introduced the new Polo GTI in 2018, based on the 6th instalment of the Polo. Besides wearing a brand-new physique, it now plays in a similar power territory as the Golf 5 GTI of the olden days. That said, it uses the same EA888 2.0-litre TSI engine found in the Golf GTI and R models but detuned to deliver 147 kW and 320 Nm while it's only available with a sole 7-speed DSG transmission.
It's the 6th-gen model that ushered buyers into a more mature product that has held its regard as a glorified supermini and a genuine performance hatch.
In 2022, VW gave the model a makeover which saw the Polo GTI getting new front and rear end sections and updated interior and safety systems; however, the engine was left as is.
Silver Jubilee
The Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 is a new limited-edition model commemorating the supermini's 25 years of existence. Only 2,500 units will be produced to mark this special occasion, but South Africa will not receive any of them. This decision seems questionable, especially considering the GTI's large and devoted fanbase in the country. The car is also manufactured at the Volkswagen Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
It stands out in the crowd packing exclusive anniversary equipment such as a 'One of 2500' logo on the sill panel trim and the Ascot Grey exterior shade. It rides on a set of 18" Adelaide alloys pained in black gloss, bright ID. Light LED matrix headlights, a black roof, exterior side mirrors, and a honeycomb pattern with the 25 number on the side decals.
The interior remains similar to the regular models, yet VW offers a long list of standard features worthy of celebrating. These include premium sport seats in perforated black-red leather finished off with stitched GTI logos and gloss black decorative trim with red GTI script.
At its heart beats the same good EA888 2.0-litre TSI that pumps out 152 kW and 320 Nm in the case of overseas-bound Polo GTIs (147 kW for SA) enough to catapult the hatch from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than the locally available GTI.
The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission, and VW has bolstered the Polo GTI Edition 25 with a standard sports suspension that lowers the hot hatch by 15 mm. The package also includes an XDS electronic differential lock for enhanced traction.
A Miss For SA
VW SA has confirmed that all units of the Edition 25 will be sold in other markets. This, especially considering its local popularity, and the delayed launch of the Golf 8 R, are missed marketing opportunities for the brand.
Thankfully, the regular Polo GTI is still around for the coming years to cater for those little enjoyable everyday commutes.
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