2021 Volkswagen Polo GTI spied – Fiesta ST and i20 N rival to be refreshed
The new Volkswagen Polo GTI will have some tough competitors when it arrives later this year, including the excellent new i20 N
Volkswagen's updated Polo GTI has now been spotted testing before its immanent reveal. The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo received a mid-life update a few months ago, gaining fresh styling and a substantial cabin upgrade. Though final details are still under wraps, the new GTI is set to take on the likes of Hyundai’s new i20 N and the Ford Fiesta ST when it hits our roads next year.
Though we’ll have to wait until the end of June to see it in full, details have been revealed as to the new model’s arrival that was initially meant to coincide with the massive VW customer event at Wörthersee. The released render offers a first glimpse at the refreshed model, including a new front bumper that references both the Mk8 Golf GTI, and the new ID.4 GTX and its subtle LED lighting signature.
It will also come with the GTI’s signature red highlights, along the grille and extending within each headlight – something that’s also paired with a full-width light bar also found on its larger sibling. Aside from red GTI badging on the front wings and wheels similar to those seen on the Mk7.5 Golf GTI, little else can be seen.
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The GTI will otherwise adopt the same updated design elements as first seen on the standard Polo, with new detailing inspired by the Mk8 Golf and ID range. LED lights are now standard across the range, with IQ.Light matrix headlights, dynamic indicators and the aforementioned front light bar likely to come as standard on the GTI model, which has been realigned to be more of a range-topping trim, rather than out-and-out supermini hot hatchback.
Inside, the new Polo comes with a standard 8-inch Digital Cockpit alongside Travel assist, allowing for level 2 autonomous driving at speeds of up to 130mph. More premium trim levels such as the GTI will come with the larger 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and upgraded 8-inch infotainment display.
Performance figures will be released next month, but it’s likely that the hot hatch will retain the 2-litre EA888 four-cylinder found in the current car, so too it’s standard-fit DSG transmission and ‘virtual’ XDS limited-slip differential.
Local prices will be specified after its debut in June, hitting the road sometime in early 2022.
