A 1.8-litre, four-cylinder powerplant, which sends 110kW/150hp to the front wheels at 5,800rpm, is behind the sporty performance of the new Polo GTI. As with the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has added a turbocharger to this engine. An intercooler reduces the temperature of the charge air. This increases the volumetric efficiency in the four combustion chambers and thus also the combustion efficiency. Two overhead camshafts and five valves per cylinder (two inlet and three outlets valves operated by tappets) ensure fast gas exchange. The fully electronic single injection system is controlled by a mapped Motronic system. On the road, the turbo engine is both refined and powerful. Its maximum torque of 220 Newton metres is available even below 2,000rpm. The Polo GTI accelerates from 80 to 120km/h in just 7.5 seconds. It only needs about 10.0 seconds for the same test in fifth gear. So, if you are lazy with gear changes, you can still drive the Volkswagen amazingly fast. But the truth is as soon as the driver shifts down a gear, this car is enormous fun to drive.
You will also not have to pay much for this fun at the petrol station. The EU total consumption for the Polo GTI is within a reasonable level at just 7.8 litres every 100 kilometres. You won't need to make many pit stops either. Services with oil change are scheduled every 30,000 kilometres or every two years. This will also reduce the running costs of the Polo GTI to a minimum.