2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI To Get Revised Looks, Twincharged Engine

The fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo is due to drop later this year, and according to British car mag Auto Express, the range-topping GTI version should be one corker of a car.

Based on the same PQ25 small car platform that underpins the newest SEAT Ibiza, the 2010 Polo GTI will feature more power, more torque, more interior space and a far more modern exterior than the current model.

A turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 litre inline four will be responsible for the Polo GTI's 133kW and 250Nm, while a six-speed manual is expected to be standard equipment. A lighting-fast seven-speed DSG gearbox is tipped to appear on the options list too, and if our prior experience with VW's excellent DSG 'boxes is anything to go by, then the humble Polo should be transformed by it.

Stiffer springs, thicker swaybars and a host of electronic stabilty aids promise zippy handling for the Polo GTI, while braking hardware will also be upgraded. The 0-96kph sprint is expected to be dispatched in a sprightly seven seconds and top speed should hover around the 225kph mark.

The Polo GTI's sporting intent will be reflected in its appearance too, with flared arches, big alloy wheels and a unique bodykit beefing up the little hatchback immensely. Heavily-straked inlets in the front bumper, twin exhaust tips and a small roof spoiler add more visual toughness, and the trademark red-rimmed GTI grille will also grace the Polo's snout.

A pair of sports seats, alloy pedals and liberal amounts of red piping will dress up the Polo's interior, and the entire cabin is expected to benefit from a more upmarket feel. Quality of trim is anticipated to equal that of the Polo's recently-released big brother, the MkVI golf.

The 2010 Volkswagen Polo is slated to debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show, while the GTI should arrive in European showrooms in early 2010 with a pricetag nearing £15,500 ($31,942 AUD).

There's no word yet on an Australian release, however given VW Australia offers the current model as part of its Oz line-up, we're betting the MkV Polo GTI should be a shoo-in. We'll keep you posted.

[Auto Express]