VW Polo GTI Stuns Spectators at Delhi Auto Expo

Kuala Lumpur: With a relatively blander booth otherwise, Volkswagen finally added a much-needed oomph to its stall at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo, by unveiling the new Polo GTI. With a power output rated at a groundbreaking 189 hp, this little VW hatch has the capabilities to defeat cars from much higher segments, in terms of acceleration and performance. Moreover, the fact that this is India's second hot hatch at a relatively cheaper price point, after the Punto Abarth, makes the Polo GTI a revolutionary product in the Indian automotive market. This VW GTI is already on sale in Malaysia, and is efficiently catering to the needs of Malaysian petrol-heads.In addition to the all new Polo GTI, the VW group also announced that the Golf will get new engines in the coming years, which will definitely help the brand in overcoming the shady image that the company faced due to dieselgate scandal.

Though the Polo GTI will directly rival the Punto Abarth, the price difference between these two hot hatchbacks will be exorbitant. This is due to the fact that Fiat is developing the Punto Abarth locally in the country, while the Polo GTI will be imported as a CBU, and will thus be exposed to hefty taxes. As a result, while the Punto will definitely provide a value for money deal, the Polo GTI gives a lot more exclusive appeal.

The aforementioned exclusivity is imparted into the characteristics of the GTI hatchback due to various tasteful exterior design elements, including 17-inch alloys, three-door architecture, blacked roof and door frame, and a prominent red strip running below the grille. The front bumper, and rear profile too have been tweaked, in order to provide differentiation from the regular Polo hatch. Changes continue on the interiors as well, where the star performer is undoubtedly the beautiful flat-bottom steering wheel with brushed aluminum inserts and GTI branding. The entire leather upholstery is stitched in a contrasting red colour, thus adding aggressiveness to the ambiance. Moreover, the presence of a sunroof, cruise control, and various other advance gadgetries can justify the high price tag of the GTI.

But the show-stopper of this car is the engine under its hood, which is a 1.8-litre TSi petrol engine that exhales 192 PS and 320 Nm of torque. In addition to the Polo TSI, the German manufacturer has also showcased its new VW Ameo compact sedan at the auto expo.

Image Courtesy: CarDekho