[Updated] The Polo we've all been waiting for ever since Volkswagen lifted the veils off the latest generation model is a reality as the German firm has published the first official photos of the Golf GTI's smaller brother prior to its world premiere at the Geneva auto gathering next month.
The new 2010 Polo GTI packs the same 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine with turbo- and supercharging as the Seat Ibiza Cupra with an estimated output of 180 horsepower and a hefty 250Nm or 184 lb-ft of torque, available from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm.
The hot Polo's TSI gasoline engine is linked to a compact seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox that channels drive through the front axle.
Aligned with a 1,184kg or 2,610 lbs kerbweight, the 1.4 TSI allows the Polo GTI to accelerate from rest to 100km/h or 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 228 km/h or 142 mph.
The German automaker says that the GTI model is capable of delivering a low fuel consumption of 6.0lt/100km (equal to 39mpg US or 47 mpg UK) on the combined cycle while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2.
Along with the new engine, the Polo GTI also gets upgraded suspension components and VW's version of the Ibiza Cupra's XDS self locking electronic differential.
In a similar underrated fashion to the Golf GTI, the hottest Polo sports five-spoke polished 17-inch alloy wheels in low profile tires, red brake callipers, blacked out headlamps with LED daytime running lights and the typical GTI honeycomb grille with a red frame. At the back there's a new rear bumper featuring a small diffuser and a pair of chrome-tipped exhausts.
Inside we find that a similar flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching and the tartan cloth sport seats plus a slightly revised instrument panel with red dials.
The new Polo GTI is expected to go on sale in Europe in both three- and five-door body styles shortly after its debut in Geneva.
