The new Polo GTI -
the Polo with the extra fun factor!
Volkswagen has gone one better with the Polo. In addition to the sporty versions with 55 kW / 75 bhp and 74 kW / 100 bhp, as of September '98 the most powerful Polo series of all times was launched: the Polo GTI - in a limited edition of just 3000 vehicles. Its new 1.6-litre 4 valve engine produces 88 kW / 120 bhp and accelerates the Polo from rest to 100 km/h in just 9.1 seconds. More important than its top speed of 200 km/h is the pulling power of the modern engine. It reaches its maximum torque of 148 Nm at a low 3400 rpm. This makes the 961 kg car agile, even if the driver is a little shy of using the gearbox. Lots of power, coupled with low weight, means that the Polo GTI not only has good performance, but that it also has a low fuel consumption. Its overall MVEG fuel consumption is just 7.1 litres of lead free premium fuel per 100 km. It also fulfils the stringent EU-III-D exhaust emission standard. Outwardly the Polo GTI can be spotted immediately - it is available in the colours flash red, satin silver and black magic pearl effect. It sports the Polo GTI badge front and back and has eye-catching 15-inch wheels with cross-spoke design. Inside, the GTI has blue instrument background lighting, red seatbelts and height adjustable sport seats with GTI fabric.
At Volkswagen the sporty abbreviation GTI has always been associated with the Golf. Now the Polo will also be available in a GTI version, which in Wolfsburg means neat, powerful, youthful, sporty. Initially you may expect a lack of elasticity and low torque from an 88 kW (120 bhp) 1.6-litre engine. This couldn't be further from the truth in the case of the Polo GTI. It is capable of powerful spurts from low engine speeds thanks to its aluminium four-valve cylinder head with valve control via roller-type rockers and two overhead camshafts driven by toothed belts. This 1.6-litre DOHC engine is instantly recognisable on lifting the bonnet - red ignition cables and a red cylinder head cover indicate that this is a particularly racy member of its class.
The Polo GTI engine is based on the new Golf 1.4-litre 16V 55 kW / 75 bhp engine. It has an aluminium cylinder head with four valves per combustion chamber which are actuated by roller-type rockers. The principles of the engine management system with static high-voltage distribution, consecutive fuel injection and cylinder-selective knock control were borrowed from the 1.4-litre engine along with its aluminium oil sump. Although the engine bore has remained untouched at 76.5 mm, the stroke has been extended by 11.3 mm to 86.9 mm. In order to retain as many components as possible from the standard engine, e.g. the belt drive, the height of the grey cast iron cylinder block could not be altered. For this reason the length of the conrods was shortened by six mm to 138 mm and the compression height of the pistons modified. The piston ring grooves and the piston crown have been anodised to protect them against increased thermal stress.
Friction has been reduced by replacing the bucket tappet design with a cylinder head with roller-type rockers. The inlet and exhaust ports have been enlarged and the camshafts adapted to the new timing. The intake system has been completely reworked. The preliminary intake section, with integrated warm air control, has been widened and straightened to reduce flow resistance. The aluminium intake manifold was redesigned to give a good compromise between high output and a high torque at low speeds. As a result, the four-valve engine develops its maximum torque of 148 Nm at 3400 rpm, 90 percent of its greatest torque is spread over a wide engine speed range of 2750 to 6250 rpm and 83 percent is available at 1750 rpm. These figures show that this engine is both powerful and easy to drive.
In the elasticity test from 80 to 120 km/h, the Polo GTI needed just 10.0 seconds in 4th gear, and an impressive 13.5 seconds in 5th. This elasticity makes easy driving for motorists who are lazy with the gearstick. Driving around town in 5th gear is no problem. If the driver then accelerates, the 4-valve engine shows its great agility with a sporty exhaust note. The low vehicle weight of just 961 kg naturally contributes to this effect.
However, those drivers who like to work the new-look gearstick of the 5-speed gearbox will be rewarded with an acceleration of zero to 100 km/h in just 9.1 seconds, or put another way, will pass the 1 km mark after just 30.5 seconds. The Polo GTI is one of the fastest Volkswagen vehicles. It has a top speed of 200 km/h.
Despite its high specific output of 75 bhp per litre, the Polo GTI has a frugal fuel consumption. An average of just 7.1 litres of lead free premium petrol pass through its 2-hole injectors per 100 kilometres (figures are to MVEG standards). The Polo GTI engine has considerably higher performance and is more responsive than the Golf 1.4 litre 16V engine with 55 kW (75 bhp) on which it is based. However it also fulfils the EU-III-D exhaust emission standard, which comes with a tax concession. This is largely thanks to a primary catalytic converter installed close to the engine. A redesigned exhaust manifold made this possible.
The Polo GTI has been given sporty running gear befitting its character. Independent suspension with McPherson struts at the front, and torsion beam axle in the rear, both fitted with anti-roll bars, has been borrowed from the 74 kW 16V Polo. The GTI has been lowered by 10 mm - its 15 inch low profile tyres not only look good, but also give the car more grip when cornering. The anti-locking brake system with electronic brake force distribution is, of course, standard. It forms the basis for the series electronic differential lock (EDS) which prevents the driven wheels losing traction.
The Polo GTI is instantly recognisable. Not only does it have GTI badges on the radiator grille and on the tailgate, but sports 15 inch alloys with cross-spoke design 195/45 R 15 tyres. The red disc brake callipers can be clearly seen through the wheels front and back. Large colour-coded front and rear bumpers, white front and side turn signals and darkened tail light lenses complete the picture. Inside, the Polo GTI has blue cockpit background illumination, height adjustable sport seats in special GTI cloth upholstery, and red seatbelts.
The steering wheel, the gearstick gaiter and the handbrake handle are all covered in leather with decorative red seams. This feature is taken up in the floor mats which have red edging. The Polo GTI comes complete with the both the "Open and Close" (central locking including ignition key with integrated lamp) and "See and be seen" packages (fog lights), and heat resistant glazing. Driver and front passenger airbags are standard on all Polos and have not been omitted here.
If specified, the Polo GTI can be fitted with all optional extras generally available for the Polo. Air conditioning, heated seats and many other features can be fitted if ordered. The Polo GTI, available only in the colours flash red, black magic pearl effect and satin silver, will be introduced to the market in October 1998 in both 2-door and 4-door versions. The 2-door model will cost DM 31 900.
