The Abarth Punto can continue its streak as the most powerful mainstream hatchback in India for a little longer, as new reports confirm that the VW Polo GTi, all 190 bhp of it, won’t be coming to India before March 2016. The report adds that GTi’s underpinnings and body shell would be imported, along with the more aggressive suspension set-up, which means that it’ll be bough into the country via the CKD route.
The GTi is powered by a 1.8-litre “twincharged” (turbocharged and supercharged) petrol engine which makes 190 bhp. The motor employs both direct and indirect fuel injection, as well as featuring variable valve timing and an electric actuator for the turbocharger’s waste-gate, minimising turbo-lag and improving drive-ability. A detuned version of the same motor does duty in the Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI and the Audi A3.
Torque stands at 320 Nm between 1450 and 4500 rpm if mated to the six-speed manual transmission, whereas with the DSG transmission, the engine makes a considerably less 250 Nm, available between 1250 and 5300 rpm. That’s because the automatic transmission can’t cope up with the extra twist. For India, only the automatic transmission will be offered. The GTi sprints from 0-100 kph in 6.7 seconds with a top speed rated at 146 mph.
Volkswagen Polo GTi spied in India
The Polo GTI’s sports tuned suspension sits 10 mm lower at the front and 15 mm lower at the rear as compared to the stock Polo. The GTi also gets a completely new electro-mechanical steering system, and an optional Sport Performance Kit, which brings in a set of electronically adjustable dampers along with a Sport button, though it remains to be seen if these options are offered in India.
Further electronic aids come in the form of electronic stability control (ESC) system and a XDS+ torque-vectoring system. On the outside, the GTI gets bespoke bumpers, 17-inch alloys, twin exhaust pipes, red radiator grille strips which extend into the LED headlights and a black honeycombe grille with GTi branding. The Volkswagen Polo GTi is expected to retail for INR 14-15 lakh.
Source: Carwale