However, the Polo’s hottest asset will be its engine: a 1.4-litre supercharged and
turbocharged four-cylinder TSI, which will grace the Ibiza Cupra early in 2009.
This produces 178bhp and 250Nm of torque in the GTI, and gives a 0-60mph time of around seven seconds and a 140mph top speed.
What will make the car fun to drive will be the way its power is delivered. The combination of turbo and supercharging means there will be a broad spread of torque at low revs, with muscular urge continuing all the way to the red line. The engine’s small capacity will also translate into strong economy and CO2 emissions. Figures of 40mpg and less than 150g/km are expected.
As with the Cupra, the GTI gets a six-speed manual box as standard, with a fast-shifting seven-ratio DSG box an option.
While the new Polo is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the GTI won’t be seen until early 2010. A price of around £15,500 is likely.