The ID. Polo is the first Volkswagen EV to feature ‘normal’ styling, and now it’s the first to gain a GTI variant.
Under the bonnet there’s a 166kW/290Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. Volkswagen claims the 1540kg hatch can complete the 0-100km/h dash in 6.8 seconds, and hit a top speed of 175km/h.
To help the GTI get all the mumbo to the ground there’s a standard electronic front differential lock, and 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 tyres.
Other changes include an adaptive sports suspension system, and a unique progressive steering rack. Click the GTI button on the steering wheel, and all of the car’s drive and chassis systems, as well as the in-cabin displays, are set to maximum sportiness.
Up until now, Volkswagen has shied away from using the GTI name to denote its sportier EV offerings, with the GTX nameplate used instead. While models like the ID. 3 GTX and ID. 4 GTX have rear drum brakes, the ID. Polo GTI has disc brakes with red calipers at all four corners.
The only battery available is a 52kWh (net) nickle manganese cobalt (NMC) unit that is expected to have a WLTP range of up to 424km. DC fast charging maxes out at 105kW.
A number of external styling changes help to the differentiate the GTI from lesser ID. Polo models. Up front there’s a marginally sportier bumper with a honeycomb lower air intake cover bookended by a set of red bars.
Below the standard matrix LED headlights, light bar and illuminated VW badge is a happy take on the GTI red grille stripe. Chunkier and more chiseled side sills grace the flanks, while the rear bumper features two diffuser-style elements.
The tail-lights are linked by a stack of four light bars, and the spoiler above the rear windscreen sports a more aggressive style. GTI badging adorns the side sills, tailgate, wheels, seats, and serves to break up the red stripe under the headlights.
There are liberal splashes of red throughout the cabin, including the stitching for the steering wheel, sport seats, and door panels, as well as the dashboard highlight. The steering wheel features a red 12 o’clock steering wheel marker, an illuminated GTI button/badge, and flappy paddles to adjust the level of regenerative braking.
Options include a 425W 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, and front seats with massaging and 12-way electronic adjustment. Those who want a slightly sportier drive can opt for Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres.
In Germany pre-sales began in the northern autumn, with pricing starting from just under €39,000 (A$63,400). For reference, the base ID. Polo with a 85kW motor and 37kWh battery kicks off at €24,995 (A$40,700).
Australian availability of the ID. Polo and the GTI have yet to be confirmed.