The Tokyo motor show may be dominated by metal from the land of the rising sun, but Volkswagen will be presenting its own junior superstar with the public debut of its new Polo GTI.
Following the success of the excellent new Golf GTI, the Polo will be powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 148bhp and 162lb ft of torque, making it the most powerful Polo ever, though it still lags some way behind the class powerhouse 180bhp Renault Clio Renaultsport 182. Maximum speed is an impressive 134mph, and the Polo will sprint from rest to 62mph in 8.2sec.
It may not be the fastest in its class, but the new Polo is certainly among the most stylish. The GTI borrows its styling cues from big brother Golf, with black honeycomb grille, five-spoke 16in alloys with red-painted brake calipers behind, and twin chromed tailpipes. Inside, too, the Golf influence continues in the Polo's check-pattern cloth upholstered sports seats.
Prices will be announced closer to the GTi's launch here in May 2006.
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