2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI on sale now from $27,490

Volkswagen has launched the 2015 Polo GTI in Australia and the range finally gets the long-awaited manual transmission.

Priced from $27,490 plus on-road costs, the six-speed manual Polo GTI will go head-to-head with the Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio R.S. 200 and Peugeot 208 GTi in the battle for supremacy.

Compared to its rivals, the Polo GTI is $1,500 more expensive than the Fiesta ST, but $2,500 cheaper than the 208 GTi – both manual only. It also undercuts the auto-only Clio R.S 200 by $2,000.

Those who prefer two pedal motoring can still opt for the $29,990 seven-speed DSG Polo GTI.

The three-door model has been dropped from the Australian lineup.

Headlining the refreshed GTI is a new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (related to the 2.0-litre engines in the Golf GTI and Golf R) that produces 141kW of power, up 9kW from the previous 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder.

Its torque figure varies based on the transmission. When paired with the manual, it delivers a muscular 320Nm of torque, but drops to 250Nm when mated with the DSG.

Despite the torque difference, Volkswagen claims both will is capable of dashing from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the old model.

The manual transmission is rated at 6.1L/100km, while the DSG is claimed to return 5.7L/100km.

The exterior design of the Polo GTI has been updated with a new front bumper featuring fog lights with static cornering function mounted in the lower bumper. The iconic red grille now continues into the headlight housing like the Golf GTI.

In profile, the facelifted model gets a ‘GTI’ badge on the front fender, unique side sills and 17-inch ‘Parabolica’ alloy wheels behind which hide red brake calipers.

Inside, it inherits many of the Mk 7 Golf GTI’s features, including the leather wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters (DSG models), aluminum pedals and a 6.5-inch Composition Media touchscreen.

The car also gets engine stop-start and multi-collision brake system as standard. Sadly, Australian models miss out on the new adaptive suspension, which is available overseas.

Two optional packages add a host of convenience and assistance systems.

The $1,700 Driver Assistance Package brings the Discover Media Infotainment system with satellite navigation, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and driver fatigue detection system.

The $3,300 Luxury Package further adds LED headlights with daytime running lights, comfort sport front seats with Alcantara/leather-look upholstery and a panoramic electric glass sunroof.

Read ForceGT’s Volkswagen Polo GTI Review

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