Tuned Volkswagen Polo GTI more powerful than Golf R

Remember the Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street? We don’t blame you, as it was only produced in limited numbers in left-hand drive as part of the homologation requirement for WRC. It featured a tweaked version of the Golf GTI’s 2.0-litre turbocharged mill that churns out 162kW and 349Nm of torque. That’s 15kW and 29Nm more than the current six-generation Polo GTI.

While Volkswagen hasn’t said anything about a Polo R WRC Street successor, the folks from Siemoneit Racing in Germany has developed a three-stage upgrade kit for the current Polo GTI that would put the WRC Street to shame.

In its most potent Stage 3 guise, the tuner will take the four-cylinder mill to a mighty 236kW and 430Nm of torque, that’s more than even the Mk7 213kW/380Nm Golf R.

The extra firepower comes courtesy of a bigger turbocharger, upgraded exhaust and a new intercooler with an air guidance system. Siemoneit Racing also tweaked the Polo GTI’s DSG transmission in order to handle the extra power.

As a result, the tweaked GTI rushes from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, or 1.5 seconds quicker than the stock Polo GTI DSG. Top speed is also 19km/h higher at 256km/h.

The cost? €8,998 or A$14,548 based on current exchange rate.

For another €11,630 (A$18,803), the tuner will throw in a set of KW clubsport, Recaro front seats with Sabelt seatbelts, a black velour interior, as well as a set of 18-inch ATS wheels shot in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. They will also replace the rear seats with a roll cage on request.