New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

Volkswagen India is considering the launch of the new Polo GTi in the country. The sixth generation Polo GTi was unveiled globally in June 2017. Since then, Indian hot hatch enthusiasts were waiting for its India debut.

The current Volkswagen Polo GTi, although being an extremely capable hatch, wasn't a big-seller in India. The main reason for this was the high pricing. When launched in November 2016, the 3-door hatch was priced at Rs 26 lakh ex-showroom. Volkswagen India soon gave it some discounts to boost sales.

New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

Now, Autocar India reports that Volkswagen is putting forward strategies to bring the new Polo GTi to India. Volkswagen India is developing a low-cost version of the brand's MQB A0 platform.

New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

The new platform (MQB A0 IN) will aid in reducing production costs to a good extent. The upcoming Polo GTi will also replace the current 1.8-litre TSi petrol engine with a 2.0-litre unit; the same turbo petrol engine found in the Skoda Octavia RS.

The engine makes 197bhp and 320Nm of torque. This is mated to either to a 7-speed DSG gearbox or a 6-speed manual, which sends all the power to the front wheels.

New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

The current Volkswagen Polo GTi, in contrast, makes 189bhp and 250Nm of torque, from its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. This is mated only to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. This chassis itself is very engaging to drive; meaning the upcoming Volkswagen Polo GTi will be even more fun.

New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

The new GTi is expected to come in a 5-door body and is longer and wider than before. The new front profile, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch is optional in global markets) and the sharper lines see a shift from the previous Volkswagen design language.

New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

The 5-spoke alloy wheels in the global market may not be available in the Indian model, mainly to tackle the road conditions. Being a limited high-performance hatch, the ground clearance might remain untouched.

New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

The rear profile looks different while retaining the dual-tip exhaust. The LED taillamps, single ‘GTi' badge and the neatly-integrated spoiler provide a good sight for those who cannot keep up with the hot hatch on an open road.

Thoughts On The New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch

New 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi India Launch In Plans — Pricing Is The Challenge

The new Volkswagen Polo GTi will hopefully be a bit more cheaper than the outgoing model. While the 5-door configuration can improve the car's subtle or ‘sleeper' character, the missing charm of a 3-door might upset some. Also, if the current reports are true, we should be seeing the new GTi here only in 2020.

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Read more on: #volkswagen
Article Published On: Tuesday, May 1, 2018, 14:00 [IST]
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