IN APRIL, Volkswagen presented the latest evolutionary stage of the sixth generation of Polo.

Now comes its sportiest version: the new Polo GTI.

The bearer of the legendary acronym spearheads the Polo segment in terms of performance, technology and sportiness with its powerful TSI engine and sports chassis, tailored specifically to the Polo GTI, it transforms the best-selling compact car into a dynamic, four-door sports car, which also allows semi-automated driving as an option for the first time in a Polo GTI.

A host of the latest generation of assistance systems guarantee even greater comfort and safety for all passengers.

In the automobile world, there are three letters that have had a magic sound to them for approaching five decades now: GTI. Since the original GTI in 1976, Volkswagen has ensured that this code is synonymous with outstanding driving pleasure in the compact segment. The Polo has borne the acronym GTI since 1998 – the third model to do so, after the Golf and the Scirocco.

The latest generation seamlessly continues the illustrious GTI tradition and sets new benchmarks for compact cars.

IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, used for the first time in a Polo GTI, enables semi-automated driving. The system can take over the steering, braking and accelerating of the new Polo GTI from 0 km/h to the control limit of Travel Assist (210 km/h). For longitudinal guidance, IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist calls upon familiar systems like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Latitudinal guidance is supported by Lane Assist, which comes as standard. The driver can activate the system via the Travel Assist button in the redesigned, multifunctional, leather sports steering wheel. The driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel whilst using this system, meaning the driver is always responsible for the car.

The heart of a GTI is always its engine. Like all its predecessors, the new Polo GTI is also front-wheel drive. The turbo-charged, direct petrol injector changes gear via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), which comes as standard.

As you would expect from a genuine Volkswagen GTI, the new Polo GTI also comes with a sports chassis, tailored specially to the car, as standard. It lowers the chassis by 15 millimetres and guarantees the typical GTI synthesis of driving dynamics, safe neutrality and a high degree of driving comfort.

On the interior, black, red, grey and chrome are the dominant colours.

The roof pillars and roof liner are always retained in the Titanium Black trim colour, which is typical of the GTI. Red contrast stitching is also always a typical characteristic of a GTI. It adorns the multifunctional, leather sports steering wheel, which comes as standard, the gear lever trim and the seat surfaces. The optional beats sound system, with 300 watts and six speakers, make for a captivating acoustic experience. The amplifier is located under the floor in the variable cargo area to save space and giving the new model a luggage capacity of 351 litres.

Pricing and full UK spec will be announced nearer its launch date.