The recently-refreshed Volkswagen Polo is getting a new halo model in the form of the GTI, a car destined to do battle with Ford's class-leading Fiesta ST.
The new Polo GTI will use a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 192hp and 320Nm - significant increases on the old 1.4 turbo- and supercharged engine's 180hp and 250Nm.
Volkswagen says the new car should improve on the 1.4's green stats of 47.9mpg (5.9 litres/100km) and 139g/km CO2, but you don't really want to hear about that, do you? What you want to know is: will it be quicker than a Fiesta ST?
The answer, seemingly, is yes, if you're comparing the GTI to the standard ST. The Polo is quicker to 100km/h from rest by 0.2 seconds, clocking the sprint in 6.7 seconds, while it can run on to 237km/h. Of course, the 215hp Mountune-fettled Fiesta ST is a different kettle of fish.
The GTI will come with LED headlights, two-stage adaptive dampers, some adjustable driving settings (throttle response and steering) and classic GTI signifiers like the red-striped front grille and tartan sports seats.
Anything else?
More details will be forthcoming in (you guessed it) Paris next month, where the Volkswagen Polo GTI will get its debut. Unfortunately, Volkswagen Ireland has stated that the new junior hot hatch will not be sold here officially.