2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI revealed, Australian launch due in 2022

The 2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI has been officially revealed, ahead of an Australian launch in the second quarter of 2022 (April to June inclusive).

Volkswagen's smallest GTI model in Australia benefits from the same round of updates as the regular Polo in April, with refreshed styling, updated interior and expanded safety – though there's no more power.

Australian models are slated to continue with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, sending 147kW and 320Nm to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission only (with no manual on offer).

Volkswagen quotes a carry-over 6.7-second sprint from zero to 100km/h for the outgoing car, towards a top speed of 238km/h.

MORE: 2022 Volkswagen Polo facelift officially revealed, Australian launch early 2022

As reported by CarAdvice in May, European models recently received a power bump to 152kW/320Nm, with the engine now paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that cuts the 0-100km/h time to 6.5 seconds, and ups the top speed to 240km/h,

That performance bump carries over to the facelifted model – though it's no closer to Australia, partly as European versions feature petrol particulate filters that are compatible with, but ultimately not suited to Australia's high-sulphur fuel.

Under the skin, the Polo sits 15mm lower to the ground than its standard counterparts, joined by a thicker front anti-roll bar, stiffer rear axle mounts, and an electronic brake-based torque vectoring system up front. A bi-modal sports exhaust is also available.

On the styling front, the updated GTI scores mild exterior styling tweaks designed to keep it fresh, headlined by a new front end with reshaped LED headlights inspired by the larger Golf, a slimmer upper grille with a red accent stripe, and a full-width LED daytime-running light bar.

The lower bumper differentiates itself from the regular, sport-look R-Line through a honeycomb pattern and hexagonal LED fog light modules on each edge (inspired by the Golf GTI).

The standard Polo's reworked LED tail-lights port over to the go-fast range-topper, with GTI-specific design changes including a GTI badge below the Volkswagen logo, and a revised lower bumper with dual exhaust tips.

Redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, with also-restyled 18-inch units are available as an option.

Inside, a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation sits in the centre of the dashboard – running Volkswagen's latest software – while a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is placed in front of the driver.

The regular model's new-design flat-bottomed steering wheel (with touch controls) and touch-based climate control panel feature in the GTI, joining sporty upgrades including sports seats trimmed in tartan cloth (or a leather/suede combination, likely on higher grades), red contrast stitching and GTI badges.

The Polo GTI's safety suite has also seen an upgrade, with Volkswagen's Travel Assist system now available, capable of accelerating, braking and centring the hot hatch within its lane on freeways at up to 210km/h.

The facelifted 2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI will go on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2022 (April to June inclusive).

Local pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch, though should Volkswagen Australia opt to bundle LED headlights and a full suite of active safety features as standard (as per its latest models), expect a price rise of roughly $2000 to $3000.

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