Reboot of the fourth-generation Golf GTI

Volkswagen has updated the Polo GTI, its second-smallest hot hatchback, with exterior styling tweaks and better onboard tech.Some new and improved bits are trickling down from the latest GolfGTIintroduced in 2020 .

Don't panic if the Polo nameplate doesn't sound.It has been the sixth generation of the city-friendly hatchback since 1975 and has been positioneddirectly below theGolf in many global markets.It started life as an Audi, but at different times, things were different.Back in 2021: The current Polo is about 160 inches long, 69 inches wide and 57 inches tall, dimensions that make itabout 3 inches shorter, less than 1 inch wide and about 1 inch taller than the fourth-generationGolf .However, it surpasses even the fourth-generation GTI powered by the VR6.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends 204 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.If you want to change your own gear, you're out of luck; a manual transmission isn't available.For context, the fourth-generation GTI landed in the 1999 model year with the top-of-the-line engine being the 2.8-liter, 174-horsepower VR6.Their weight numbers are also not far off.The Polo weighs about 2,840 pounds, while the GTI GLX weighs about 2,800 pounds.

Of course, more than two decades of design and technology set these GTIs apart.For 2021, the Polo gets a new-look front end that borrows styling cues like the wider air dam from the eighth-generation Golf GTI.Even bigger changes await to return, with LED lights now extending into the hatch (another club from Golf).Volkswagen comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, and 18-inch wheels appear on the options list along with a contrasting black roof.

From the driver's seat, with the engine off, the best way to differentiate the updated Polo from the outgoing model is to look straight ahead.According to Volkswagen, the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offers higher resolution and sharper graphics.Look to the right and you'll find the company's latest-generation infotainment system, which is compatible with various online services as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Volkswagen has also added its IQ Drive Travel Assist semi-autonomous technology, which can take over braking, steering and acceleration at speeds of up to 130 mph when the right conditions are met.The company emphasizes that IQ Drive Travel Assist will not turn the Polo into a self-driving car, where the driver must keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Dealers across Europe will start receiving the redesigned Polo GTI in the coming months.Buyers will have five colors to choose from, dubbed Deep Black Pearl Effect, Smoke Grey Metallic, King Red Metallic, Pure White Uni and Coral Blue Metallic.However, there is no indication that the hot hatch will be on sale.