Volkswagen plans to launch an R version of the Volkswagen Polo in 2012, Autocar sources have revealed.
The creation of VW's R division was formally announced last month and the subsidiary was behind the Golf and Scirocco R models that went on-sale earlier this year. The division is VW's answer to Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M departments.
The VW Polo R is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, which is tipped to produce around 210bhp. However, unlike the Golf R, the Polo R will not be four-wheel drive as the Polo's PQ25 platform can accommodate front-wheel drive only.
This summer will see the arrival of the VW Polo GTI. This car, revealed at the Geneva motor show in March, will be powered by a 177bhp 1.4-litre Twincharger engine. It will boast the lowest kerbweight in its class and has been styled to resemble the larger Golf GTI.
The transmission is a seven-speed DSG, with an electronic differential on the front axle. The GTI’s suspension is 15mm lower all round than that of the standard Polo, and it gets its own springs and dampers.
Expect the Polo GTI to cost around £18,000 for the three-door variant; a five-door model will also be available. It goes on sale in August.
