Shorter springs with stiffer characteristic curves reduce the car height by 15 millimetres. The centre of balance is therefore lower increasing the dynamic capabilities of the agile Polo GTI. This means that the compact sports car responds particularly directly and immediately to the commands from the electromechanical power steering. This speed-dependent system, which works independently of the engine speed, has been specially configured to the qualities of the fast Volkswagen Polo.

205/45 16-inch low-profile tyres ensure safe road holding. Rated with speed index V, they are approved for speeds up to 240km/h. At the same time, the high-performance tyres highlight the dynamic look of the Polo GTI. Fitted on 6.5-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive GTI design, they fill the wheel arches and almost merge into the body.

The red painted brake callipers show without a doubt that this Volkswagen is also one of the masters in its class when it comes to braking. They are combined with large-sized brake discs on all four wheels (front: 288 mm diameter; rear: 232 mm). The front discs are ventilated. A hydraulic anti-lock brake system with brake assist is included in the standard equipment as are the ESP electronic stabilisation programme, the TCS traction control system and the EDL electronic differential lock. A standard tyre pressure monitor (TPM) ensures that the tyres are always inflated to the correct pressure. Better to be safe than sorry.



2007 Polo GTI - Exterior
Attractive GTI styling distinguishes this Polo from the rest

Powerful and dynamic: Even when stationary, the new Polo GTI clearly shows off its sportiness. The compact sports car features numerous design attributes that already characterise its big brother, the Golf GTI. This includes, for example, the black shield-shaped radiator grille and the honeycomb mesh on the upper air intake. The headlights and the standard fog lights are also set against a dark background.

At the rear, the GTI styling continues with the wide track, the chrome end pipes of the twin exhaust system and a striking roof spoiler. The spoiler does not only look good, it also has real functional advantages. It generates a downforce on the rear axles at high speeds. This improves the straight-line stability of the 216km/h Volkswagen.

The 16-inch alloy wheels were also specially designed for the small GTI. Together with the chassis lowered by 15 millimetres, they ensure that the 205/45 tyres really fill out the wheel arches on the Polo GTI. The exclusive design of the rims deliberately cites the wheels on the Golf GTI. The five U-shaped openings create a kind of stroboscope effect on the road. As a result, the red brake callipers are still visible when the car is moving. The black side skirting also emphasises the low crouching position of the most powerful production Polo. The door handles and outside mirrors are painted in the body colour. The paintwork colours are, of course, based on the classic GTI range. Red, black, silver and white are available for the traditionalists. Volkswagen is also offering the Polo GTI in two other colours, however.



2007 VW Polo GTI - Interior
Traditional GTI attributes and careful attention to detail shape the interior

The interior has a classic GTI feel. The height-adjustable sports seats are, of course, covered with the usual GTI checked cloth ("Interlagos" pattern). The seats provide safe side support on fast corners and offer refined comfort on long journeys. The well-designed, three-spoke sports steering wheel, which bears the GTI logo like the seats, has excellent grip. The red cross-stitching on the inside also makes it very appealing. One special GTI feature, the black three-point seat belts with red edging are another example of the attention to detail.

More sporty styling elements characterise the dynamic top model in this range. For example, special aluminium-look panels on the centre console and around the side vents give an elegant look and feel.

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