Firm says R version of the Polo is feasible, but would have trouble pricing it in the range

Volkswagen is unlikely to launch an R version of its Polo, despite Audi having developed an all-wheel drive version of its PQ25 platform for its new A1 quattro.

The PQ25 platform, which underpins both the Polo and A1, as well as the Seat Ibiza, was never intended for all-wheel drive but Audi’s desire to launch a quattro-equipped A1 saw it modify the platform and led to speculation that VW may use it to underpin the long-rumoured R version of the Polo.

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An R insider told Autocar that although the Polo R project is feasible, it was never likely to see production due to the sticker price the car would command. “We already have Polo GTI at £19,000 and then the Golf GTI is only another £6000 more; it would be difficult to price the Polo R between them” they said.

The insider also said VW would be unlikely to adopt the platform for an all-wheel drive version of the the CrossPolo, given the car’s current popularity as a front-drive only model.

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