Currently reading: Volkswagen testing 300bhp Polo R prototypes

The hot hatch would break new ground for the supermini but could tread on the Golf GTI's toes. VW is yet to decide if it will reach production

Insiders at Volkswagen have revealed that prototypes of a high-output Polo R have been built for evaluation purposes, but there is no decision yet whether the model has a production future.

The modification is relatively easy because the Polo GTI’s 2.0-litre engine is the same unit used by the Golf R.

2018 Polo GTI overview & exclusive pictures

“There is enough room for all the extra cooling in the Polo, for sure,” said Ralf Kölling, Volkswagen’s director of small car lines.

Poli git 08 0

The Polo could also accept the Golf R’s four-wheel drive system because the cars share the same MQB platform.

But the extra weight and cost might push the Polo too far into Volkswagen Golf territory.

Other Volkswagen Group brands plan to use the 300bhp R engine in hot Seat and Skoda models, which could also help make a case for the Polo R. 

Poli git 10 0

The R brand is already confirmed to be expanding, with the expected launch of a T-Roc R tipped for next year as an indirect replacement for the Volkswagen Scirocco R.

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Volkswagen has also toyed with rallying-inspired sporting Polos, with the 217bhp, 2500-unit limited-run Polo R WRC of 2013 being the closest thing to a full-blown Polo R model yet made. 

Related stories: 

Volkswagen Golf R review

Volkswagen Polo review 

Volkswagen Up review 

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BradP 10 May 2018

Emmissions...pfff

Why are emissions important...make fast cars...low mpg and dont worry about 'global warming'. A 300bhp polo must be the most fun car to drive.

HHX621 18 November 2017

this is

exactly what the dr ordered! this is the last 20 odd years of all kind of fossil fuel cars. let's bring out the very best of them in each and every segment of the business!

 

 

cheers!

LP in Brighton 2 November 2017

Priorities

Shouldn't the company's focus be directed on sorting out ongoing diesel emissions issues, and catching up competitors EV and Hybrid tech? Producing overpowered hot hatches that break Nurburgring lap records but sell in tiny volumes isn't what's needed right now. 

Ubberfrancis44 2 November 2017

Money making.

Even if sold in less numbers those cars are very profitable, and exciting, so whats the problem?!