Fresh VW Polo GTI lands from $27,490

Just four months after its European launch, the revised Polo GTI has landed in Australia.

Priced from $27,490 plus on-road costs, Volkswagen's smallest hot hatch reintroduces a six-speed manual transmission to the range and brings a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as a $2500 option.

The return of the manual transmission reduces the price of the five-door Polo GTI by $500 against its predecessor, but means it is still $1500 dearer than the current darling of the segment – the three-door, manual-only Ford Fiesta ST EcoBoost (from $25,990).

It is, however, $2000 cheaper than the starting price of the five-door, auto-only Renault Clio RS (from $29,490) and $2500 cheaper than the similarly feisty three-door, manual-only Peugeot 208 GTi.

But perhaps the biggest news for the Polo GTI comes from under the bonnet. The model has ditched the twin-charged 1.4-litre unit in favour of a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder, closely related to the 2.0-litre 'EA888' motor found in the larger Golf GTI.

The bigger new engine brings more power and, in manual form, more torque – jumping 9kW to 141kW and 250Nm (320Nm in manual models).

The red lines of the honeycomb grille sit atop a remoulded, more aggressive fascia, while side skirts, a rear spoiler and diffuser – flanked by twin exhaust outlets – add to the sporting look.

The Polo GTI now receives half-inch-wider 17-inch 'Parabolica' alloy wheels and lays its power to the front hoops via a torque vectoring XDL differential. The stability control system now offers a higher threshold 'Sport' mode, but cannot be completely disabled.

Along with the de rigueur 'Clark' tartan seats, alloy-faced pedals and chubby flat-bottom steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG variants) the Polo GTI's interior combines a premium feel with stronger equipment levels.

Standard equipment include an alarm, cruise and climate control, auto headlights and wipers and tyre-pressure monitoring, while a new Composition Media 6.5-inch touch-screen adorns the centre stack.

The Polo GTI is now available with two new option packages. The first is the Luxury Package adding LED headlights and DRLs, Alcantara upholstery and an electric glass roof for $3300; the second is the Driver Assistance Package bringing an upgraded Discover Media system with sat-nav (a first for Polo) and reversing camera, front/rear parking sensors and Driver Fatigue Detection system for $1700. Metallic paint attracts a $500 surcharge.

Volkswagen says the Polo GTI is capable of hitting 100km/h in 6.7 seconds (-0.2) with either transmission on its way to a top speed of 235km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.1L/100km (and CO2 emissions of 142g/km) for manual variants and 5.7L/100km (132g/km) for the DSG.

The hottest Polo is stopped by four-wheel discs gripped by meaty red-painted callipers while steering is courtesy of an electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion set-up.

All Polo models receive a five-star ANCAP safety rating and include six airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist. Like many in the segment, the Polo GTI does not include autonomous braking, blind-spot assistance or lane-keeping assistance.

“Really it is the new generation Polo GTI,” said Volkswagen Group Australia product representative, Luca Popovic. “It’s an evolution of the GTI name, brand and design… which has been 10 years in the market here in Australia.”

The 2015 Polo GTI is on sale now. Check the Reviews section for our first Australian drive report.

2015 Volkswagen Polo pricing: