A nickname often forgotten from the Volkswagen lexicon as it often prevails below the GTI, the automaker has breathed new life into the GTS designation for a performance version of the Polo in Brazil.
Junior Junior GTI
Virtually the replacement for the Polo GTI, which is not offered in this market, the GTS features styling aspects derived from its siblings such as the deeper lower intake, Matrix LED headlights, wider door sills, sportier front and rear bumpers and a GTI-esque red underlined grille complete with a red GTS logo.
On the back and due to the Brazilian version not receiving the same updates as the one European and South African specification polo last yearpre-facelift light clusters remain along with a color-coded faux diffuser.
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Aside from the lights, the only other difference at the rear is the GTS badge, which replaces the GTI insignia under the Volkswagen badge on the tailgate. A set of 18-inch Polo GTI alloy wheels rounds off the exterior of the GTS.
Inside, the Brazil-unique 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, along with the 10.25-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charger that touch-sensitive climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Tailored to the GTS is a black headliner, leatherette wrapped steering wheel with red detailing, GTS branding and physical buttonsred stitching, a new gear knob and sports seats with GTS embroidery on the front headrests.
power of 1.4
The main difference with the Polo GTI is under the hood of the GTS, where the 2.0 TSI engine gives way to the smaller 1.4 TSI, which the Polo doesn’t have in the South African market.
Found in the Tiguan and T-Roc, the perennial favorite that gave way to the larger 1.5 TSI Evo in Europe more than five years ago, produces its usual 110 kW/250 Nm, which, in contrast to the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, is delivered to the front wheels The seven-speed DSG from GTI.
The top speed is 206 km/h, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h supposedly takes 8.3 seconds. Another similarity to its more famous sibling is the inclusion of the XDS electronic front differential as standard.
Featuring a choice of five colours; Crystal White, Ninja Black, Sirius Silver Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic and the model-specific Sunset Red, pricing for the Polo GTS starts at R$145,790 (R483,806), with production ramping out at Volkswagen’s São Bernardo do Campo plant.
South Africa: yes, no?
Unsurprisingly, the GTS won’t be offered in South Africa anytime soon as a more accessible, sportier Polo that bridges the current gap between the two 85 kW 1.0 TSI R-Line DSG Price at R445 500 and the GTI which retails from R522 500.
Despite the gap, the GTS was not named The Volkswagen model range is going to South Africa this yearhowever, should it be considered or even approved, expect that it might retain the 1.4 TSI engine and go into production alongside its siblings at the Kariega, formerly Uitenhage, plant in the Eastern Cape.
More information and pictures from motor1.com Brazil and autoesporte.globo.com.
