By TONY NG

Information and pictures on Volkswagen's Polo GTI has surfaced on the Internet, which on first glance looks mean enough to bite.

Plastering on the GTI badge means the Polo now gets some impressive performance numbers, according to the "unofficial" announcement.

The supermini's century sprint is a claimed 6.9 seconds, which puts it nose to nose with its Golf GTI.

This should be credited to a twin-charged 1.4-litre TSI engine, mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch DSG. A supercharger kicks in from idle through 3,000 rpm, after which a turbocharger takes over the job.

The Polo GTI thus puts out 180 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, which is 95 more than the Polo and 30 less than the Golf GTI. Torque stands at 250 Nm from 2,000 rpm. a tidy 118 Nm increase from the Polo, and top speed at 228kmh.

Miraculously, frugality doesn't seem to be sacrificed at the expense of power. VW claims a low 5.0 litres/100km on the combined cycle. Veedub didn't go into details on how the frugality was achieved.

The Polo GTI also gets the XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling, seen on the Golf GTI. The sporty supermini gets new springs and dampers as well, giving it a lower ride of 15mm compared to the Polo.

Visibly the Polo GTI looks like the Golf GTI, with a similar-looking front bumper and 17-inch rims with characteristic red brake callipers.

Round the back, it gets a new rear bumper with a small diffuser and chrome-tipped exhausts. A standard GTI badge adorns both front and back bumpers.

New headlights, along with the option of LED daytime running lights, further differentiates the GTI variant from the base Polo.

The Polo GTI gets most of the GTI-themed parts as well. There is a flat-bottomed steering wheel with flappy paddles, contrasting red stitching and aluminium pedals.

When contacted, Mr Colin Yong, Public Relations Manager for Volkswagen Group Singapore, said they had yet to receive any official information from the headquarters.

Mr Yong commented that it is "likely the Polo GTI will arrive in Singapore" but pricing and specifications cannot be confirmed.

The Polo GTI is expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March.

tonyng@sph.com.sg