Pre-drive VW ID Polo GTI: The legacy is transferred to the electric age
Author Wolfgang Wieland and the still camouflaged VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
A red, white and black camouflage foil with large GTI lettering still covers the body of the standard vehicle, but as soon as you get into the VW ID Polo GTI, it becomes clear that the Wolfsburg-based company is serious about the balancing act between tradition and the future. Tightly contoured seats with subtle red accents evoke the classic sporting spirit, while the cockpit has a clear digital character. Fun gimmick: the speedometer and rev counter can be displayed in the style of the original GTI from the 1970s if desired.
One press of the start button and instead of the familiar rumble, there is silence - for the time being. Only a gentle whirring announces that an extra portion of power is ready and waiting. One press on the accelerator pedal and the 166 kW (226 PS) ID Polo GTI immediately shows its strength: spontaneous response, precise metering and an agility that you would not expect from a compact electric vehicle in this class. Every traffic light start is a demonstration of electric sovereignty, powerful but never really intrusive. The steering is direct and pleasantly firm, without any nervousness. Volkswagen seems to have deliberately not sacrificed the sporty aspirations of the GTI for comfort.
The suspension is well tuned. The small electric GTI sits firmly on the road, bumps are cleanly filtered out without diluting the feedback. The balance is excellent: the Polo can be steered light-footedly and precisely, but with a touch of the playfulness familiar from earlier GTI generations. A bold step on the accelerator pedal and the car catapults forward almost silently. The linear power delivery seems almost unusual in the GTI context, but replaces the classic revving up with an immediate, always available dynamism. It is a different character, but not one that dilutes the sporty aspirations.
And then suddenly there's an end to silence: the wide GTI sound button, below the horn airbag bellows in the steering wheel, is pressed. The acoustic staging is interesting: Volkswagen has dispensed with the artificial roar that is unpleasantly noticeable in many Asian manufacturers. Instead, the sound remains sporty, with a clear focus on the driving experience. A bold decision that fits well with the overall character, because you now also have the old GTI feeling acoustically. If required, you can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 175 km/h.
This is complemented by high-quality materials, well thought-out ergonomics and assistance systems that are present but not intrusive. The ID Polo GTI feels grown-up, not like an experiment, but like a consistently developed production vehicle.
Volkswagen has succeeded in credibly transferring the GTI concept into the electric future. This car is not a nostalgic look back, but a clear step forward, quiet in the interior if desired, but always fast and surprisingly emotional. VW promises a range of over 400 kilometers when the GTI of the modern era is launched on the market for around 39,000 euros. (aum)
More info for topic: VW ID Polo GTI
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Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Author Wolfgang Wieland and the still camouflaged VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Still camouflaged pre-series vehicle: VW ID Polo GTI.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download:
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
Download: