The idea of a Volkswagen Polo R isn’t exactly new,
but it appears to be finally materializing. Citing the brand's chassis
development chief, Karsten Schebsdat, Autocar says that a more
performance-optimized version of the 200-horsepower Polo GTI could happen,
without specifically referring to the 'R' badge, though.
Schebsdat's affirmation appears to be on par with a
previous report claiming that the German brand has several Polo R prototypes
out, built for evaluation purposes. If this is indeed the car hinted by the VW
official, then expect a version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine
of the Golf R to be resting under the hood.
However, as such a model of the Volkswagen Polo
would outrun both the Golf GTI and Golf R, it's likely that the powertrain will
be detuned. However, instead of the current Polo GTI's FWD layout, the 'R'
supermini might also benefit from the four-wheel drive system of its larger
sibling.
Nothing else is known about a Volkswagen Polo R so
far, but if it materializes, then it's not completely excluded for Seat to
offer similar variants of the Ibiza with the Cupra moniker.
