Time flies when you're having fun, especially when you're driving fast. And no one knows this better than Volkswagen and its Polo GTI. This summer, Volkswagen is celebrating 25 years of its sporty toddler with a special edition - the Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25, which is limited to 2,500 units. You read that right, the GTI is celebrating its silver jubilee, but the celebration may be a bit bittersweet. Why? Come with us on this exciting ride to discover more.
Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25, whose sales begin on June 1, is no weaker than its predecessors. It is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, 2.0 TSI, which has 204 horsepower (152 kilowatts) and 320 Nm of torque, which is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. That works out to 62 miles per hour (100 km/h) in just six and a half seconds. To put it simply, the GTI remains a real rocket! Although this acceleration time exceeds the normal electrified ID.3. Of course, without the thunder and drama.
Additionally, VW is fitting the Polo GTI Edition 25 with a sports suspension that lowers the body by 15 millimeters (0.6 inches). But Volkswagen wouldn't be Volkswagen if it didn't add some sugar to this luxurious cake. So, there's also an electronic differential lock and adaptive LED headlights. The car is fitted with 18-inch black Adelaide wheels, dark side mirror caps and roof.
The special edition is available in six color shades: Smoke Gray Metallic, Pure White, Ascot Grey, Reef Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Kings Red Metallic. And if you really want proof that you have something special, there is the inscription “One of 2500” on the door sills. It's, you know, for bragging rights at gatherings with friends. At the same time, you can hope that if the wife keeps it intact during Saturday shopping, it will one day become a collector's item.
Inside, Polo GTI Edition 25 it stays true to its original Polo GTI, with buyers able to upgrade to a standard eight-inch infotainment system if desired. There is also a travel assistance system that takes care of steering, braking and acceleration up to a speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
But, as with all good things, the Polo GTI seems to be coming to an end. VW's Thomas Schäfer has predicted that the introduction of the Euro 7 standard in 2025 could force the company to abandon superminis. The necessary exhaust optimization would add €3,000 to €5,000 to the price, which would simply be too expensive. Also, the arrival of the new ID.2 electric hatchback in 2025 could put the final nail in the wheel Polo GTI-'s coffin.
As you can see, this silver jubilee might as well be a farewell party for this iconic hot hatch. The Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 may be the last wave of this legendary flag. So if you've been dreaming of owning a GTI, this might be your last chance to make that dream come true. If nothing else, it's a chance to pay tribute to one of the most exciting city cars ever.
Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 is a monument to city-sized sports cars. Let's celebrate a quarter century of speed, style and fun on four wheels. A final tribute to the hot hatch that always put a smile on your face. At the end of the day, what's better than a small car with a big heart?
