Volkswagen has unveiled an electric version of its famous ID. Polo hatchback. While the new, and the first-ever electric GTI gets its name from the ICE-powered Polo, it is touted as a completely new model with a unique design, and platform. For decades, the GTI name has been associated with fast petrol-powered hatchbacks that offered a fun driving experience. The Volkswagen ID Polo GTI, in its electric guise, is expected to take that legacy forward. The electrified hatch was originally previewed as the ID. 2all concept in 2023. It keeps several design cues of its concept form, including the sloped bonnet, and C-pillar-mounted hidden door handles. The Volkswagen ID Polo GTI Electric has a claimed range of up to 424 kilometres on a single charge,
and is equipped with a 52kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, which is the same higher-spec unit found in the top-trim standard ID Polo. Read on to know more about Volkswagen's first ever GTI electric.
Volkswagen ID Polo GTI Electric Design
While the classic GTI vibe is still there, Volkswagen has given the car a modern electric twist. The electric ID Polo GTI has a signature red GTI line that stretches across the front, and is complemented by illuminated VW badging and slender IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps. The bumper gets a large honeycomb-pattern air intake as well as red vertical accents inspired by motorsport tow hooks. On the side, the Volkswagen GTI EV features familiar strong shoulder line and distinctive C-pillar styling. It rides on large 19-inch alloy wheels. The rear section continues the sporty theme with a split roof spoiler, connected LED taillamps, illuminated red detailing, and a chunky black diffuser.
Volkswagen ID Polo GTI Electric Interior and Features
The cabin also carries the sportier stance. It has a red-and-black theme with contrast stitching on the dashboard, doors, seats, and GTI sports steering wheel. There's also a 12 o’clock red marker on the steering wheel, which is inspired by race cars, as well as illuminated GTI badging. The sport seats have a modern version of the iconic tartan fabric pattern seen on classic GTI models.
Other highlights include a 10.25-inch digital driver display, retro display mode (which transforms the graphics into a classic Golf GTI-inspired theme), a large 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electrically adjustable massage seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. The electric hatch provides extra legroom, more headroom, and a boot capacity of 441 litres, which expands to 1,240 litres with the rear seats folded. The EV is based on the automaker's new MEB+ platform, and has advanced driver assistance features and smarter connected technology. The optional Connected Travel Assist can detect traffic lights and automatically brake when required. There's also a new one-pedal driving mode that allows smoother acceleration and braking using only the accelerator pedal.
Also Read: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 Sets Nurburgring Record, Becomes Fastest FWD Production Car
Volkswagen ID Polo GTI Electric Battery
The ID Polo GTI packs a 52kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor with 223hp (15hp less than the standard ID Polo) and 229Nm. It supports DC fast charging of up to 105 kW, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. The EV has a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 175km/h.
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