Volkswagen is going all in with the ID. Polo and preparing a version to convince gasoline lovers

The Volkswagen ID. Polo is the brand’s most significant electric launch in recent years, at least on a European scale. As the German manufacturer’s first zero-emission model in the B-segment, it has had the honor of introducing the Pure Positive design language and launching a new naming system for the ID. family that draws on names already familiar to consumers.

The SUV is produced at Volkswagen’s plant in Martorell, Barcelona, where it shares the production line with the CUPRA Raval. Both are built on the front-wheel-drive MEB+ modular platform, an architecture also found in the Skoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross, two B-SUVs that are manufactured in Landaben, Navarra.

The arrival of the ID. Polo has also meant the end of the GTX designation for the brand’s most sporty electric cars. Instead, the iconic GTI name has been revived. The new ID. Polo GTI shares its mechanical components with the Raval VZ, aiming to bring one of the most iconic hot hatches into the electric era.

The Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI delivers 226 hp (166 kW) and is equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h. Its battery is of the NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) type and has a capacity of 52 kWh. Its range is 424 km according to WLTP standards.

The Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI Clubsport will be a rival to the Opel Corsa GSE.

Regarding charging, it boasts a peak power of 105 kW in DC, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% charge in 24 minutes (its electrical architecture is 400 volts). Both axles feature disc brakes; additionally, the level of regenerative braking can be adjusted using levers behind the steering wheel. It also comes equipped with a DCC Sport adaptive suspension.

According to the French newspaper L'Argus, Volkswagen is already working on an even more extreme version of the ID. Polo GTI. What’s the goal? To compete with Stellantis’ Lancia Ypsilon HF, Opel Corsa GSE, and Peugeot E-208 GTi, which deliver a staggering 281 HP (207 kW). Named GTI Clubsport, this variant will become the new flagship of the range.

Beyond a significant increase in power and more demanding tuning, this model might also feature a mechanical limited-slip differential. This move resembles the one Alpine is reportedly about to implement with the A290, as recent reports suggest it is working on a 280 HP GTX version... although in this case, the power boost will be achieved by adding a second engine to the rear axle, providing all-wheel drive, while the Volkswagen will remain front-wheel driven.