The upcoming Volkswagen Polo 1.2-litre TSI variant has been spied testing with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox by the crew at Team-bhp. The 1.2-litre turbocharged mill produces 105PS and 175Nm of torque and is expected to make this variant of the Polo, dubbed the GT, the most powerful car of its size in the country.
The seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is expected to be offered along with a six-speed manual gearbox, which incidentally is the only transmission option offered with the same engine in the UK market. The car that has been spied has dual tone interiors but no paddle shifts or any kind of indication that there is a sport mode being offered with the vehicle. Also seen in the pictures is an ESP (electronic stability programme) button.
A model that was previously spotted testing had two-tone interiors, brushed metal pedals and TSI badging on door sills. It has also been fitted with smoked headlamps and a sporty body kit. We expect that these features will stick on with the car at the time of its launch.
The car will compete with the Skoda Fabia 1.6 petrol, the Hyundai i20 Sport and the Tata Indica Vista D90, however, it must be noted that the Indica is a diesel. It is likely that with introduction of 1.2-litre TSI, VW will phase out the 1.6-litre petrol engine and will start using this mill on newer versions of the Vento, Fabia and the Rapid.
