Volkswagen unveils electric ID.Polo GTI hot hatch

Volkswagen has unveiled the new ID.Polo GTI at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, marking the first electric vehicle to wear the brand’s iconic GTI badge.

The electric hot hatch retains relatively conservative styling compared with other models in Volkswagen’s ID range, with a design more closely aligned to previous petrol-powered Polo GTI models.

Volkswagen has given the ID.Polo GTI a more aggressive front bumper with honeycomb mesh detailing, along with revised rear styling and 19-inch wheels.

Power comes from a 166kW/290Nm front-mounted electric motor paired with a 52kWh battery.

Volkswagen says the ID.Polo GTI is capable of 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 175km/h, placing it close to the performance of the previous-generation Polo GTI.

The battery is expected to deliver a WLTP-rated driving range of around 420km, while DC fast charging is rated at up to 105kW.

The hot hatch also features a front limited-slip differential, adaptive sports suspension and disc brakes at all four corners.

Inside, the GTI receives red accents throughout the cabin, along with a large landscape-oriented infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster.

Volkswagen New Zealand has yet to confirm local availability or timing for the ID.Polo GTI.