29 November 2010

It’s December – think family, fun and ‘What to buy everyone for Christmas?!” panic attacks. But there’s another event to add to your calendar for this month: the launch of the spunky new, remodelled Volkswagen Polo GTI!

This supercharged, turbo-engined baby has seven gears, and sips a mere 6.1 litres of fuel per 100km. The previous VW Polo GTI model was more peckish and chowed down on eight litres per 100km. That’s a 24 per cent fuel saving on the newbie.

And let me tell you – if you like fast acceleration, you’ll like this car! It goes from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds flat. But don’t think just because it’s super-cute, stylish and vroom-y that it scrimps on the more important things…

It’s got safety essentials ESP (electronic stability program), hill start assist, 6 airbags (front, front side, curtain), seatbelt pretensioners, seatbelt force limiters, belt warning, front head restraints to prevent whiplash trauma, and three rear head restraints.

Other goodies we appreciate include bi-xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels for that extra sporty funk, sports seats, electric steering (of course!), electric windows, central locking, height-adjustable driver’s seat, makeup mirror (hey, we only use it when parked), and heat-insulated tinted glass. Hot.

The new Polo GTI is available from $27,790 as a three-door version and from $28,990 as a Polo GTI five-door. Look out for