To celebrate 20 years of the VW Polo GTI in South Africa, a new limited-edition model has been launched, with only 400 units available for local enthusiasts.

The Volkswagen Polo is synonymous with South African culture and local engineering. For the last 30 years, Plant Kariega in the Eastern Cape has been working overtime to keep up with the inexorable demand for this entry-level hatchback, positioned below the Golf. This plant also has the honour of being the sole manufacturer of Polo GTI within the entire Volkswagen network.

The Polo GTI was introduced in South Africa in 2006. That vehicle was particularly beguiling under the hood, thanks to a 1.4-litre engine with a turbocharger and supercharger, delivering 132kW and 250Nm. It pushed the envelope of engineering, but without another VW product in South Africa to spread the cost, it was phased out in favour of a more traditional 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Ironically, this engine was the least powerful iteration, with 110kW and 220Nm, but power figures were upgraded over time before the 2.0 TSI engine replaced it.

To celebrate 20 years of GTI in South Africa, a new limited-edition model has been launched, with only 400 units available. Although there are no changes to its 147 kW, 320 Nm 2.0 TSI engine, it does pack some extra visual highlights in its arsenal.

This model takes its personality up a notch with a “20 GTI” badge on the dashboard and front mats, along with more subtle red stitching.

ALSO READ | Why the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI almost got away and took so long to go on sale in SA

On the outside, this GTI Edition 20 stands out thanks to a black roof, 18-inch Faro alloy wheels (smoked clear on bright-machined wheels), exterior mirror housings painted black, and front and rear door decals with “20” badging. Exterior paint colours that scream vrrpha include Crystal Ice Blue Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, and Ascot Grey. If you choose Crystal Ice Blue and Ascot Grey, the rear diffuser is painted in King’s Red metallic.

While a regular Polo GTI, before extras, retails for R585 800, this model should be snapped up by GTI fans at a price of R605 700.

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