VW Polo R in 2012

The VW Polo from Worthersee last year. A pointer for the Polo R?

Volkswagen are planning a VW Polo R for 2012, with 210bhp but making do with FWD.

What, you thought Volkswagen wouldn’t bother with a hot Polo? Don’t be silly. Volkswagen never miss a niche within a niche. But the idea of a VW Polo R isn’t the stuff of niche-filling. It’s a hugely sensible move as the world downsizes and looks for more for less. And the Polo is certainly capable enough to handle some hot horses. Take note, Ford. Fiesta ST or Fiesta RS. Please.

To add to the notion that producing a Polo R is a very sensible move, it’s exactly what Volkswagen’s new R Division is about. And although there will no doubt be a chunk of ‘R’ cosmetic upgardes coming on stream from the R Division the Polo will get more power.

That extra power looks to be coming from a 1.6 litre turbo delivering around 210bhp but, unlike the Golf R and Scirocco R,  it will be front wheel drive as the Polo can’t accommodate VW’s 4WD gubbins. Still, should make for a lively power delivery and a bit of brake-prodding understeer to cure.

Until the Polo R comes along in 2012 you’ll have to make do with the Polo GTI, which was revealed at Geneva earlier this year. That makes do with 178bhp from its 1.4 litre 4-pot and manages to do 0-60mph in under 7 seconds. Which will probably see the Polo R nipping under 6 seconds – perilously close to the Golf R.

Sounds a lot of fun.