It is anticipated that the same turbocharged gasoline engine of 2.0-liter capacity will power hot Skoda and SEAT models.
Although you can’t yet drive the 200-horsepower Polo home, it appears Volkswagen is already looking at diversifying the supermini’s range. British media has reported that Wolfsburg sources are referring to the possibility of an R version, with a 2.0 TSU engine that produces 300 horsepower.
Ralf Kolling (director of small car lines), has assured that cooling the upgraded engine will not be a problem. He said there is enough space in the engine bay to accommodate the additional hardware. Technically, the latest Polo can be used with an all-wheel drive layout as it uses the same MQB platform that its larger brother, the Golf. The Polo R may not receive the AWD system as it is likely to cause damage to the Golf R’s MQB platform. It could also be too costly. If it is approved, the Polo R would likely get an FWD system similar to the GTI.
VW enthusiasts know that this is not the first-ever R version for the subcompact hatchback. The previous generation produced a Polo RWRC Street. The performance hatchback was limited to only 2,500 examples. It came with the 2.0-liter turbo engine from the Golf GTI, which is 217 horsepower.
The new Polo R will be a regular production model if approved. It could also be part of an expanded R portfolio, which could include the Tiguan and Touareg. A TRoc R has been seen so it should also be on its way. The same 300-hp engine from VAG will power at least one new SEAT model. It is likely that the Ateca Cupra will join the Leon Cupra. It will reportedly be available to even the humble Skoda brand, and it will likely power at least one new SEAT model. This would mean that there will be a Superb RS since the Kodiaq RS will have a biturbodiesel engine.