VW is testing 300bhp R version of its new Polo

Even though you can’t yet drive home the new 200bhp Polo GTI, it seems Volkswagen is already analysing the prospects of diversifying the supermini’s lineup at the top of the range.

Sources close to Wolfsburg are looking at the possibility of a fully fledged R version of the new Polo with a 2-litre TSI engine dialed to a mighty 300bhp and taken from the Golf R. It is believed prototypes are already being tested, so hopefully our spies will be able to catch the high-powered Polo on camera in the near future.

Cooling the upgraded engine won’t be an issue as Ralf Kölling, Volkswagen's director of small car lines, has said there’s enough room in the engine bay for the extra hardware. Technically, the latest Polo is compatible with an all-wheel-drive layout since it rides on the same MQB platform as its bigger brother, the Golf. However, the Polo R might not get the AWD system since there’s a risk it would step on the Golf R’s toes and at the same time it could prove to be too expensive for its own good. As such, should it receive the stamp of approval, the Polo R will likely have a front-wheel-drive setup like the GTI.

14 Photos

VW aficionados know this wouldn’t actually be the first-ever R version of the small hatchback, as the previous generation spawned a version called the Polo R WRC Street. Pictured above, the performance hatch served as a special edition limited to 2,500 examples and came with the 2-litre turbo engine of the Golf GTI dialed to 217bhp sent to the front axle.

If approved, the new Polo R is expected to be a regular production model and part of an expanded R portfolio that could include the Tiguan, Touareg and Arteon. In addition, a T-Roc R has already been spotted, so that should be en route as well. Elsewhere in the Volkswagen empire, the same 300bhp engine will reportedly power at least one new Seat model, with the Ateca Cupra likely to join the existing Leon Cupra.

Even the more humble Skoda brand is apparently set to get the engine, and that would mean there will be a Superb RS after all since the Kodiaq RS is going to feature a twin-turbo diesel unit.