Volkswagen updates its pocket rocket

Earlier this year, Volkswagen gave the Polo supermini a mid-cycle facelift - arming it with new technologies and refined engines. It has followed suit with the Polo GTI, with the German automaker giving the facelifted Polo GTI a web preview over the Internet, ahead of its formal Parisian debut next month.

The new Polo GTI offers several updates over the outgoing model including its 1.8-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder engine which now has 189bhp - from the current 177bhp - and 320Nm of torque. This has resulted in the potent supermini being able to hit the 100km/h mark from nought in 6.7 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than before) and continuing to climb to a top speed of 236km/h.

However we believe the most important update is its transmission. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered alongside an enthusiast-worthy six-speed manual - although at press time it is unclear if the good ol' stick will be available locally.

The aesthetics have also been updated with new bumpers, a honeycomb grille with the trademark red stripe and dual exhausts around the posterior. The cabin hosts a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, plaid upholstery, red stitching and gloss black trim.

More details will be revealed at its official launch in Paris, so watch this space for updates.