Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Volkswagen Polo R WRC: Looks fast, goes fast

Stephen Edelstein
By

Volkswagen Polo R WRC front three quarterIf good things really do come in small packages, then the Volkswagen Polo R WRC should be very good indeed. This limited edition performance version of Volkswagen’s micro hatchback could the perfect rational alternative to a Mini John Cooper Works.

Like the Mini, this Polo is inspired by the World Rally Championship, the same dirt fest that brought you the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The Polo R WRC lacks the Japanese cars’ sophisticated all-wheel drive systems, but it has more than enough power for a car of its size.

Recommended Videos

The front-wheel drive Polo is motivated by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the larger Golf GTI (the VW hot hatch most Americans are familiar with), tuned to produce 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Related

That’s 20 hp more than a stock GTI, and nine more ponies than the top Mini John Cooper Works GP. However, the VW is a tick slower than the Mini. Volkswagen says the polo R WRC will reach 62 mph (100 kph) in 6.4 seconds; the Mini GP reaches 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Top speed is a dead heat, with both cars reaching 150 mph.

The Polo R WRC also matches the Mini John Cooper Works GP in the important category of looking fast. A more aggressive front bumper, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, and rally-style 18-inch wheels make the Polo look like a fun sized Golf R.

The spectacle doesn’t stop there. The Polo R WRC is only available in white, because it allows VW to show off its blue and charcoal decals and blue brake calipers. They definitely make this little hatchback look like a rally car. All it needs is a number on the door and some sponsors.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC rear three quarterThe interior is equally racy. Leather and Alcantara bucket seats should keep the driver and front passenger where they belong, while a three-spoke steering wheel and aluminum pedals complete the look. The Polo R WRC also comes with navigation and an armrest, which is apparently an option on this economy car.

The Polo R WRC proves that even staid Volkswagen can occasionally break loose and have some fun. Unfortunately, very few people will be able to partake. The Polo isn’t even sold in America, and European buyers will have to fight over just 2,500 copies.

Volkswagen did not list a price but, since this is a limited edition with significantly upgraded hardware, it probably won’t be cheaper. Hopefully it will sell for less than the Mini John Cooper Works GP, which costs $39,950.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations
The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more