Skip to main content

Volkswagen Polo R WRC: Looks fast, goes fast

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.

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.

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 is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes to trial humanoid robots for ‘low-skill, repetitive, demanding’ jobs
Apptronik's Apollo robot at work in an auto plant.

Humanoid robots have been coming on leaps and bounds in recent years, and some major companies are starting to take note.

Mercedes-Benz, for example, has just entered into an agreement with Texas-based robotics specialist Apptronik to collaborate on identifying applications for highly advanced robots that the auto giant could deploy. The deal will involve a trial that will see Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot work alongside Mercedes' human workers on the factory floor.

Read more
Hyundai Ioniq 9: price, release date, range, and more
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Front

Hyundai has been at the forefront of EV development for a while now, largely thanks to the success of the crossover-sized Hyundai Ioniq 5. But the company is readying another new EV that could be even more popular than the Ioniq 5 -- or at least more desirable in the U.S., the land of big cars.

The upcoming Ioniq 9, previously set to be called the Ioniq 7, will be Hyundai's take on an electric SUV. It will be to Hyundai what the Kia EV9 is to Kia. It will have three rows and carry over design elements from the Ioniq 5.

Read more
Audi Q6 e-tron ushers in the automaker’s next EV phase
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron front three quarter view.

Audi doesn’t get enough credit for getting luxury car buyers comfortable with EVs. While Tesla took care of the image-conscious types, the German brand unveiled its e-tron electric SUV in 2018 with the tagline “electric has gone Audi” in hopes of getting loyal customers excited about (or, at least, acclimated to) electric cars by pitching the e-tron as an Audi first and an EV second.

The e-tron wasn’t a one-off, either. It’s since evolved into the Q8 e-tron and has been joined by the sporty e-tron GT and entry-level Q4 e-tron. So, while some car brands are only just introducing their first electric models, Audi is ready for round two.

Read more