Wraps come off ERC-bound Polo R5

Initial testing took place on asphalt and gravel roads in France last month with further running planned for the UK during December. Once the homologation process has been completed in the summer, the roll-out to customers is expected to begin.

Responsibility for the project lies with Technical Director François-Xavier Demaison and Project Manager Jan de Jongh, Sébastien Ogier’s rally engineer from 2013 to 2016.

Speaking following the car’s launch in Mallorca on Monday evening, Demaison said: “The Polo GTI R5 came through the initial tests without any problems. The feedback from the test drivers was very positive. As we have in the past, we are taking advantage of the close and excellent cooperation with the colleagues in the technical development department in Wolfsburg, as well as our ŠKODA colleagues, who have been offering their customers an R5 car since 2015.”

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets added: “Presenting the new Polo GTI R5 to the public was a magnificent moment. Over the coming months, the Polo GTI R5 must prove itself in a series of tough scenarios, in order to ensure that it can build on the success of its predecessor in the customers’ hands.”

Key facts
Engine:1.6-litre straight four-cylinder turbo with direct fuel injection
Power:272hp with a maximum torque of 400 Newton metres
Acceleration:0-100kph in 4.1 seconds
Transmission:Sequential five-speed racing gearbox, permanent all-wheel drive
Chassis:Strengthened steel
Weight:1320 kilograms