![Volkswagen Polo R WRC](http://www.ausmotive.com/pics/2012/VW-Polo-R-WRC-road-01s.jpg)
Volkswagen’s brand new rally weapon wasn’t the only bit of machinery in the company’s arsenal on display in Monte Carlo overnight. They also brought along the promised road-going version of the Polo R WRC. Confusingly, both cars carry the same title.
A quick glance over the spec sheet of the production model Polo R WRC will be sure to bring a smile to most hot hatch fans. Volkswagen has managed to stuff a 2.0 TSI engine under the bonnet and, crucially, a 6-speed manual gearbox too. That last bit will be music to the ears of Polo GTI fans who have hitherto been lamenting the fact that car was only available with a DSG transmission.
On paper, outright performance from the Polo R WRC doesn’t look earth shattering. Volkswagen says 0–100km/h takes 6.4 seconds, thanks to the 162kW/350Nm being sent through the front wheels. Indeed, we’d not be surprised if there’s some sort of torque-limiting trickery in first gear, and possibly second as well. However, once up and going we expect the in-gear acceleration to provide the driver with a wide grin.
Given the drama displayed by the rally car, the bodykit on the road-going Polo R WRC is a little tame, although the 18″ Cagliari alloys do look quite nice. VW has perhaps tried to help the conservative body by adding competition-inspired decals on the bonnet and just above the side skirts. They won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but considering the Polo R WRC will be limited to just 2500 examples worldwide, it’s not like you’ll be seeing them everyday.
Available only as a three-door and exclusively in white you’ll need €33,900 and a bit of patience to get your hands on one of these. The order book opens next week, but deliveries are not scheduled until September 2013.
In case you’re wondering, the asking price is the best part of €11K more than the German list price for a Polo GTI. It’s even more than €6K more expensive that an entry-level Golf GTI. Hmm, perhaps, price may be the killer from preventing the Polo R WRC coming to Australia; we’re not actually certain than any RHD models will be made in any case. Emails are being sent to VW HQ now.
For now, Volkswagen has really given us just the single photo to go with this unveiling. So, after the press release below we’ll include the pics of the Polo R WRC “Street” which was displayed at the Wörthersee show in May.
UPDATE 11 December: Just read a report elsewhere suggesting the road-going Polo R WRC will be left-hand drive only. Yesterday, we asked VW Australia for a comment on its availability down under, the reply was along the lines of “It’s too early to say, ask again next year.”