No green-light for Volkswagen Polo R

Following much speculation, the launch of a range-topping Polo R seems doubtful, despite Audi working out a way of developing an all-wheel drive variant of its PQ25 platform, which underpins the A1 Quattro.

Initially, the PQ25 platform wasn’t intended to accommodate an all-wheel drive system, but Audi’s craving for a Quattro A1 saw the firm rework the platform, which led to rumour suggesting Volkswagen would follow suit.

A very well-placed source said the Polo R is viable, but would never make it into production due to its possible sticker price.

“We already have Polo GTI at £19,000 and then the Golf GTI is only another £6,000 more; it would be difficult to price the Polo R between them” the insider said.

The insider also said Volkswagen is unlikely to launch an all-wheel drive CrossPolo, due to its popularity as a front-wheel drive vehicle.