The Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 took its first spin

The Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 made its first tests last week in Fontjoncouse (Aude), where the German manufacturer tested its Polo R WRC six years ago. The German manufacturer's engineers tested the future mount on both asphalt and dirt with the help of test driver Dieter Depping and WRC 2 champion Pontus Tidemand who were called in to pilot the car.

Pontus Tidemand drove the Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 for three days in demanding conditions. The drivers notably tested the car on a 3,85km course on asphalt on a dry road which allowed the team to work on the wear of the tires, brakes, engine and even the cooling system. The future R5 also showed good qualities in terms of the chassis, suspensions and shock absorbers on gravel.

“It's a special feeling to come back here, after having driven the Polo for our debut in rally, remembers Dieter Depping who was also called to carry out the first tests of the WRC version. We now need to find the best settings for the new Polo GTI R5. This first test session was primarily used to accumulate the kilometers in order to provide as much data as possible to our engineers. I can tell you one thing: the Polo R5 is also very good, very fast and very precise. I immediately felt at ease. »

The Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 will have a 270hp engine and a body based on the sixth and latest generation of the Polo. She should be ready for competition in the second half of 2018.