WITH its new Polo already acclaimed as the best hatchback of its type, Volkswagen Group Australia has announced the recommended retail price of its forthcoming Polo 6 GTI - $30,990.

Available in August, the Polo 6 GTI puts out a 147kW/320Nm through its 2.0-litre turbo four, the same power as the game-changing Mark V Golf GTI, with 40Nm more torque.

Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director Michael Bartsch said that the Polo 6 GTI is for "those who live and drive in the real world".

"The verities that distinguish the Golf GTI and Golf R segue into this, the most potent Polo to date," he said. "Volkswagen balances the highest levels of engineering and technology with luxury, a feat that others cannot emulate in affordable compact cars. 

"The Polo 6 GTI is yet another of our hot hatches to embody the Volkswagen formula of doing everything well."

The Polo 6 GTI comes standard with:

• 2.0 TSI engine with 147kW/320Nm
• 17-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels
• Clark tartan trim
• Sport Select suspension with Driving Profile Selection
• Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL)
• Front Assist with City Emergency Brake (City EB) and pedestrian monitoring
• Low tyre pressure indicator
• Rear View Camera (RVC)
• Multi-Function Display (MFD Plus)
• Leather multi-function sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles
• Keyless Access, keyless entry and starting system
• Power folding door mirrors
• LED interior lighting
• 8-inch Composition Media infotainment system
• App-Connect with 2 x USB ports
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• 6 speakers
• Cruise control
• Dual zone climate control air conditioning
• Front fog lights with static cornering lights
• Automatic headlight function and rain sensing wipers
• LED tail lights

In addition to metallic or pearl effect paint ($500) there will be three optional packages:

Driver Assistance ($1400): Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor with rear traffic alert, Park Assist and proactive occupant protection system

Sound & Vision ($1900): Active Info Display, Discover Media navigation system, Media Control and beats 300w premium audio system

Luxury ($3900): Art Velour microfleece upholstery, heated front seats, LED headlights with LED daytime driving lights, 18" Brescia alloy wheels, panoramic electric glass sunroof, dark tinted rear side and rear window glass

The Polo 6 GTI augments what is already the market's most comprehensive range of compact performance hatches and wagons, offering a new entry point for Volkswagen's award-winning range of sports cars.

Details of the Golf GTI Performance Edition 2 will be announced later this year.