Details of the new Volkswagen Polo GTI have been anounced.

The car will be powered by a 178bhp twin-charged1.4-litre TSI engine, that has a turbo plus supercharger technology.

The engine is coupled to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard, which helps reduce CO2 emissions to139g/km.

Its direct predecessor produced 188g/km of CO2, making the new model 25% more efficient.

The light (1,194kg) front-wheel drive Volkswagen accelerates to 60mph in under seven seconds.

An electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) is fitted to reduce the tendency to understeer and improves handling especially in quick driving through curves.

Prices are expected closer to the launch.