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Performance doesn't have to be painful, according to VW as the wraps were pulled off the Volkswagen Polo GTI at today's Geneva Motor Show. The 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI promises to be the fastest, most focused and cleanest quick Polo yet. Under the bonnet sits a 180bhp 1.4-litre engine that uses a turbocharger and a supercharger to hit 62mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching 142mph.

But Volkswagen say the Polo GTI will still cover 47mpg and emit just 139g/km of CO2. The Polo GTI features a seven-speed version of VW's DSG semi-automatic transmission and has an electronic differential for improved traction. Naturally it sits lower than the standard car, on new springs and dampers.

On the outside, it's typical handsome VW hot hatch fare, with a smattering of racy red trims, GTI badging and twin chrome-tipped trims. It can be specified with a tartan interior, evocative of its spiritual forefather, the original VW Golf GTI. It looks great, but we'll have to wait until its summer launch before we deliver our full verdict.

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