The Polo GTI was presented together with the CrossPolo at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2010 and was available since the end of May 2010.

Styling-wise, the Polo GTI differs from the standard Polo with its redesigned front and rear bumpers, widened side skirts, roof spoiler, standard fog lights, red brake calipers, 17-inch alloy wheels and a chrome-plated twin tailpipe. It is also equipped with a sports suspension that is about 15 mm (0.6 in) lower and an extended electronic limited slip differential, which is intended to reduce the vehicle's tendency to understeer by braking the front wheel on the inside of the bend when cornering quickly. In addition, the vehicle battery was relocated from the engine compartment to the spare wheel well for better weight distribution, which in turn reduces the usable luggage compartment volume from 280 to 204 liters.

In 2014, it is equipped with a 1.4-liter engine with turbo and supercharger installed, producing a maximum power 180 PS (178 hp; 132 kW) combined with a 7-speed double-clutch transmission and front-wheel-drive. According to the manufacturer, the vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 229...