2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI is the VW hot hatch we really want

The degree of love for the Volkswagen Golf GTI at Autoblog is at or above that for any other hatchback sold in the US market. That's undoubtedly influenced by the fact that what may be the best GTI in the VW stable, the Polo GTI, isn't sold here. Were it, we guess the Ford Fiesta-sized bomber would have a legitimate shot at joining its brother at the top of AB hot hatch heap.

Following its freshening for the 2014 Paris Motor Show, we're even more stuck on that statement, as VW has upgraded the diminutive hatch's 1.8-liter, twin-charged four-cylinder for 2015. It now produces 189 horsepower, allowing it to hit 60 miles per hour in just 6.7 seconds, or right in the thick of the sub-compact, hot hatch masses.

Adding to the appeal is the inclusion of a new-for-2015 six-speed manual. Yep, for reasons we can't comprehend, until this year, Volkswagen only offered the current generation of the Polo GTI with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. That two-pedal setup will remain, but we're pretty chuffed for our European friends by the arrival of a proper, DIY option for this VW.

Head up top for our gallery of live images of the new Polo GTI from the floor of the 2014 Paris Motor Show.