Unlike most launches, we had the chance to wring out the best in this little beast!

The weather may be blazing hot today, but it was far eclipsed by the latest hot hatch from Volkswagen, the Polo GTI. With all the makings that make a baby racer: a trick differential, a turbo charged engine and to make things really interesting, pile on a supercharger.

With 180 hp under the hood, the Polo GTI sprints from zero to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 229 km/h. At the same time, Volkswagen also reduced the fuel consumption by 25 percent.

A seven-speed DSG gearbox with paddle shifters is fitted as standard. The new car also comes fitted with the same electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) you find on a Golf GTI. It electronically mimics a limited slip differential to reduce the tendency to under steer and deliver the power to the road more efficiently.

Part of the car's control also comes from a barrage of electronic aids, such as Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Engine Drag Torque Control (EDTC).

Though the new Polo GTI is a little heavy for its size, the hot hatch is a hoot to chuck around corners, even without touching the brakes. With the suspension lowered by approximately 15 mm and stiffened, it does not roll much in the tight course that Volkswagen had laid out. It's also quite well equipped with features that include an airbag network, sports seats, 17-inch Denver wheels and a panoramic sun roof.

This is also the first time Volkswagen is presenting a new car to the customers through an online campaign. The launch website, www.pologti.sg, is designed with Polo GTI-inspired games and challenges. Visitors who complete the challenges in the quickest time stand to win prizes.