The four-cylinder unit is from the VW Group's new EA888 engine family and it produces 190PS (187hp) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft), an increase of 10 horsepower and 70Nm (52 lb-ft) over the smaller displacement 1.4-liter turbo.
In addition, whereas the pre-facelift Polo GTI was available exclusively with a DSG double-clutch transmission, the new model can be fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox as well for those who prefer working with three-pedals.
VW quotes a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 236km/h (148mph). By comparison, the 180PS (178hp) Polo GTI 1.4 TSI completed the standard run in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph).
As with the regular facelifted Polo range that is already on sale, the GTI gets some faint styling changes, including re-sculpted bumpers and available LED headlights on the outside, and new instrument panel, steering wheel design and center stack controls inside.
We'll see the updated Polo GTI at next month's Paris Motor Show.