Despite bearing the concept suffix, both are reportedly expected to enter production either next year or in early 2020 at Volkswagen’s Anchieta Plant outside Sao Paulo, with power coming from a 1.4 TSI that produces 110kW/250Nm. Up 15kW/50Nm on the same engine that powers the standard models, drive will be routed to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG.

With Volkswagen having confirmed that the Polo GTI won’t be sold in Brazil due to costs, the GTS models receive similar styling additions to differentiate themselves from lesser models, in the form of 18-inch Brescia alloy wheels, revised front and rear bumpers, the full-length red strip on the grille with GTS instead of GTI badging, black mirror caps, red brake calipers, a black honeycomb lower front air intake and a prominent boot spoiler.

Being the flagship version of both models, the Polo and Virtus GTS will, according to Volkswagen, come with no options, meaning that otherwise extras such as the eight-inch Discover Media infotainment system, the Active Info Display digital instrument cluster, auto on/off lights and wipers, reverse camera and satellite navigation will all be standard, along with unique GTS touches such as the red stitched, leather wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, piano key black and red finishes, a smattering of GTS badges and sport seats.

While it is sure that the Polo GTS won’t be offered for sale in South Africa, no mention of the Virtus had yet been made which, if approved, could be revive the Polo Sedan moniker and rival the likes of the Toyota Corolla Quest, Honda Ballade, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio Sedan and the Suzuki Ciaz.