A tiger disguised as a cub
PERSONAS: POLO GTI IS AN EVERYDAY CAR UNTIL ITS ASKED TO REALLY COME ALIVE LONGTERM
Fuel efficiency is surprising for a 2.0 TSI which puts out 147kW and 320Nm.
Our long-term Volkswagen Polo GTI has been clocking up the mileage since its introduction in May, with the most recent being a visit to Gerotek where its performance credentials were put to the test.
Before colleague Mark Jones was afforded the opportunity to grab junior by the scruff of its neck, though – his findings are due to be revealed next month – a more pressing matter presented itself, the coronavirus.
Not long after our Pure White tyke’s arrival, the announcement was made that South Africa was preparing to go into lockdown for an initial period of three weeks, which has subsequently lasted longer than anyone expected.
The shutdown presented something of a dilemma as the GTI, like its minder, would have to be denied the open road.
As it transpired, tiny windows of opportunity were open long enough for a 2 519km road trip from Johannesburg to my hometown of Despatch in the Eastern Cape and back.
Given the strict limitations on travel that followed, the trip down to the coast proved ideal.
The early morning departure from the Big Smoke – which looked more like a December holiday mass exodus, even at 5am – saw the GTI not wasting time getting into its stride.
With the four-mode Sport Select system switched to Normal and the climate control off, it quickly shrugged off its GTI mantel in becoming an everyday Polo as Gauteng disappeared in the rear-view mirror.
Out on the N1, the leather-trimmed sport seats proved a lot more comfortable than expected, although the level of wind noise that filtered into the cabin at the national limit was less impressive.
What’s more, an intermittent rattle would present itself from time to time, whose origin has so far not been detected.
Unexpectedly, the ride was on the firm side but not so harsh that my back needed realignment after 200km.
Being averse to any form of Eco mode, I found the GTI’s biggest achievement was its consumption.
Keen to exploit its humble side, I didn’t rush, with the aim of not stopping for a fill-up every time a petrol station appeared.
The first stop, in Bloemfontein with half a tank remaining after almost 400km, saw the Virtual Cockpit Display instrument cluster reading an average of 5.1l/100km, 0.8 up on Volkswagen’s claim.
Two stops later, and on arrival in Despatch after 1 055km, the display still read 5.1l/100km.
It was somewhat startling, given the presence of the 2.0 TSI power station’s 147kW/320Nm.
While smooth, a certain amount of hesitation still exhibited within the six-speed DSG. However, this was only noticeable at slow speeds, as the box went about its business in a completely slick and unobtrusive fashion otherwise.
Fortunately, there was a moment to get better acquainted with the Polo’s other side.
With the selector switched to
Sport and the gearbox in manual, the Polo pulled strongly and really come alive, as each tug of the paddles affixed to the steering wheel delivered slick shifts and smile-inducing whine from the turbo.
Similarly, the steering provided just enough feel – although not as much as I would have liked.
The biggest no-no from a personal perspective was the lack of the 9.2-inch Discover Media infotainment that includes satellite navigation.
Granted, although the standard eight-inch Composition Media system with App Connect cannot be faulted for its ease or
usability, the presence of the more upmarket display would have been better.
The onset of lockdown then hit and apart from topping up for essentials at the shops, the Polo sat motionless until a seven-day grace period was granted to citizens who had left their province
of work or residence.
It was time to head back, and in spite of the indicated consumption having swollen to 6.2l/100km, the trek back to Johannesburg via a detour through Bethlehem in the Free State, saw it levelling out at 6.1l/100km.
This part of the journey took longer as the constant darting out to avoid a puncture or damaging the 18-inch Brescia alloy wheels on the myriad of potholes that characterise the road around Sasolburg and Heilbron also resulted in the Polo’s Driver Attention Alert system activating on a number of occasions.
It also showcased the stiffness of the suspension.
The small loophole was enough to confirm it being the typical GTI that displays a “Dr Jekyll” persona on one hand and a “Mr Hyde” on the other. Useable, fast, practical and surprisingly frugal, yet purists will continue to scoff at the thought of the GTI insignia starring on anything other than a Golf.