Verdict on new Volkswagen Polo GTI
FIRST DRIVE Latest version of hot hatch gets more power, but falls slightly short on fun factor
FOLLOWING the glut of small cars released earlier in the year, it’s now time for the tranche of hot hatchbacks. Arriving just in time for Christmas is the new VW Polo GTI, and it’s bucking the trend.
While most of its rivals, including the forthcoming Ford Fiesta ST, use downsized engines, the GTI’S motor has grown. Since 2010 the unit has swelled in size from 1.4 to 1.8 litres, and now this car is sporting the same sized 2.0-litre fourcylinder turbo as its Golf GTI big brother. However, with only 197bhp it’s not as potent, but then the Polo is a smaller car, so there’s still plenty of punch.
Auto models will hit the UK in May and manuals will arrive later. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but the DSG will cost around £1,500 more than the manual car, which is likely to cost from just under £20,000.
It’s the automatic we’re testing here, and while it’s not the most involving option, a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds is impressive nonetheless. But in this class, where the Polo goes against cars such as the Peugeot 208 GTI and the level of engagement is so important, the slightly sterile nature of the Polo’s performance is a little disappointing.
We can’t argue with the raw numbers, or the level of grip on offer, however. The GTI sits 15mm lower than the standard Polo, and there’s also an optional Sport Select chassis that adds adaptive dampers. The car’s new MQB A0 small car platform means it feels more similar to the Golf than ever, offering plenty of stability that inspires confidence and lets you place the car exactly where you want it on the road.
The familiar 2.0-litre motor serves up 320Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, so there’s plenty of performance low down in the rev range. However, it feels like it’s been reined in so as not to tread on its more powerful sibling’s toes. In this DSG version, the step between second and third means the powertrain doesn’t feel as snappy as it might with a manual box, either.
The Polo GTI’S transmission shifts swiftly enough, although it’s a little clunky at low speed. But it makes the process of going quickly impressively easy. There’s no limited-slip differential, but in practice we found it could do with one. Even with the XDS electronic lock doing its best to stop wheelspin, the inside tyre does tend to scrabble for traction out of corners.
The chassis retains its composure in a bend, though. It doesn’t feel too nose heavy, with the rear axle keying into the ground to provide some extra cornering performance. Body control is good in the sportier chassis setting, but at a more
“The 0- 62mph time is impressive, but the slightly sterile nature of the performance is disappointing”
leisurely pace, and even in Normal mode, the damping feels quite firm. That may be down to the optional 18-inch wheels, so we’ll wait to see if it’s better back in the UK.
A hot hatch has to be many things to many people: it must be rapid and practical; and with a 351-litre boot, it scores well on this front, too. The five-door body means access to the rear is easy, and there’s plenty of space there thanks to the new platform.
The tartan cloth sports front seats offer enough support, while the infotainment set-up is carried over from the standard car, with either a 6.5 or eight-inch touchscreen and plenty of smartphone connectivity.
It’s the debut of VW’S second-generation, higher-resolution Active Info Display digital dials on the new Polo that’s bigger news, though. It’s a hi-tech touch that fits with the 2018 Polo GTI’S more mature image. There’s more advanced kit, such as LED headlights and adaptive cruise with a stop-and-go function. Also standard are emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind spot assist, so there’s plenty of safety too.