Can new Polo GTI deliver the goods?

THE Polo GTI has been a long-standing member of the hot hatch club here in the UK.

During its time on the scene, Volkswagen’s compact performance model has gained a reputation as a reliable and refined option, albeit one that isn’t quite as engaging as rivals.

So can this latest GTI – which arrives with a lot of performance and plenty of go-faster technology – take things up a notch?

What’s new?

Volkswagen has added a number of features to this gofaster version of its Polo. As well as a punchy engine, the GTI’s suspension has been tweaked, while a new electronic limitedslip differential has been implemented. The look is more grown-up for this update too.

We’ve still got hallmark GTI features, like the red accent stripes and check seat trims, but it’s an altogether more coherent and modern-looking car when compared with the model it replaces.

We’d argue it looks far more like a proper GTI, in fact.

What’s it like to drive?

This is a car that feels remarkably refined, with neutral steering and wellmanaged body control.

It’s not overly firm, with adaptive chassis control giving you the option to soften off the ride which makes it just pliant enough for UK roads.

It feels quick too, with all 204bhp being well managed – there’s not too much corruption of the steering when accelerating hard, as can often trouble powerful front-wheel-drive cars.

And though that torque figure means the Polo GTI has plenty of roll-on performance, you don’t hang on to every last rev when changing gears, as you might in other cars. In fact, you end up driving it more like a ‘normal’ Polo.

How does it look?

One area we feel the Polo GTI has vastly improved is the way it looks.

The older car was a little unassuming and looked just a touch like a standard car with a few extra trinkets, whereas this version is very much an out-and-out GTI.

The sharp headlights with integrated daytime running lights are very appealing in design, while the new ‘crossbar’ light which runs the full width of the front and connects both lights is great to see at night.

There are some subtle GTI badges on the flanks, while red-painted brake calipers are a must-have in this segment. Around the back, there’s the central GTI badging which now features on the latest Golf version, while the twin chrome exhaust pipes are a subtle hint towards this model’s elevated performance.

What’s it like inside?

The new GTI benefits from some of VW’s latest cabin features. The build quality is good, with plenty of high-end materials used throughout.

The sport seats fitted to the GTI provide plenty of support, too, with good levels of bolstering without being overly firm.

The boot is a little under rival offerings, however. At 287 litres, the Polo’s load area comes under the 292 litres you’d get from the Fiesta

ST, though it is reasonably square and easy to access.

It’s smaller than the one you’d get on the regular Polo too.

VW has revised its Polo GTI, bringing a sharper edge – but what else does it have to offer? Jack Evans finds out.

What’s the spec like?

My test car came in a smidge over £30,000, but this price tag was accompanied by a high level of standard equipment. All Polos benefit from VW’s latest technology, including its eight-inch Discover Media Navigation system with full European navigation and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.25inch digital cockpit with customisable menus and information is also included. One change which isn’t as welcome is the haptic feedback-style buttons on the redesigned steering wheel. As we’ve already experienced on the Golf, they’re lacking in preciseness and can make even simple functions a bit of a challenge to undertake.

The verdict

The latest Polo GTI feels a little at odds with what else is on offer today.

If you’re after a refined yet powerful hatchback, then the Polo will no doubt appeal.

It’s good on the motorway and comfortable enough to live with day-to-day. It’s brisk, too, and feels more than quick enough to live up to that ‘GTI’ moniker.

But its character clangs against what people are usually want from a hot hatch. It’s not that this is a bad car, but it just doesn’t offer the kind of feedback or engagement that you’d expect from a car in this segment.