VW Polo GTI is back. The list of high-tech features runs through the new Polo GTI like a common theme.
It ensures that the Polo GTI’s power is cleanly transferred to the road, even in tight serpentine curves. Serving the same purpose are the low-profile tyres (215/40 R17 87V) on alloy wheels in GTI-typical 5-hole Denver styling (7Jx17), whose look the new top Polo shares with the Golf GTI.
This system, standard equipment on the Polo GTI, accesses existing sensor data such as steering wheel angle, yaw rate and wheel speeds. The effect: more safety and driving fun, because the Polo GTI steers even more precisely with XDS.
I really want someone to explain the premium between Volkswagen's Mark VI Golf GTI five-door and its new Polo GTI and -- more to the point -- why I should pay it. I remain firmly of the opinion there's only one car under $100,000 that does so much better, and that's a Mark VI Golf GTI.
There's the same tactile
VW GTI steering wheel, the red stitching, the standard tartan upholstery. Similarly lowered, and with its own suspension settings, the Polo shares the Golf's XDL (extended electronic differential lock), which all but arrests understeer when the car is tipped hard into a corner.With the Polo version, you get the seven-speed version of the twin-clutch automatic DSG or nothing.
The VW GTI badge alone gives this car loads of street cred. Transmission choices include a standard six-speed manual or a more finicky six-speed dual clutch unit. Unfortunately there’s no all-wheel drive option, which means this model is limited to front-wheel drive. Buyers considering the sporty
Honda Civic Si or the
MazdaSpeed3, or possibly even the
MINI Cooper, should definitely book a test drive of the
2011 VW GTI.
The MINI also can’t match the "VW GTI" on performance; a similar performing turbocharged Cooper S is around $7,000 more than the Volkswagen.
It’s 13 years since Volkswagen first attempted to sprinkle the magic of its GTI badge over a model other than the Golf. For starters, the most powerful Polo – until the arrival of a rumoured flagship R model – again mimics its upsized sibling with signature GTI touches. There’s the black honeycomb grille with red horizontal strips, red brake callipers and even identical 17-inch alloy wheels. Even if you opt for the $28,990 five-door, the value looks outstanding when you consider the Polo GTI’s natural rivals: Renault Sport Clio, $36,490; Mini Cooper S, $40,500; Alfa Romeo MiTo QV, $34,990.
Keen drivers may be disappointed the Polo GTI comes with only brake and accelerator pedals – the only transmission being a DSG dual-clutch auto. Employing both a supercharger – for lowspeed response – and a turbocharger – for shove at medium to high engine speeds – makes the Polo GTI both fast and frugal. There’s agile balance, enthusiastic corner turn-in and tenacious tyre grip when exiting tighter bends.
In terms of practicality – still important in hot hatches – the GTI, as with all Polos, offers good rearseat legroom for its class size. However, a repositioned battery – to improve weight distribution – reduces boot space from 280 litres to 204 litres.
