What is it?
Hot hatches are brilliant little things, don’t you think? They have all the benefits of a decently sized, practical car just with loads more grunt and mean mundane activities like the school run can actually be an exhilarating experience. This one is a VW Polo that’s had a darn great big chili shoved up the tailpipe – and then some.
On the outside
VW tend to be very subtle in their hot hatch styling. Too much so in my opinion. There are small giveaways here and there, like red accents on the front grille, little skirts and a nice set of tailpipes. GTI badges are also splashed about. But honestly I like my hot hatch to come with a bit more flair. If you don’t, then this is probably quite appealing.
Read also: RGM Golf 7R
On the inside
Again, subtle. The GTI steering wheel is the best indication that you aren’t sat in a 1.4 TSI Highline. Unless you looked at the seat before plonking your rear end in it – they’re nice. Supportive and comfy. Otherwise it’s all pretty standard issue VW; well bolted together and ergonomically perfect.
Behind the wheel
This is obviously the important bit. And VW has done a really great job with the powertrain. The 1.8 litre turbo motor has returned to the Polo GTI, now sporting 141kW and loads of torque. So much torque that VW detunes the motor by 70Nm should you opt for the DSG double clutch auto because the ‘box can’t handle all that grunt. All the more reason to go for a good old manual, then.
The results are quite remarkable. This little Polo will give significantly more expensive machinery a good run for its money, if not a downright hiding. VW claim 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, but trust me it’s quicker than that. Think Golf 6R type straight line performance.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect though is the Polo’s fun factor. The step up in chassis dynamic with this new model is significant, transforming the GTI from something a bit dull into a fun little machine. There’s grip, good, sharp turn in and the ability to balance the car on throttle input – rather than just accepting understeer. Feedback through the steering wheel is unfortunately still lacking, though. And worse when you push the “Sport” button which just makes it overly heavy. But that button also stiffens the suspension and sharpens the throttle. Pity about the steering then.
Pricing
At R325,000 as a base price this Polo GTI offers decent value. But spec one similarly to something like a Ford Fiesta ST and the picture changes somewhat.
Verdict
There’s been a significant step from VW. They’ve transformed the Polo GTI, but honestly they had to. The Fiesta ST and Renault Clio RS were significantly better behind the wheel. Now the lines aren’t quite so clear. Don’t get me wrong, if its track day fun you’re after then stick with the aforementioned competitors. But if you’re after a light-to-light competitor that has German-spec build quality you’re probably better off in the Polo GTI.
2nd opinion: I’ve never been a fan of the VW Polo in general, this has been well documented, however there is no denying that it is a pretty solid little car. This GTi is something quite a bit different as it’s had multiple chillies shoved up its tailpipe to create a machine that will quite literally make cars in higher segments eat its dust. As a FWD hot hatch it’s a little difficult to fault from a technical standpoint, however I just find it rather bland. After the very initial wow factor, it quickly fades in your mind and no longer screams “drive me”, which for a petrol-head like me is rather disappointing. Give me something slower and more fun any day of the week. – Nick Hodgson
Price: R 325 000
Engine: 1798cc 4 cylinder turbo petrol
Power (kW): 141
Torque (Nm): 320
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.7
Fuel Consumption (l/100km): 6.0
Service: 3yr/45,000km service plan
