VW’s pricey Polo GTI impresses

And one thing is for sure: these compact hatches are getting quicker all the time – and are quicker than the previous generation of bigger hatches. So if you are in a standard, previous-generation hot hatch – although I doubt there are many standard hot hatches around – think carefully before you try and bully the likes of the new VW Polo GTI. You are probably going to lose. And looking at my road test data over the years, I know you are going to lose.

The Polo GTI I had on test came with the seven-speed DSG gearbox, which meant the car only had 250Nm of torque and 141kW of power, courtesy of the new 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that replaced the old 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged model.

And this Polo GTI made very good use of its power and torque, posting better than claimed performance figures all the way through. The 0-100 km/h sprint was done in 6.66 seconds and could have been somewhat better if the car had a launch control function. As it stands, you just floor the accelerator from idle in Sport mode and let the car do the rest.

The VW Polo GTI. Picture: Supplied

But the car takes a moment before it gets really moving and this hurts the sprint times. And when I say hurt, I must clarify that by saying the Polo GTI is still the quickest of all the compact hot hatches.

The impressive numbers continue through the quarter mile, which is crossed in 15.01 seconds, and the 1km hit 96.26km/h, while only running out of steam at 243km/h at top speed. Even the in-gear acceleration is brisk with overtaking easily dealt with.

For the record, the manual version that is arriving soon gets another 70Nm and should be a bit quicker than the DSG version when on the boil.

Of course, by now you know getting anywhere near the claimed fuel consumption figures of a motor manufacturer is almost impossible. And the Polo GTI is no different, as the claim of 5.6 litres per 100km was more like 7.6 litres in the real world. This is still good in my opinion.

The only real criticism I have is that as good as the DSG box is for everyday and even brisk street driving, it is not the best for hardcore track use, as you don’t have the option of holding a gear in true manual mode. So if you are going to spend a lot of time doing track days and gymkhanas, wait for the manual version and then you can make use of the nifty lap timer function the car has.

For the first time, VW is offering electronically adjustable dampers in the Polo GTI. Perhaps this is the option one should go for and then maybe be able to select a “Comfort”-type mode as the car, although great fun to drive fast, is seriously firm for everyday use. I couldn’t find the price of these options on the price list but I am sure they add quite a bit to the already substantial R326 400 asking price for the car in standard form.

The VW Polo GTI. Picture: Supplied

The sporty theme of the car continues inside, with an interior accentuated by classic GTI red elements all over the place, from leather sports steering wheel to the instrument cluster with GTI design.

The new Composition Media system with colour touchscreen offers functions such as Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phone and audio streaming, a proximity sensor, CD-player, USB port, MP-3 functionality, auxiliary and SD-card input for external audio source and six speakers.

The Polo GTI also has a host of safety functions and features, such as ESC Sport, XDS+, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and a Driver Alert System to go with the usual airbags to wrap up a fast, very competent and safe offering.

If you are not an out-and-out VW fan there is a downside to this story – you can get the exceptionally good Ford Fiesta ST for about R50 000 cheaper. Your choice at the end of the day…