We’ll start with the need-to-knows. You need to know that this is the fourth ever Polo GTI, but it’s only the second available in South Africa.
You need to know that this new one is fitted with the smallest engine ever to power a VW GTI model, and, you need to know that it comes with only one gearbox option, and it’s automatic, so if you’re hell bent on heel-toeing and shifting manually you’re out of luck.
Yes, there are only 1.4-litres (or 1390cc to be precise) of cylinder displacement under the bonnet of VW’s latest Polo GTI, but to make up for its under endowment there’s a supercharger and turbocharger to boost intake into those four tiny lungs.
We know this engine from other TSI badged VWs but where this charging hodgepodge is usually programmed for ultimate efficiency, here it’s tuned up for performance. Or actually, a fair split of performance versus efficiency, because while VW claims 132kW and 250Nm, it also claims average petrol consumption of just 5.9l/100km. I never saw under eight though.
Fire it up and there’s a surprisingly hoarse exhaust note considering the discreet capacity up front. Truthfully you’d never guess there’s such a small motor providing the go, because it accelerates strongly too with our test figures showing a best 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds and 15.3 for the quarter mile.
Respectable numbers these, as similar results with cars we’ve tested over the years reflect significantly larger engine sizes.
There is a noteworthy amount of turbo lag on initial pull off, exacerbated by the automatic gearbox that prohibits the clutch-slip method we usually employ to disguise the problem in manuals.
Put foot and you’re forced to wait out the half a second or so it takes for the turbo, supercharger and first gear to all start working together harmoniously. But, once out of the blocks, this renowned 7-speed dual clutch DSG box comes into its own and really shines.
Gear changes happen with imperceptible quickness as the car surges up to its maximum 230km/h with a seamless feel in the seat of the pants. Thankfully that signature mid-gear burp made famous by the first Golf GTI/DSG combo comes through loud and clear. For those days when traffic cooperates and the road opens up for decent length blasts, there are shift paddles too for frisky up and down gear change finger flicks.
Low-profile 17-inch tyres and springs lowered by 15mm from a standard Polo provide a feisty handling characteristic, with plenty of adhesion on bendy roads. VW’s also employed the electronic differential lock first introduced on the current Golf GTI, but here it’s been tweaked for less interference to the driver.
Lean left or right hard enough to get the inside front wheel spinning, and the Polo GTI’s computer box will engage that wheel’s brake calliper enough to stop the slip, sending engine power to the outside wheel with traction. Hardcore drivers will always prefer a mechanical limited-slip diff, but this particular electronic one works pretty well.
I also really like the suede seats that differentiate this from other Polos, and appreciate that VW offers front seat warmers as standard equipment, but the lack of automatic headlights is a standout oversight.
Most cars today, especially north of R200 000, don’t require the driver to manually switch the lights on or off. I also noted that the boot cargo area is remarkably shallow for a modern hatch, but at least there’s a spare wheel buried under the carpet.
One bone of contention for potential Polo GTI buyers is the use of those “old” alloy wheels we know from Golf GTI models since 2004 and still fitted to current Golf GTIs today, but VW’s accessory catalogue offers a R10 000 solution with a different style “Motorsport” alloy available in three colours. It’s either that or a quick visit to Tiger Wheel for much less.
VERDICT
Inevitably known as the GTI Lite, the new Polo GTI ticks most of my hottish hatch boxes with a healthy standard spec list and firecracker performance. At R259 000 it’s eighty grand less than the Golf GTI with DSG, and a very reasonable value for money package. I don’t understand the lack of a manual option, which to me seems like a very reasonable request.
And automatic headlights please. -Star Motoring