Road Test: Volkswagen Polo GTI

Review by Jay Williams - 03/August/2011

The supermini that packs a punch, producing 132kW of power from its 1.4-litre engine, sets a new precedent in the light-car performance segment.

Volkswagen have used turbocharging and supercharging to maximise performance and keep fuel consumption low.

And the best bit? It really works and has been proven to work in previous models.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI offers customers a great package that is very competitively priced.

So, does this supermini have what it takes to tempt buyers?

Let's find out!

Drive: 3/5

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is a very usable car to drive with plenty of torque on tap right through the rev range thanks to its twincharged engine.

The supermini feels tight and ridged on the road Now while this bodes well in terms of handling performance, it isn't necessarily the most comfortable ride. The Polo GTI also comes fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels (that are wrapped in low-profile tyres), combined with its sports suspension, the Polo GTI can - at times - feel a little harsh on Australian roads.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), for those of you who don't know, it's two separate manual gearboxes (and clutches), contained within one housing, and working as one unit. In simple terms it means faster up and down shifts.

The 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) does a great job in transferring power to the road however, making gear changes super quick and smooth.

Most of the time the driver has no need to use the steering wheel mounted paddle shifts because the gearbox is smart enough to work out what angle the car is approaching a corner or hill and chooses the right gear for you. Freaky!

The electro-hydraulic power steering feels tight and direct, like a go-kart, this is also thanks to the small wheelbase of the Polo GTI.

An extended electronic differential lock (XDL) reduces the tendency to understeer and improves handling especially in quick driving through curves. Like all versions of the model series, the Polo GTI also comes equipped with the standard electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) and Hill Start Assist.

Engine: 3.5/5

Powering the Volkswagen Polo GTI is a twincharged 1.4-litre TSI engine (turbo plus supercharging) producing 132kW of power and 250Nm or torque. 

Sending power to the front wheels is a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), with this drivetrain the combined fuel consumption has been reduced to 6.1-litres per 100km (claimed). That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 142g/km.

During our time with the vehicle we managed 6.7-litres per 100km, which is pretty close to the 6.1-litres claimed by Volkswagen.

Exterior: 3.5/5

Outside the Volkswagen Polo GTI is set apart from the other models with its 17-inch alloys wrapped in 215/40 R17 rubber, centre lower air intake and radiator grille with black honeycomb inserts and GTI badging.

This supermini hot hatch is relatively tame in appearance when you take into consideration what's under the bonnet. 

This isn't a bad thing by any means, it adds to the fun when sitting idle at the traffic lights and some unsuspecting driver thinks they can take the Polo GTI in a mad dash to the legal speed limit.

Interior: 3.5/5

Stepping inside the Volkswagen Polo GTI you are greeted with the usual GTI swagger, dark colours are the theme in the cabin with highlighted red stitching found on the sports seats and gear shifter.

Tartan fabric covers the bolstered sports seats, while leather is used for the steering wheel and soft touch plastic are used for the dash.

The cabin feels spacious for a small light car and the quality, fit and finish are top notch as is with most Volkswagen models.

Overall: 3.5/5

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is outstanding value for money. Aggressively priced at $27,790* there isn't anything that comes close to offering the performance and standard options that are included with the Polo GTI.

That price gets you a 1.4-litre TSI engine twincharged engine, a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), electronic differential lock (XDL), six airbags,  electro-hydraulic power steering, electric windows, central locking, leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, sports seats and the list goes on.

If you can live with the firm suspension, the Volkswagen Polo GTI is the way to go.

* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Volkswagen dealer.