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The Volkswagen Polo GTI – VW’s “Pocket Rocket” Review

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is bidding farewell to us in what one would imagine as the best way possible and the one we had on test recently made sure to leave a lasting smile on my face.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is bidding farewell to us in what one would imagine as the best way possible and the one we had on test recently made sure to leave a lasting smile on my face.

Firstly, I want to start by saying that I have personal beef with the Volkswagen GTI offering as a whole; but it’s probably not what one would think. The irony of this all is how the Polo generations constitute to a lot of debate between true VW purists – but we’re not going to go that far.

Polo GTI

Now with housekeeping gotten out of the way, I wanted to also say that I never quite imagined what the “faf” was about when it came to VW’s GTI, let alone the Polo GTI. For one, I always felt that it was a powerful powerplant that was fitted into a shell that weighed less than me (on a good day that is) and could never imagine being in control of that 2.0L engine under normal pretenses, but I was wrong on some degree.

For one, this last iteration of the Polo GTI was a fun drive – barring the ‘street’ stigma and all. I truly enjoyed any commute that I had in the little “pocket rocket” (used subjectively as by no means do I feel like the car is small, though it’s smaller compared to its Golf sibling) with its ever so responsive throttle, even when driving in comfort mode – which might be needed at times, especially when dealing with the Johannesburg traffic.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

The Polo GTI has been fitted with a 2.0L TSI engine, paired to a 6-speed DSG gearbox that puts out 147kW and 320Nm of torque – in a hatch that weighs just under 1300kg. Hence the “pocket rocket” reference. It is also worth noting that this car does stop as much as it goes, with a 6.7s 0-100km/h claimed time. The pairing on the engine, though, goes against the acclaimed range of 6.4L/100km, we averaged a comfortable 8.3L/100km – which is a significant jump if we could say.

The drive is significantly sharper than a normal Polo though, which should be given that the suspension has been upgraded to cater for the performance plant that has been fitted in the engine bay. The car also sits a mm lower than the standard Polo, which means that one can feel every bump (harsh or not) that they drive over – all thanks to the 17” low-profile tyres.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

The center console has seen a much-needed upgrade with the climate controls swapped out for a haptic climate control (that work properly) situated right below the 8” media infotainment screen, right with 2x type-C USB ports infront and 2x additional ones in the rear. The interior is kept as clean as possible, with the notable red stitching and red detailing nestled around the steering wheel & gear selector.

One of the notable likes for me was the IQ.LIGHT LED Matrix headlights that work under low light and have intelligent high-beam that triggers when objects(or rather other cars) are detected and adjusts the necessary light accordingly – as to not blind the impeding car. The multi-colour digital cockpit also makes it a pleasure on the evening drives.

The disappointing factor, for me anyways, has the be the Beats Audio 6 speakers system pairing in the car – I’m not sure what it is but there was just something missing when playing music through the speakers. If given the option, I think that Harman Kardon option would have been the one, but that’s just me anyways. Also, the Beats Audio is an optional R10 500 extra, so maybe there is a bit of salvation on that front.

VW offers the Polo GTI with a 3 Year/ 120 000km warranty and a 3 year/45 000km service plan. Starting price is at R559 200 before all the extras and note that it has a 40L tank, which can easily be emptied if you have a heavy right foot.

Final Verdict

Look, my personal feelings aside, I genuinely feel like the Polo GTI is worth the bark. I wish it had a better sound system but that’s all I can fault the car on. I do feel like the ride is a tad hard but one would get used to it over time. Also, get ready to part ways with just over R600 000 as that Comfort Package (amongst other options,) that includes keyless entry, is an optional extra.

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