Volkswagen Polo GTI 2010 Review

Volkswagen Polo GTI

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The Gen 4 Polo GTI sold 1600 cumulative units Down Under since going on sale in 2006. Built in Spain, the new Polo GTI is expected to build on these sales. The fact the new car is bigger -- and faster -- won't do it any harm in this sales chase.

The new GTI will be available from December 1, with a DSG automatic the only transmission option behind a potent 1.4-litre twin-charged four-cylinder petrol engine. Performance is impressive with 0-100km/h times equalling those found in Volkswagen's larger (and dearer) cult classic, Golf GTI.

The top-shelf Polo piles a generous level of standard equipment into its diminutive package. Additional GTI-spec features including 17-inch Denver alloy wheels, honeycomb grille with red horizontal highlights, front fog lamps, daytime running lamps, red brake callipers, dual-outlet chrome exhaust tip and rear spoiler make Polo GTI pop stylistically.

Inside, traditional GTI 'Jacky' tartan trim is found under a black head lining while matte aluminium trim highlights, leather bound flat bottom steering wheel and gear knob add to the quality feel of the classy compact cabin. Multi-function display, cruise control, air conditioning, sports seats, tyre pressure monitor, centre armrest and the usual powered options are all standard. Entertainment comes by way of Volkswagen's RCD310 single-CD tuner with auxiliary input and steering wheel-mounted remote controls.

Should you wish to jazz things up a little, and Volkswagen says most buyers do, the Polo GTI is available with a panoramic sunroof ($1700), bi-xenon headlamps ($1600) RCD510 six-CD premium audio package ($770), heated leather seats ($1900) and a Comfort Package ($500) which adds auto headlamps, auto wipers and single-zone climate control to the deal.

This engine replaces the 1.8-litre turbo four found in the previous generation Polo GTI and delivers a whopping 22kW more power and 30Nm of additional torque. Zero-100km/h times have improved (from 8.2 seconds), now matching those found in the near $40,000 Golf GTI at 6.9 seconds.

Developing a total of 132kW/250Nm, the Polo GTI's powerplant is mated exclusively to a new dry clutch seven-speed DSG (automatic) transmission for sharp performance and impressive fuel economy. The ADR combined average seeing just 6.1L/100km consumed while emitting 142g/km of CO2 (down 1.9L and 48g from the outgoing model respectively).

For added sportiness, the transmission can be controlled manually via steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Life's pretty straight without twisties, so Volkswagen has lowered Polo's suspension by 15mm for even more cornering competence. Front wheel grip is aided further by an electronically controlled XDL (Extended Electronic Lock) differential, essentially the same unit found in Golf GTI. Braking the neutral (inside) wheel in corners, the clever system not only allows more drive through the bends but also helps control torque steer.

And speaking of brakes, Polo GTI boasts some pretty impressive stopping power with meaty four-wheel discs grabbed by red painted single-piston callipers. Up front these measure 288x25mm and 232x9mm at the rear.

PACKAGING

What is a little bit of a letdown is the space saver spare which may hinder duties for those travelling longer distances on a regular basis.

SAFETY

Importantly, the new Volkswagen Polo scores a maximum possible five-star ANCAP safety rating.

COMPETITORS

Citroen's new MINI Cooper S-powered DS3 Hatch, though fractionally larger, is a credible combatant to the GTI where equipment levels are concerned, but lacks the practicality of a five-door option and is priced prohibitively by comparison. The Citroen DS3 DSport is priced from $35,990.

Ditto, Renault's scintillating Clio RS200. While arguably more agile at ten-tenths, Clio lacks that low down turbo pull. It's also priced at a premium. Renault's Clio RS200 starts at $36,490.

The upshot, however, is a bigger car feel at speed and plenty of bite in the corners. A well sculpted steering wheel adds to the enjoyment factor mid-bend, even if the steering feel isn't as natural as it once was.

Stopping Polo is a cinch, the four-wheel discs strong and pedal feel progressive. Through twisty sections of the Adelaide Hills (Corkscrew Road anyone?) the GTI's fattened stance and generous brakes allowed late-braking confidence, a trait seconded later in the day at the Collingrove Hillclimb track.

Supercharging allows linear pull from 2000 revs right the way through to 3500rpm where the turbocharger is in full effect. The transition between the pair is seamless. The twincharged mill sings with bassy purpose under moderate to heavy acceleration loads, music to hot hatch loving ears.

With seven speeds available, the DSG transmission provides snappy gear shifts and, on the whole, a smooth performance. That said, it can still be caught napping when rolling on throttle at low speed (think roundabouts) or when reapplying the throttle after a brief stop.

For its downsides the Polo GTI has a lot to like, not least of all price. Considering the quality feel, potent performance and undeniable street-cred, this is one pocket rocket certain to please both sides of the gender divide... And the bank balance as well.

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