Friday, August 2, 2013
Polo GTI review
There are firmer springs and shock absorbers, a 2mm thicker front sway bar and the ride height is 15mm lower. The electro hydraulic steering is re-mapped to suit enthusiastic driving. To match its sports nature ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program) and traction control are standard, plus low tyre pressure indicators. Adding to the sports appearance are red brake calipers, chrome dual exhaust tips and a rear spoiler. Inside there are heavily bolstered sports seats, alloy pedals and leather bound sports wheel. The GTI is only available as a three-door hatchback.
A plus for both models is the standard full size spare tyre.
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The base engine is a 1.2 petrol that delivers either 54- or 63bhp. It’s sweet and strong, although you need to plan overtaking moves early. There are 69- and 79bhp 1.4 turbodiesels and three 1.4 petrols, all of which are eager and frugal, plus 1.9 turbodiesels with 99- or 128bhp.
Ride & handling
The Polo uses the same platform as the Skoda Fabia, but feels quite different. It rides well on most surfaces, but the soft suspension doesnt control body movement well, so the Polo lurches through corners and over larger bumps. The steering, with electronic power assistance, is light, but low on feedback.
Refinement
All models are reasonably refined. The diesel is rather noisy, but only when you’re accelerating hard. The big surprise is the quietness and smoothness of the three-cylinder 1.2 petrols. Wind noise is noticeable at motorway speeds and there’s some suspension thump over sudden surface changes.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
All models have two-way steering adjustment, but not all of them have seat-height movement. There’s plenty of space for the driver and the front passenger, and a reasonable view out. All of the controls and instruments are easy to read and sensibly laid out.
Space & practicality
The Polo copes adequately with four adults, but many rivals offer considerable extra cabin space. The boot is decently sized and well shaped, but the floor is not flush with the opening, which affects access. Three- or five-door models are available.
Equipment
The Polos equipment list looks miserly compared to most rivals. Entry-level E models have a CD player, but you have to step up to S to gain air-conditioning, alloy wheels and electric front windows and SE to add remote central locking and drivers seat height adjustment. Sport models include lowered suspension and fog lights.
Drive Impression
Both cars share the same high standard of fit and finish. This answers any questions about variable quality when cars are produced around the globe as the TDI is assembled in South Africa and the GTI in Spain.
From behind the wheel the TDI’s small seats have that typically Teutonic feel, being both firm and supportive. There’s plenty of adjustment from the tilt –reach steering wheel, and the cabin is roomy enough for four. The dash layout is simple and easy to use. But the grey trim - and there is a lot of it, can be a bit underwhelming.
On the move the 1.9 litre diesel is an enthusiastic performer and sounds almost like a petrol engine, barring the lower rev limit. Strong mid range torque and a quiet cabin, means you need to keep an eye on the speedo - it is deceptively quick. The TDI’s mid range urge only begins to taper off sharply in top gear. Even though the weighty steering isn’t very communicative, it’s direct and consistent. As cornering speeds increase the diesel adopts an understeering attitude, easily adjusted with the right foot, but the car does feel a little nose heavy.
Hopping into the GTI it’s obvious this is a car for the budget conscious enthusiast. Low set, deeply bolstered sports seats, alloy pedals and a leather sports wheel add a bit of flair. And the Titanium look dash trim alleviates the all pervading “greyness”. Stiffer suspension means a more jiggly ride quality, but not at the expense of comfort. The settings work well with the 110kW engine, giving the GTI an agile character with sharp turn in and impressive traction. Re-mapped steering software means there’s more feel, but with some numbness at dead ahead. Its wider tyres contributed to a little tramlining over rippled surfaces. A throatier exhaust note adds to the package, but it is never intrusive.
Both cars reinforce Volkswagen’s “machined from solid” character. For around town commuters or long distance travellers their quiet and comfortable cabins fit the bill. With rising fuel prices the Polo TDI may initiate a shift in small car buying habits. For those interested in hot hatches the GTI may not have the power of Peugeot’s Gti 180 or Renault’s Clio Sport, but it is keenly priced.
PRICE: £7,495 - £15,290
