The facelifted hatch has been on the market for a few months now and as the volume product from the German brand becomes more prevalent on the roads we decided to dive into the details of the performance orientated Volkswagen Polo GTI derivative.
Officially unveiled midway through last year, the facelifted Polo GTI offered a very similar package from its predecessor although slight tweaks made it more powerful and marginally quicker than before.
View this post on Instagram
What this means is that not much has changed on the powertrain front, buyers still get the 2-litre TSI four-banger which churns out 5 kW more than before with 152 kW while a maximum torque of 320 N.m remains the same. Our local market has still only received the 6-speed DSG gearbox as opposed to foreign markets that get one extra gear ratio. What Volkswagen has done with the latest iteration is streamline production processes and attempt to refine an already-good product.
The overall silhouette remains unchanged but the latest Polo GTI derivative employs LED lighting technology all-round. This includes the IQ. Light LED matrix headlights which has adaptive automatic high beam technology and ensures oncoming traffic isn’t blinded in an effort for maximum road illumination.
Continuing with the lighting features, the Polo GTI also employs a front lightbar that spans the width of the headlights and grill with the front badge at its centre. This creates a distinctive DRL profile that has become synonymous with all derivatives that employ the IQ. Light technology.
Onto the rest of the exterior; our press model, finished in Kings Red Metallic which mimics the hue of the GTI badging throughout the car, contrasts the dark 18-inch diamond-turned “Faro” rims mounted to 215/40 R18 rubber that lines each corner of the hot hatch. Standard 17-inch options can lower the price by R 7,200 if desired however Polo connoisseurs aren’t generally in the business of being budget friendly.
Before moving within the interior, keyless entry unlocks the doors while a proximity sensor in the cabin gets the car started with only the push of a button. This means that the key doesn’t have to leave your bag or your pocket in the entire driving process. The model shown here is finished in the sole dark Titanium Black spec with red detailing reminding the driver of the potent mill under the right foot. An R 14,500 tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is found directly above the driver and passenger, would it even be a Polo GTI without one?
Volkswagen in their bid to reduce production costs have opted for the haptic feedback steering-mounted buttons which other than look futuristic, aren’t very appealing to use however wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make its few shortfalls liveable.
This Polo GTI, equipped with a handsome (and costly) list of optional extras can be argued as better value for money than its bigger sibling; the Golf GTI but it may never amass cult status in the same way. Either way, it remains a potent hot hatch with charismatic dynamics and plenty of details that you can brag to your friends about.
