Auto tested more than 80 cars in 2024. As is tradition, we re-publish our twelve favourite tests of the year as our Best Tests daily through December. Then we present three Auto Special Awards in Best EV, Best Bakkie and Performance car of the year 2024. And then we choose the Top 3 Best Tests, before we announce Best Test 2024 on 1 January 2025. So come back for your daily Auto entertainment everyday through your holidays!
Auto Best Tests 2024 #11: Volkswagen Polo GTI
Volkswagen’s Polo GTI is a lot more car than you pay for
This second evolution of the current generation Polo GTI continues in the face of Volkswagen’s threat to drop is international range off the face of combustion engine earth. It is a breath of fresh air. Polo GTI delivers a sharp and sexy looks in a properly proven and proudly South African made petrol-powered hot hatch.
Polo GTI packs a splendid pedigree
You will recognize this car if you’re a race fan. The bastion of South African circuit racing, Polo GTI forms the backbone of both the Astron Energy Polo Cup, and the SupaCup series. So, it comes with a huge pedigree.
Highly recommended, some would say. With a pedigree that stretches all the way back to 1998, the 147 Kw 320 Nm hot hatch packs performance, technology and sportiness, a sharp look, and a digital cockpit too
A full width LED daylight lighting signature sets the GTI apart from its regular Polo kin. It joins a pair of IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, which certainly look the part and shine splendidly. It’s also good to see top end lighting tech like this filtering down to more affordable models.
Looks the part. Goes it too
That top-end Polo get-up perfectly contrasts the famous red stripe that also runs across the grille. Although that’s hidden in this ruby red get-up. Step
inside and there’s more red trim on GTI’s cool racy black hide chairs.
The fully digital ‘always on’ Polo GTI also brings state-of-the-art connectivity with App Connect and wireless charging. Add We services, MIB3.1, Digital Cockpit Pro and features on demand, among other highlights.
Polo GTI furthermore packs systems like IQ.Drive Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Front Assist. All usually reserved for higher class cars. We love the tech and the upgraded screen and system.
Splendid tech ruined by horrible controls
But we abhor the touch and swipe sliders that replace more conventional Polo models’ buttons and knobs. This would be a far better car without that. Still, this car possesses a splendid cabin. Well appointed, sporty, and comfy, we loved driving in it. In fact, the only positive those horrid sliders bring, is that they look cool.
This wieldy Volkswagen is loads of fun on the road. We loved its traction control, ability to jump off the line, its wieldiness and chuckability. And we thrived on its power and torque. Although we did notice that it likes to light up the front end when powering out of a bend.
The DSG box is brilliant to thrash, even if it’s a bit rowdy and jerky around town. You know what they say? You can’t win ‘em all. But for the rest, for the price, it is quite sublime.
Bottom Line: Polo GTI is an Absolute Bargain
We mentioned it in passing, but there’s one area where this South African built Polo GTI stands it head and shoulders above its accepted opposition. That’s price. Most of rivals today sit a class above. And cost up to double this. Never mind, Polo GTI will happily return well under 6.5 liters per 100 km, if you drive it nice.
It may not break any performance records, but it won’t break the bank, either. And it’s not perfect. But the Volkswagen Polo GTI certainly is a great performance deal. And mighty quick, sophisticated, and well enough equipped to expect it to cost so much more. Now that’s a bargain, right? – Michele Lupini.
Images & Data: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Volkswagen Polo GTI
Engine: 147 Kw 320 Nm 2-litre turbo petrol I4
Drive: Double Clutch Automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 3.37 sec
0-100 km/h: 6.63 sec
0-120 km/h: 8.79 sec
0-160 km/h: 15.09 sec
400m: 14.6 sec @ 158 km/h
80-120 km/h: 4.04 sec
120-160 km/h: 6.90 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 238 km/h
Fuel: 6.4 l/100 km
CO2: 147 g/km
Range: 620 km
Warranty/Service: 3y 120K/3y 45K km
LIST PRICE: R567K
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