Volkswagen Polo GTI 1.8 TSI DSG

The Polo GTI has, for the longest time, been somewhat of a starter pack for many into the foray of performance motoring. It’s manageable size and forgiving handling has made it a winner amongst those that were looking for a hot (sub) hatch that wasn’t going to cost an arm and a leg to own. In that sense, it’s picked up where the original Golf GTI took off - dynamite in a small package.

It has gotten more expensive and slowly more and more tech has made its way into the diminutive little hatchback. The most recent incarnation, the 6R model featured the revolutionary 1.4 TSI twin charge motor that made an astonishing 132kW and 250Nm from its tiny 1.4-litres.

VW has just updated the Polo and gone is the 1.4 TSI motor and in its place is a 1.8-litre TSi motor without the supercharger, but keeping the turbo. Naturally, this means that the power is up, by a whole 9kW. Now that may not seem like much, 9kW, but it makes a difference - albeit a small one. The catch is that the motor still develops 250Nm, the same as the outgoing 1.4, but this isn’t the engine’s fault… this is the gearbox.

It’s no secret that I’m not fond of the DSG gearbox, especially in a performance car and in the GTI it’s the gearbox that is forcing VW to have to limit the torque to 250Nm. This is a little disappointing but with the announcement of the manual version coming later this year, they say that this one will be derestricted and will have 320Nm on hand. They do say that performance will remain the same but I’m sure that in the hands of a capable driver, the manual WILL be faster both in a straight line and around the corners.

And it’s there, in the corners, that the new Polo GTI is another step ahead. The fitment of the XDS+ system to the Polo drivetrain helps reduce unwanted understeer and front end wash by individually braking the inside wheel, keeping the cornering lines tight and more precise than in the previous models. It works in conjunction with the ESC, so is more of an electronic aid than a mechanical limited slip diff.

The suspension is stiff though and very boy-racer in its approach. This may prove to be a little harsh for some, and tiresome on long journeys where the road isn’t completely flat and smooth.

Appearance wise the new Polo GTI is distinguishable from its smaller brother, provided you look for the few cues that present themselves as new on the new model.

There are new bumpers at the front and rear with the back end receiving a black diffuser and twin exit exhaust pipes. A little higher up is a set of full red taillights and even further up the back end is the new roof spoiler.

The sides now have full length side skirts and flares and on either end of the skirt rests a 17-inch Parabolica alloy wheel, a change from the traditional GTI Monza wheels that we are so accustomed to seeing.

The front gets the aforementioned bumper upgrade and the headlights are full LED items, but sadly, without an auto function. The fenders also get a GTI decal which has been tastefully done.

The interior sees a few changes too with a Golf GTI-style multifunction steering wheel, complete with red stitching and GTI logo. Alcantara inserts in the seats are a high-end touch that elevate the feel of the cabin more than one would imagine.

The infotainment system is a new piece of kit too with a touchscreen interface and proximity sensors highlighted and preempting your selections. While leaps ahead of the previous systems VW has employed, it’s still a little tricky in places and awkward in others.

The new Polo GTI is a more focussed performance machine that is serious about delivering the goods, possibly not the best route to take considering that many would be using it as their only car, but for those that crave the focus of a performance hot hatch, the new Polo GTI will undoubtedly tick all the boxes they need ticked.

The new Polo GTI starts from R326 400 and offers a few additional optional extras, including Climatronic and panoramic sunroof. Our test model was fitted with the LED lighting package, Panoramic sunroof and metallic paint.

Want to know more? Watch our video review here