The Volkswagen Polo GTI has long lived in the shadow of its bigger brother, the Golf GTI. Does it step into the light with this improved model? Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

If you're looking for a quick and discreet supermini that brings with it the trappings of big car quality, this Volkswagen Polo GTI is well worth a look. This sixth generation version was arguably the first model in the line to deliver a truly enthusiast-orientated driving experience and Volkswagen gave the whole package a more polished look and feel with the late 2021 update that created the car we're going to test here.

Background

Throughout automotive history, there have been cars that would have been remembered far more fondly had they not been overshadowed by far more illustrious stablemates - and here's one of them, Volkswagen's Polo GTI. Part of the reason for that is that in the past, the Wolfsburg brand has never really given this model what enthusiasts would see as a 'proper' GTI engine. But all that changed in 2017 when this sixth generation version was first launched, complete with the rorty 2.0-litre EA888-series turbo engine from the Golf GTI. The Polo GTI's time should have come. It didn't quite work out like that: partly because of high pricing, partly because the manual gearbox option we were promised was only imported in tiny numbers and partly because of the excellence of the competition, mainly this Polo model's long time nemesis the Fiesta ST, a model latterly joined by the equally impressive Hyundai i20N. Undaunted, Volkswagen took the opportunity to rejuvenate this 'AW/BZ'-series Polo GTI in late 2021, as a more polished, quality alternative to those two cars. Does it stack up that way?

Driving Experience

Apart from a slight increase in power (to 207PS), hardly any engineering changes were delivered as part of this update, but none were really needed. As with the pre-facelift model, power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch DSG transmission (for our market, sadly there's now no manual option) and rest to 62mph takes just 6.5s on the way to 149mph. The mechanical spec delivers switchable 'sport select' DCC adaptive suspension lowered by 15mm. Other changes over the standard Polo include different front suspension knuckles, a stiffer torsion beam at the rear, revised suspension bushings and different axle geometries and roll centres. It certainly all delivers a very focused hot hatch, though those who prefer a more playful chassis and more communicative steering might still prefer the livewire Ford. The difference with this Volkswagen though, is that like generations of Golf GTIs, it has a dual personality, able to play the school run supermini without an unwanted motorsport demeanour. But then on the return leg home, with the drive mode and the suspension both set to 'Sport', able to entertain almost as immersively as its more extrovert rivals. Even the engine switches from jekyll to hyde. It's all rather surprising.

Design and Build

The Polo GTI doesn't really go too large on extrovert styling, with much the same low-key, high quality aesthetics as its hot hatch Golf showroom stablemate. Viewed on a spec sheet, there are a lot of changes to the standard car, but the net effect in the metal is muted, discreet and classy. Drop inside and you'll find sports seats with a special GTI checked pattern, which is almost certainly the most extrovert aspect of the Polo GTI's entire attire. A key change with this updated version is the incorporation of Volkswagen's 'Digital Cockpit', a 10.25-inch digital instrument screen which replaces the standard binnacle dials. Soft touch plastics and subtle aluminium detailing are the order of the day and the cabin is a little less austere than before. Volkswagen's even let its hair down and standardised this rather extrovert 'Kings Red Glossy' trim for the dash and front door panels. The other GTI additions are more subtle. Aluminium-look pedals, black gloss instrument surrounds, red-stitched carpet mats and a red-stitched wheel all add a performance vibe. But after that, you have to drill down into the detail. There's a selectable stop watch function on the instrument screen; a Drive Mode button by the gearstick with 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' settings, plus a configurable 'Individual' menu; and on the centre screen, a 'Sport section' has been added with a 3-dial 'Performance Monitor', giving you virtual gauge read-outs for G-Forces, engine temp, KW output, oil temp and turbo pressure. In the rear, there's a small but significant increase in the room for head and legs that you'd get in either a Fiesta ST or a Hyundai i20N. Out back, you get a practical 355-litre boot, though there's not much further space beneath the floor. Fold the 60:40-split backrest and that increases to 1,125-litres.

Market and Model

The list price, just over £28,000 at the time of our test in Autumn 2022, certainly seems a bit steep for a Polo but this one is an automatic and you do get a lot of equipment included. The only two realistic rivals only come in manual form, Hyundai's i20N costing just over £25,000 as we filmed and Ford's Fiesta ST just under £27,000. This time round, Volkswagen has given the car just about everything an owner might want. That means 17-inch wheels featuring red brake callipers, a 'GTI' body styling pack and LED 'IQ.Light' matrix auto headlights, these allowing for individual settings suiting different driving conditions and environments. You also get rear tinted glass and the no-cost option of a 'black roof pack'. Plus power-folding mirrors and 'ACC' 'Adaptive Cruise Control'. Drivers stuff includes lowered sports suspension with DCC adaptive chassis control, an XDS electronic differential lock and a 'Driving profile selection' driving modes system and the 'Travel Assist' semi-autonomous drive system. What about standard cabin features? Well, there's a 10.25-inch digital instrument screen, sports seats with 'Jacara Red' cloth and a host of little GTI detail enhancements. Infotainment's taken care of by this Polo's 8.0-inch 'Discover Media Navigation' infotainment screen, which gains the brand's third-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) software structure. Plus as before, there's 'App-Connect', which delivers 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone mirroring. And you get a three year subscription to VW's 'We Connect Plus' set-up, which allows you to remotely interact with the car via your smartphone. Key options include larger 18-inch 'Faro' diamond-turned black alloy wheels, a 'beats' sound system upgrade, heated front seats, a rear view camera and the larger 9.2-inch 'Discover Pro' central infotainment screen. You might also want to look at a panoramic sunroof and keyless access.

Cost of Ownership

This being Volkswagen, you'd probably be shocked were this car not challenging amongst the class best in terms of efficiency. Sure enough, even with DSG auto transmission fitted, this GTI variant manages 41.5mpg and 155g/km of CO2. Which looks good compared to this model's manual-only rivals. The Fiesta ST manages 42.2mpg and 151g/km; and the Hyundai i20N can only manage 40.4mpg and 158g/km. That showing has a lot to do with the relatively light weight of the MQB A0 platform that underpins the sixth generation version of this car. If you want to get close to the quoted figures on a regular basis, you'll need to make use of the provided 'Eco' option in the standard 'Driving profile selection', that mode able to focus all of the car's systems on maximum frugality. Plus if you've downloaded the free 'Volkswagen Connect' app that comes with this car, you'll find it includes a 'Challenges' section that sets efficiency driving targets, encouraging you to collect points and trophies, with bonus challenges to improve your scores. Start getting a bit keen with the options and you'll see those famously resilient Volkswagen residuals crumble somewhat. There's the usual unremarkable three year / 60,000 mile warranty. Servicing will be determined by either 'Fixed' or 'Flexible' schedules, your choice of which will be determined by your likely annual mileage. Insurance is group 23E. An optional Service Plan covers the first two consecutive services.

Summary

Until this sixth generation model arrived, the Volkswagen Polo GTI was a car that had never really been let off the leash, for fear of cannibalising sales of the more profitable Golf GTI. It had never quite learned to let its hair down. You could argue that it still hasn't in this facelifted form, a car which you could buy and use quite sedately, never really knowing the fiery spirit that lurked within. Potential Fiesta ST and Hyundai i20N customers will continue to ignore it for just that reason, but we rather like its two-dimensional demeanour. If price or weird cabin electronics have put you off a Golf GTI - and we could understand that - but you still want the kind of polished, accessible classy hot hatch a Golf GTI used to be, then this, very possibly, is your car. It's the consummate all-rounder in this class. Other segment rivals will put a bigger grin on your face through a twisting country road, but a Polo GTI is a much better only car than any of them. A compromise then - or a more complete package? You might enjoy yourself more than expected in finding out.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Rain sensor

Heat insulating glass windscreen

Rear windscreen washer and wiper with interval delay

Rear electric windows

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Front and rear disc brakes with red brake calipers

ESC (Electronic stability control) + EDL (Electronic Differntial lock) and ASR (Traction control)

Hill hold control

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats, front and rear

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive chassis control

Rear shock absorpion sports version

Front wheel drive

Sports select suspension lowered by 15mm

Heavy duty rear axle

Communication

Wireless app connect

Bluetooth mobile phone interface

Preparation for We connect and We connect plus

Driver Aids

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Multifunction camera

Dynamic road sign display

Power assisted speed sensitive steering

Eco mode

Adaptive cruise control with follow-to-stop and speed limiter

Driver Convenience

Travel Assist - Lane keeping system and traffic jam assist

Driver Information

Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25" Display

Travel assist including emergency assist

Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seatbelts not fastened

Emergency call service

Trip computer

Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display and fuel gauge

Washer fluid level indicator

Driving Mirrors

Power folding adjustable/heated exterior mirrors and front passenger exterior mirror lowering function

Embellishment Trims

Chrome applications on rotary light, mirror adjustment, window regulator switches, outlet with frame in black

Engine

Start-stop system with battery regeneration (recuperation - energy recovery during braking)

Entertainment

Front and rear 6 speakers

Diversity antenna for FM reception

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Sport bumpers with air intakes with honeycomb structure

Front scuff plates in aluminium with GTI logo

Rear side wing doors

Twin chrome exhaust tailpipes

Body colour bumpers

Body colour door handles

Exterior Lights

Rear fog light

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air care climatronic air conditoning system with active combination filter and 2-zone temperature control

Interior Features

Stainless steel pedals

Front centre armrest

Headliner in recycled material

Luggage compartment cover

Handbrake lever handle in leather

GTI sports gearshift knob in aluminium leather

Chrome plated radiator grille inserts, air vent surrounds and light switch surrounds

Black roof lining

12V power socket in centre console

Standard pedal cluster

Three spoke leather wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel with shifting paddles

Luggage compartment floor

2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the center console in the rear

Door and side trim panel

Interior Lights

Front footwell illumination

Luggage compartment lighting

LED interior light with switch off delay and dimmer, 2 reading lights front and rear

Packs

IQ LED matrix headlights pack - Polo

Light and sight pack - Polo GTI

Safety

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Drivers and front passengers safety optimised head restraints

Manual child lock in rear doors

3 point height adj front seatbelts + pretensioners

Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag

Extended and predictive pedestrian/ cyclist protection

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Two tone horn

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Seats

60/40 split folding rear seat and rear seat bench not split

Front seat backrest storage pockets

Lumbar adjustment for front seats

3 rear head restraints

Single front passenger seat

Driver and front passenger seat height adjustment

Isofix child seat preparation easy-fit (for two outer rear seats, and front passenger seat) compatible with I-size

Security

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Electronic engine immobiliser

Alarm with interior protection

Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

Low rolling resistance tyres

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 156

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 149

Engine and Drive Train

Compression Ratio: 12.2:1

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Code: DNND

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

CC: 1984

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.8

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 30.7

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 30.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 9.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 9.2

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 25E

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

Service Interval Mileage: 18600

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

NCAP Safety Assist %: 70

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 94

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Badge Power: 207

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Generation Mark: 6

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Coin Description: TSI

Coin Series: GTI

Performance

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 207

Top Speed: 150

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - RPM: 4600

Engine Torque - MKG: 32.6

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.5

Engine Power - KW: 152

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - NM: 320

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 236

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 215/45 R17

Wheel Style: PARKER

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 215/45 R17

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4074

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1431

Wheelbase: 2549

Width: 1751

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1079

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 305

Max. Loading Weight: 507

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 680

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1810

Minimum Kerbweight: 1303

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Driver Information

Discover navigation pro system including streaming and internet with 9.2" colour touch screen, 3D map view and Traffic sign recognition

Embellishment Trims

Deep iron gloss decorative inserts in dash and front door panels

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special metallic paint with contrast roof

Electric panoramic sunroof with glass sliding and tilting

Special solid paint with contrast roof

Metallic paint with contrast roof

Special metallic paint

Pearlescent paint

Interior Features

Varenna leather upholstery + heated front sports seats + Front comfort sports seats

Packs

Black roof pack - Polo

Driver's assistance pack - Polo

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Smokey grey

Metallic - Reef blue

Metallic - Smokey grey with deep black pearl roof

Metallic - Reef blue with deep black pearl roof

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Special

Special solid - Pure white

Special metallic - Kings red

Special solid - Pure white with deep black pearl roof

Special metallic - Kings red with deep black pearl roof

Seats

Heated front seats

Security

Keyless locking and starting system keyless access with safelock

Trim - Cloth

Jacara cloth - Titan black

Trim - Leather

Varenna leather + heated front sports seats + Front comfort sports seats - Titan black

Wheels - Alloy

18" Faro black diamond turned alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Space and weight saving spare wheel including tool kit [PWJ]