Insurance Group: 30
MPG: 47.9
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 6.9 secs
BHP: 178 BHP
Range: 474 miles
PROS: Very good balance between performance and comfort. Great build quality and very reliable.
CONS: Expensive in comparison to the rest of the Volkswagen Polo range.
The Polo GTI is very impressive behind wheel. Its 1.4 TSI petrol engine is both supercharged and turbocharged, producing a more-than-competent 178bhp. This gives the car a top speed of 142mph and it can get from 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds.
Although it isn't as naturally capable as the Ford Fiesta, the Polo easily holds its own in the corners. Body-roll is non-existent and although the sports suspension is stiffer than other Polos, the GTI soaks up bumps in the road. Its ability to transfer seamlessly from B-roads to motorway driving is the feather in the Polo's cap. The engine is also quiet in the higher gears.
The Polo GTI has aggressive styling, similar to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Its sporty look doesn't mean it is impractical though, and the Polo comes with plenty of great features.
An alarm, alloy wheels, electric windows, electric mirrors, MP3 connectivity, air conditioning, ABS, Hydraulic Brake Assist and of course, it's impressive DSG gearbox, all come as standard on the Polo.
Climate control and a satellite navigation system are among the optional extras, costing £365 and £840, respectively.
The car has 5 seats, with ample room for an average-sized adult in either the back or the front. The 5-door version also makes getting in and out of the car a lot easier. The boot is a good size at 280 litres (925 litres with the seats down) and easily accessible.
As you would expect from Volkswagen, the build quality of the Polo GTI is of a very high standard. It is a very reliable car with a good engine and scored five stars in the Euro NCAP ratings. The warranty on the Polo is 3 years/60,000 miles.
It comes with an electronic engine immobiliser, as well as an alarm with interior protection.
The Volkswagen Polo 1.4 GTI is slightly expensive compared to it's Ford, Seat and Skoda competitors, at £19,415, but it is a very good car and is more desirable than all of its competitors.
The car is in insurance group 30, higher than the SEAT Cupra, but lower than the Renault Clio RenaultSport. As well as this, road tax is relatively low, with the Polo in tax band E.
The Polo returns an impressive 47.9 mpg, meaning trips to the petrol station may not be as frequent as you would expect from such a high-performance supermini.
The Polo GTi should also hold onto its value well.
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