2019 Volkswagen Polo GTI review: Australian launch

Jez Spinks drives the bigger new 2019 Volkswagen Polo GTI, now powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The Polo GTI is all grown up, but is it better?

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[jvb]

Not explosive? Mate, try to get into the mind of someone who doesn't drive Porsches and other sportscars for their job. Try to think like someone who drives 1 car every 4 or 5 year and who is used to normal cars like VW Golf, Polo, Clio, Megane, Focus, etc. etc.

I understand that if you drive multiple really fast cars every week or month, the Polo GTI doesn't feel insanely fast. But if you don't drive all those cars, and suddenly own a Polo GTI, believe me, it will feel VERY explosive.

[porscheguy]

So the Polo GTi is basically a Golf GTi from 10-15 years ago. 197 horsepower and just over 235 lbs ft of torque it actually has better specs than the Golf GTi had until just recently. A 2010 Golf GTi was rated at 210 horsepower but only 207 lbs ft of torque and the 2010 Golf GTi and the new Polo GTi both weigh in right around 3, 000 lbs or 1, 360 kg which you would think would give them very similar performance. Given the Polo’s smaller size it might prove to be a better performer and choice.

[tim]

This is *not* the Mk 7/7.5 Golf GTI engine detuned. That is a common misconception repeated by reviewers who haven’t done their research. This engine has a different compression ratio, internals, and smaller turbo. It is actually the same engine as both the 132TSI Tiguan and the yet-to-arrive 2.0L T-roc. People buying this thinking they are getting a detuned Golf GTI engine (which they may intend to uptune to the same spec as a Golf GTI later) are getting misled and will be sorely disappointed.

[orno]

What kind of explosive acceleration do you expect from a 200 PS, 320 nm car? Not all people have the luxury to drive a expensive sportscar like a lambo or BMW M/ Audi RS. Go get yourself a Porsche... I own this car, and its truely amazing for its weight and size.. a true pocket rocket. Depending on your driving style, the Polo GTI can be economical and very fast at the same time, thanks to the driving mode selection..

[superflea]

cue comments from all the 'real' drivers wanting a manual...yawn

[coopsnz]

Its not detuned, it has smaller turbo than a golf gti

[toobasaurus]

Good review. I find the judgement for quick launch and acceleration are out of touch. It's still a small hatch for everyday drive. Don't compare it to an M3 or similar.

[aikonaimul]

In the headlights are two lamps, the outside lamps are for low and high beam. What are the inside lamps for?

[eddiexiang]

$39999? My brand new MK 7.5 GTI cost me $39500 with first service free. :D

[sonny]

So how much would u do to tune the motor back to the golf gtir

[tonyfendall]

I always amazes me that testers criticise the gearbox for changing up too soon. All you have to do is to put the shift lever into manual and you can hold any gear until the rev limiter changes up at 7000 rpm, either using the lever or paddles. Same control as afforded by a manual gearbox.

[sonny]

So polo gti vs Hyundai i30 SR witch is best ?

[stevemuscat]

Whats the go with the 2 digital speedos next to each other on the dash? U might want to blur the evidence btw, you hit over 90 kmh on that single lane road

[blowfly]

If you want a real hot hatch, dont think this will hold a candle to the new Fiesta St

[bigozimak]

No manual gearbox but it has 3 speedos! Wtf
BTW Please tell us the prices.

[MarioSantos-bxkd]

This Gti. Costs R 425.000 full house in South

[xconankunx]

Are these VW golfs reliable??? See them everywhere nowadays. Just like a corolla..

[cyrilmatthew]

whats the real fun when cars like this are offered in automatic

[MarmiteTheDog]

Can you specify a proper gearbox or does it only have a woman's one?

[rsoul]

Enough hair product here to basically make anything adhere to anything else.