Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Polo GTI review

More fast Polo than real hot hatchback, the GTI falls short again. As you were, Hyundai i20 N

Evo rating
Price
from £28,905
  • Torquey, flexible and efficient powertrain
  • No life to the chassis; tough damping brings little benefit

The Volkswagen Polo GTI has been given subtle updates to its styling and cabin tech over the past few years, but like its predecessor, this supermini-sized hot hatchback has long found itself in a predicament. Typically a more sensible interpretation of the classic supermini, it has never quite been comfortable when transformed from its more humble origins. In its latest form though, does it finally offer a competitive supermini package?

Advertisement - Article continues below

Visually, it doesn’t get off to a great start, as aside from its new lighting units and bumpers, it’s hardly as arresting a sight as the Hyundai i20 N or (now-discontinued) Ford Fiesta ST. It does have specific front and rear bumper assemblies, with trademark GTI design cues such as the honeycomb grille and red highlights, but even they struggle to lift the GTI above indistinct.

> Hyundai i20 N 2023 review - a cracking supermini hot hatch

Under the skin, the Polo GTI shares the Golf's MQB platform (albeit in a simplified form), a brawny EA888 turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine and VW’s virtual XDS front diff. And with similar power and weight figures to those of the brilliant Mk5 Golf GTI, there’s plenty of reason to hope that it shares some of that car’s brilliance, only in a smaller and more contemporary package.

Volkswagen Polo GTI: in detail

  • Performance and 0-60 time > Competitive on-paper figures and flat power and torque curves correlate to a muscular feeling on the road
  • Engine, gearbox and technical highlights > Engine is hesitant to rev; DSG gearbox can also be hesitant, and there's no manual option
  • Ride and handling > Competent but one-dimensional, lacks the enthusiasm of most, if not all hot hatch rivals
  • MPG and running costs > Drive neatly and the GTI will push 45mpg; other consumables can vary
  • Interior and tech >  Solid and functional; GTI elements brighten up the cabin, but it lacks the niceties of some rivals 
  • Design > Exterior design is sharp, but lacks the purpose of its closest rivals. Looks more like a high-spec Polo than proper GTI

Prices, specs and rivals

Since the GTI’s reintroduction last year, it’s been available as a single model that brought with it a pretty huge jump in price compared to the original. Now starting at £28,905, it costs over £7000 more than the previous model did at launch. However, price rises are not just restricted to VW, with them seemingly the norm across the whole industry. Offsetting some of the Polo’s price increase are some extra features, including standard LED headlights and sports seats, but key upgrades such as a reversing camera, an upgraded Beats stereo and 18-inch wheels are still optional. The upshot is that a £33,000-plus Polo is a reality in 2023.

Direct supermini rivals amount to Hyundai’s brilliant i20 N, with Fiesta ST now officially axed. The Hyundai’s cheaper than the Polo, at £26,530, and doesn’t scrimp on equipment either with a limited-slip diff, 18-inch wheels and tyre package and a valved exhaust. Toyota’s brilliant GR Yaris is a little more expensive than its supermini rivals, but comes with the hardware to back it up. This starts with its much more powerful three-cylinder engine, plus the clever GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. Base GR Yaris models do cost £31,170, and if you want a Circuit Pack car with its locking differentials, that’ll be £34,670. 

Hot Minis are still a thing, with the 176bhp Cooper S kicking things off at £26,490, but the more relevant 228bhp JCW will cost £32,755, and neither is as entertaining to drive as any of the aforementioned rivals, even if refinement and sophistication are notably impressive.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Polo GTI

2023 Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 priced from £31,295
Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25
News

2023 Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 25 priced from £31,295

The limited-run Polo GTI Edition 25 features a number of unique design touches inside and out, and it goes on sale later this week
31 Jul 2023
2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI pricing revealed – chunky pricing for VW's i20 N rival
2021 Volkswagen Polo GTI
News

2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI pricing revealed – chunky pricing for VW's i20 N rival

The updated 2022 Polo GTI has been priced nearly £1500 above an i20 N, and even more than a Fiesta ST
18 Nov 2021
VW Polo GTI review
Volkswagen Polo GTI – side
Reviews

VW Polo GTI review

The new Polo GTI is a better car than its predecessor, but while it’s fast, composed and agile it lacks the crucial fun factor
6 Dec 2017
Skip advert
Advertisement
Volkswagen Polo GTI R5
VW Polo GTI R5 – front quarter
News

Volkswagen Polo GTI R5

Here’s our first look at the Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 as testing continues for the junior rally car.
5 Dec 2017
2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI
2018 VW Polo GTI – Front
News

2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI

Larger body, 2.0-litre turbo engine and plenty of new tech debuts on the new 2017 Volkswagen Polo GTI
13 Nov 2017
Volkswagen Polo GTI review
VW Polo GTI
Reviews

Volkswagen Polo GTI review

Capable rather than captivating
25 Aug 2017
Volkswagen Polo GTI review - minature GTI has the power but can it deliver fun?
VW Polo GTI
Volkswagen Polo GTI hatchback

Volkswagen Polo GTI review - minature GTI has the power but can it deliver fun?

Capable rather than captivating
25 Aug 2017
Superchips Volkswagen Polo GTI review
Superchips Volkswagen Polo GTI
Reviews

Superchips Volkswagen Polo GTI review

Just £455 buys you a Superchips upgrade for your Volkswagen Polo GTI. 204bhp, 6.5sec to 60mph. Is it better to drive?
14 Mar 2012