Volkswagen Polo GTI review – performance and 0-62 time
Competitive on-paper figures and flat power and torque curves correlate to a muscular feeling on the road
VW claims the DSG-equipped Polo will rattle off the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.7sec. Yet, while it feels as fast as the numbers suggest when going all out, it never feels quite as quick as its torque figure and relatively low 1355kg kerb weight suggests.
There’s plenty of muscle at low speeds, but the delivery goes a little flat in the mid-range – it feels as if the car’s potential is being deliberately reined in so as not to tread on the toes of the Golf – although this reluctance could also be explained by the tall intermediate gears. Incidentally, both power and performance figures are nigh-on identical to the Fiesta ST, despite its lack of 500cc and a cylinder.
