HEAD-TURNER, is what it is.
The Gqeberha assembled WV Polo GTI is a superior to that hatchback ushered in a whole new segment.
Had the privilege to play, ‘disassemble’ and speed off within limits- Andile please don’t have palpitations- and that’s why its aptly coined ‘koloi ya bakgatla’ in my home language SeTswana- a car that impresses on the road.
Thing is- Polo GTI is faster and more powerful, thanks to its running gear found in this latest Polo, as it employ the same EA888 2-litre turbocharged four banger and a DSG transmission.
Engine is front-mounted and turbocharged at 1 984 cc, inline-four.
The Polo is packed with 180 kW and 370 N.m which includes a more aggressive tune that harnesses the same powertrain.
It comes with Comfort Park Package that gives you keyless operation, Park Distance Control and a reverse camera.
Loved the strategically placed GTI decals, 17-inch Milton Keynes Alloys, lower suspension and IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights, and the ‘glowing’ sun-roof.
The torque band is linear and continuous, achieving its maximum rating at only 1,450 rpm, closer to the top end above 5,000 rpm.
As I took a drive off to Mahikeng to spend time with my Son, one could not help but enjoy the revving that resulted in the infamous but small-anyana vrrrpha as onlookers and yes, opposite sex staring in envy for reasons best known to them.
In Sport Mode with launch control activated there’s a fair amount of wheel spin before lunging forward with a pleasant exhaust growl and picking up speed quickly.
It felt considerably more gratifying but had to contend with potholes and off-roads.
This front-wheeled drive is planted or rooted on the road when cornering while the suspension is firm at high speeds, providing a visceral and engaging experience in both situations, clogging 0-100 km/h 6,5 seconds with top speed at 240km/h.
Considering this is only a small evolution/facelift of the previous sixth-generation model, a relatively familiar experience can be expected.
The interior gets leather sports seats with good lumbar support that literally ‘hugs’ you tightly when you go through the twists or unindent bends, a digital display in red, it’s a GTI afterall, an eight-inch infotainment screen that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and a six-speaker Beats sound system.
Top image SLM (All blue. The specced Polo GTI growls along the Mahikeng route, as the blue sky sets in).
The volume can still be set with a knob and the climate control, although separate from the main screen, can be a bit of a mission to manoeuvre with the slider controls, when hitting the throttle down.
The newcomer finished in Blue paintwork, proved reliable, safe and content on the road, though, especially on straight stretches and on hairpin bends, employing 1,4 and 1,8-litre petrol, thanks to its 6-speed DSG,as a result its fuel consumption claimed 6,1 l/100km (combined).
Interior surrounds includes hard plastics and the most premium fit and finish, budget permitting. All features are modern interior aesthetic.
Ardent Polo aficionados will opt for a well specced diminutive GTI, there I said it, so would I…
Retails for R559 200
It comes with a three-year or 45,000km service plan.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
