Volkswagen Polo GTI Review (2011)

The Volkswagen Polo was first introduced 34 years ago and ever since it has remained a popular model choice with the consumer. As you would expect every new Polo is fitted with the innovative and technological advances that meet the safety and reliability standards that consumers expect from Volkswagen. So it isn't much of a surprise when Volkswagen tells us that after the Golf, the Volkswagen Polo is their second best selling model.

For the new Volkswagen Polo range, four trim levels and an A/C model are available: S, Moda, SE and SEL models. Alongside the standard models are a BlueMotion 1.2 75PS model, offering 80.7mpg and 91g/km CO2 and the Volkswagen Polo GTI, as featured in this review.

The exterior of the new Volkswagen Polo, designed by Volkswagen Group's Head of Design, Walter de Silva, is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen, through the use of "Volkswagen DNA", incorporating the front flat grille and headlights that were first introduced with the Volkswagen Scirocco.

Head-on, the Volkswagen Polo GTI looks broad and low slung, with just a suggestion of a "bad-boy bonnet", hinting at what lies beneath. The rear lights also have an upward turned design and give the rear a broad and deep look.

The side profile suggests dynamism, with a long overhang at the front, and short flat overhang at the rear. The low roofline and shallow looking windows adding to the overall effect.

Exterior design features for the Volkswagen Polo GTI include a new front bumper, with honeycomb grille complete with GTI badge, side sill extensions which wrap around the lower edge of the body, a rear bumper with a small diffuser and a pair of chrome tipped exhausts. The GTI also benefits from 17 inch Monza alloy wheels and uprated brakes with red callipers.

Whilst the standard Volkswagen Polo is available with a choice of four petrol engines - a 1.2-litre engine with 60 or 70 PS outputs, a 1.4-litre 85 PS and a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS; and two diesel - a 1.2-litre three-cylinder with 75 PS, and a 1.6-litre 90 PS, the Volkswagen Polo GTI is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder 16-valve twin-charged 180 PS TSI engine with a seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox providing drive to the front wheels.

The engine and gear ratios are unique to the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the battery has been relocated from the engine bay to the boot to improve weight distribution.

A supercharger prevents lag during acceleration and provides high torque from idling speed. At higher engine speeds a turbocharger then takes over, resulting in a power output of 180 PS at 6,200 rpm, which enables the Volkswagen Polo GTI to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds continue on to a top speed of 142 mph. Maximum torque is 250 Nm (184 lbs ft) from 2,000 up to 4,500 rpm.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI's acceleration feels very quick and is extremely smooth, the seven speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with paddle shifts makes quick work of gear changes, allowing you to focus on the road ahead and the thrill from the punch of the acceleration.

Whether pulling away from stand still or during mid-range cruising, there is always plenty of power on tap, and no matter how many times you experience it, it will always excite.