Volkswagen Polo GTi GTI+ 2.0 TSI 200PS DSG auto 5d Owner Review

VW Polo GTi Design and Styling 3/5 The Polo GTi looks sharp and slick from the front, especially due to the wide LED headlights and a red line going across it, but is bland from the back. The 18 inch wheels look great, and makes the Polo GTi look like a beast from the sides also. Overall, the car looks mature and up to date, and due do its striking similarity to it big brother, people are often confused it being the more expensive Golf GTi. Interior and Quality 2/5 There are lots of plastics everywhere, and the car seems to suffer from lots of creeks, rattles and squeaks from inside and outside, especially when braking in reverse (VW still yet to resolve!) The Polo GTi really makes up for it's interior with its fantastic Infotainment system and digital cockpit, and gorgeous looking tartan seats. Room at the back and boot space isn't great but OK. Engine and Performance 2/5 The Polo GTi is not as quick from standstill as I hoped due to its unusually heavy weight, but has plenty of power from mid driving speeds. The gear changes are usually very smooth and unnoticeable but do have quite a delay on normal drive, possibly to save fuel. The car sometimes uses more fuel, and restarting the ignition usually resolves it (hope to bring this up again on next service). The engine is laid out nicely at the front, except, the battery is placed at the back which takes up boot space. Ride and handling 2/5 The suspension is very stiff so you will feel even the smallest bumps on the road. However, the Polo GTi feels grown up, it is stable and secure to the ground due to its weight and wideness. The handling is precise but not as sporty as the Fiesta. The car can handle sharp turns easily but there is excessive G force feeling. The steering wheel has great feedback and quality to it though. MPG and running costs 2/5 Expect to get good decent 45 mpg on motorway, but in town, the Polo GTi is thirsty and will drink petrol very quickly, you'll be lucky to get more than 20 mpg. Overall, the car will give you around 32 mpg with a 50/50 split between urban and rural, and driving normal, which is OK in my opinion for this type of car. The car is pricey to buy, but you are essentially paying for the famous GTi brand. Expect insurance premium to be around £600 fully comp for someone with maximum no claims and no motoring convictions/claims, which is reasonable. Road tax is in the lower band, just, currently £155 a year. Overall rating 2/5 Top 3 pros: 1. Front looks sharp and stylish 2. Dashboard looks modern and nicely laid out 3. Infotainment system and digital cockpit is smooth and clear Top 3 cons: 1. Lots of plastics inside 2. Lots of creeks and squeaks from I side and out, especially braking when driving reverse 3. Expensive to buy