VICTORIA: Volkswagen Australia has announced specifications for the updated 2015 Polo GTI, which boasts fresh styling, a newly-developed 1.8-litre TSI engine, and an array of convenience and assistance systems.
2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI driving
The newly-developed 1.8-litre TSI turbo engine produces an output of 141kW and 320Nm (DSG models limited to 250Nm), and can come equipped with a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed DSG transmission. Performance-wise, the turbo TSI engine sees the Polo GTI shoot from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
Fast forward to 2015 and there’s now plenty of choice in the sub-$30,000 hot hatch segment, most notably the Ford Fiesta ST, MkIV Renault Clio Sport and Peugeot 208 GTi.
Volkswagen has just treated the hot Polo to a pretty serious overhaul, but is it enough to topple the competition?
DESIGN
The biggest change is under the bonnet, with an upgrade to a version of the 1.8-litre petrol turbo found in several other VW Group models, which is basically a smaller version of the 2.0-litre engine from the Golf GTI.
Hot hatch purists will also love that you can finally buy a manual version, reversing the modern trend of going auto-only. You can still get a DSG auto, and both transmissions are now 0.2 seconds quicker to 100km/h (6.7 seconds claimed) thanks to an extra 9kW of power.
On the outside, the new GTI scores a few discrete visual upgrades, with new multi-spoke 17-inch alloys, redesigned head and taillights, a new front bumper, and subtle unpainted sideskirts and rear diffuser.
The interior has also been touched up, with revised materials and the 6.5 inch multimedia screen available on lesser Polo models since their update late last year.
Also like the rest of the Polo range, the GTI is still a five door-only affair (the three door was dropped in 2013).
Those aiming for maximum practicality will be disappointed by the new GTI’s boot though, with the bigger engine forcing a relocation of the battery to the cargo area. Sitting underneath the spacesaver spare wheel, this has pushed the boot floor up to cut the seat-up capacity by 74 litres to a quite tight 204. This eliminates the dual-floor height ability found in other Polos, leaving just the upper floor setting.
VALUE
The new manual model drops the Polo GTI asking price by $2050 to $27,490, which is actually $300 cheaper than the price its predecessor first carried in 2010. Like all VW autos, the DSG carries a $2500 premium to sit at $29.990.
Out of the box, it comes with important luxuries like a leather steering wheel, climate control, auto headlight and wipers and the VW GTI-characteristic tartan cloth trim.
A reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors are only available if you opt for the $1700 Driver Assistance Package, which also brings satnav and driver fatigue detection.
A $3300 Luxury Package is also available, which adds Alcantara and leatherette seat trim, heated front seats, LED headlights, and a large electric sunroof above the front occupants.
ENGINE/TRANMSSIONS
The new 1.8-litre turbocharged engine is already used in several Audi and Skoda models, but has been boosted to a healthy 141kW in Polo GTI trim. Torque delivery is a slightly more complicated affair though, with the six-speed manual version twisting 320Nm, but the seven-speed DSG dual clutch auto has been pegged at its engineering limit of 250Nm.
Either way, the new engine is a handy step up from the 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged unit used previously.
Max torque is available from just above idle across much of the rev range with each transmission, from 1240-4200rpm in the manual and 1250-5300rom in the auto.
A stop/start system and regenerative braking has helped drop fuel consumption for the auto model to 5.7L/100km, while the manual model is a match for the old GTI at 6.1L/100km. Like all Polo models, Premium 95RON unleaded is required.
DRIVING
On the road, the new Polo GTI feels a lot like the excellent previous model, except the new engine is significantly more refined.
The old twin-charged unit made all sorts of satisfying whines and puffs as the supercharger and turbocharger worked hand in hand, but the best that the new model can manage is a subtle growl when it’s really working. If you’re a fan of the Fiesta ST’s melodious induction noise, the Polo is not for you.
The manual is the same slick unit found in the Golf GTI, and the engine’s torque delivery means you’ll rarely find yourself in the wrong gear. The intuitive DSG helps mask its torque deficit, and the excellent response from each tune makes it feel like a much bigger engine than 1.8 litres.
The old model was already a cracking little handler, but a new electric steering setup makes for feel that can only be described as excellent.
A new ESP Sport mode gives you the option of lifting the stability control threshold, which allows you to enjoy the limits of grip without turning off the electronic safety net altogether.
Both front and rear ends give way gently, making it a pretty safe hot hatch to drive on the edge. The extended electronic diff lock (XDL) also does a fantastic job of balancing power between the front wheels on full-power corner exits.
It’s generally a comfortable little machine under normal circumstances, but the tight suspension and low profile 17-inch tyres still make the ride a bit jiggly on less than perfect surfaces.
SAFETY
The GTI carries a five star ANCAP rating like all MkV Polos, with dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, multi-collision braking and ISOFIX child seat mounts in the outer rear positions.