Since the Mk5 Golf GTI Volkswagen was on a roll with their Hot Hatches. After numerous years of dreadfull, boring and slow cars (Mk4 Golf GTI, anyone?) VW has finally found their mojo back. The Polo Mk4 GTI was a quite ok car, but slower than its smaller Lupo GTI sibling, because of the same 1.6 and heftier wheight. The 1.8T Polo that succeeded it was a fair bit better, but a little soulless. especially compared to it's bigger brother. Now, finally, with this one, VW have got its act together. The 2011 Polo GTI combines some new age engineering. A little 1.4 engine is actually the smalles in capacity for any Vee Dub with a GTI badge. But that's allright. This engine has a supercharger for the low revs, providing ample torque and instant throttle response. after 4.000 revs, a turbo takes over to make sure there are some horses in the higher regions as well.
The mix of that special little engine, is mated to a 7(!) speed twin clutch automatic gearbox, making sure all the gearchanges are rapid and instant. The GTI is a mature automobile. Not as gun as you hoped it to be (it is no Clio Renault Sport, after all), but something you could live with any day. Safe, fast, well built and reasonably priced: it's all the GTI you'll ever need.
