Hot Polo has Golf GTI in its sights

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Although the Golf GTI is doing a grand job of fighting off the Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS200 Cup, Opel Corsa OPC and the Peugeot 208GTI, the newly-launched Polo GTI is edging ever closer to the Golf's back bumper.

For starters it cost R96,400 less than the Golf, even though its less powerful 1.4 engine has been binned for a 1.8 litre with 141kW and 250Nm so that the Polo GTI now claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.7 seconds against the Golf's 6.58 seconds. The new Polo GTI's top speed of 236km/h is now also just 8km/h less than that claimed for the Golf.

Lacks visceral appeal

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Just like its bigger brother the Polo now also offers the choice of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission (at the local launch only the seven-speed DSG transmission was available which VW reckons will probably out-sell the manual version).

Like its bigger brother Golf, the smaller Polo GTI lacks a bit of visceral appeal although it has new bumpers, flared door silts and the prominent GTI logo on the front wings as well as the typical GTI red strips in the radiator grille.

Its new sportier guise is now emphasised by 17-inch GTI-styled alloys, neatly matched by LED daytime running lights, dark red tail-lights, roof spoiler and chrome dual exhaust tailpipes. The living quarters have also had a sporty make-over including a GTI-typical leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with red stitching, nifty heated sports seats up front and racing-style floor pedals.

Electronic wizardry

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In terms of electronic wizardry the Polo GTI boasts features such as Hill Hold Assist, electronic diff lock, a Driver Alert system, Cruise Control and automatic post-collision braking.

The sound system now features a touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, CD player, MP3 functionality and six loudspeakers. But one of the new hot Polo's most appealing features is an optional Sport Performance kit which boosts the car's performance and can be adapted for the racetrack.

There has also been a marked improvement in the Polo's handling thanks to slightly lowered suspension, Macpherson-type front axle and torsion beam for the rear wheels. Thanks to a good few tweaks and electronic stability control the new GTI clings to the tar with renewed vigour.

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The added-power of the new mini- Golf GTI makes it even more fun to drive and (dare one say it) with its better cling, extra go and more show the Polo GTI is certainly going to nibble away at the Golf GTI's iconic status.

The new Polo GTI DSG wears a price tag of R326,400 which includes a three-year/45,000km service plan and a three-year/120,000km warranty.