New VW Polo GTI 2019 Test Drive Review POV.

The new sixth generation Polo GTI – which arrived in UK Volkswagen Retailer showrooms in June 2018 – seamlessly combines sporting fun, dynamic capability and family-friendly practicality.

The most powerful Polo GTI yet built, with a power peak of 200 PS (4,400-6,000rpm) and a top torque figure of 320 Nm (1,500-4,400 rpm), is offered in the UK in two forms: Polo GTI and Polo GTI+. The latter is mechanically identical to the ‘regular’ GTI, but provides an even more generous level of equipment as standard.

The new Polo GTI, which utilises Volkswagen Group’s new MQB AO architecture, showcases a charismatic design with expressive features. The use of the MQB AO underpinnings offers the ability to create significantly more dynamic proportions with a long wheelbase, short body overhangs and a sporty ratio of its key dimensions. The new car is longer, wider, has a lower overall height but improved headroom versus its predecessor.

Indeed, the newest member of the growing Volkswagen GTI dynasty promises the breadth of capability characteristic of its famous Gran Turismo Injection nomenclature.

Available in the UK exclusively in five-door form, and with a six-speed DSG as standard (a six-speed manual gearbox will, uniquely, be offered in the UK later in 2018) the Polo GTI promises exhilarating dynamic performance blended with a usable everyday character.

The 6.7 second 0-62 mph time and top speed of 147 mph, underscore the Polo’s GTI credentials. The car sits on a lowered sports suspension (15 mm) with a Sport Select setup as standard. This offers active damping with two defined modes: Sport and Normal.

The new Polo, more broadly, sees a major increase in cabin and luggage space over its predecessor (within larger external dimensions) alongside new engines, sharper design, new ‘big car’ assistance systems, the application of a new generation of infotainment systems and the global debut of the second generation of Volkswagen’s Active Info Display.

The developments in new Polo – which to date has sold more than 14 million examples worldwide – also reflect a new level for assistance systems in the supermini segment. Technologies such as City Emergency Braking with new Pedestrian Monitoring function, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Detection significantly improve safety.

The larger new five-door Polo is bigger in every dimension but length than the Golf Mk IV – sold in the UK until 2003. The capacious new Polo offers a boot volume that has grown 25% from 280 litres to 351 litres, and a wheelbase up by 94 mm compared with the previous car.

As desirable as it is affordable, the newest member of the Polo family joins a stable of Volkswagen GTIs that now offers practical performance across three key models, with the recently launched, and hyper-popular, up! GTI sitting alongside the current Golf GTI Performance.

In the new Polo GTI the engine starter button (standard on Polo GTI+) becomes the trigger for a great driving experience, as the development team has created a style of dynamic handling that facilitates committed driving and yet integrates supreme safety and high levels of comfort.

This alliance of dynamism, safety and comfort is the secret behind the success of the GTI concept and a core characteristic of the new Polo GTI. Key features include agile steering response, low unladen weight (1,355 kg), strong power-to-weight ratio (6.78 kg/PS), sports-oriented running gear that is also good for long-distance driving, assured front-wheel drive and an ergonomically ideal seating position.

This is packaged in an expressive exterior and interior design that is topped off with classic GTI insignia such as red stripes in the radiator grille, GTI gear knob and the famous ‘Jacara’ tartan seat covers. Equipped with a connected and largely digitalised cockpit the Polo GTI is well placed to become the compact, affordable hot hatch of choice for a new generation.

For the first time on the Polo and for the new GTI, Volkswagen is offering the option of digital instruments. The Polo is the first GTI to have the latest generation Active Info Display on board. In the system, the most powerful Polo gets exclusive GTI graphics
with a red-white-black design named ‘Sport’.

Meanwhile, the infotainment unit with its 8.0-inch display features a unique GTI welcome screen. Instruments, and the infotainment system, are arranged on a single visual axis in the new Polo GTI for optimum visibility and ease of operation. Digital interfaces for smartphones make it easier to bring the phones’ apps and various online services on board, too.

The Polo is equipped with an array of assistance and safety kit. The area monitoring system Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring is standard, as is the potentially life-saving Automatic Post-Collision Braking system.

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