Sooner or later, every car enthusiast dreams to be behind the wheel of a true classic car. Know that since 1976 already, Volkswagen offers you this classic driving pleasure with absolute panache and everyday reliability in the form of an icon: the Golf GTI.

Can you imagine if your father had bought one new and would have introduced you to the delights of GT driving by storming with you over the Gottardo or the Stelvio at the wheel of this car? If he would have kept and cherished it and would have passed it on to you, you could now participate with it in classic car events…

But all is not lost if your father wasn’t so wise. Volkswagen still sells the Golf GTI and also since 25 years now the Polo GTI, more compact that the Golf and maybe a bit closer to the “ur” Golf GTI. Delightful? Yes. To be lovingly kept and enjoyed for the rest of your motoring life? We would think so…

We drove it for you, and indeed, we are sold…just read further!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

This modern day Polo GTI follows the classic VW tradition when it comes to building a GTI. A bigger powerful direct injection series production VW engine is shoehorned under the hood, this time the cornerstone of the VW group 2 litre engine family, the EA888, developing not less than 207 HP and 320 Nm of torque over a wide rev range all the way from 1500 to 4500 rpm. It is coupled to a delightfully smooth and fast 7 speed DSG box. Manual gearboxes are not available, and let’s face it, Verstappen doesn’t use them either anymore.

The thoroughbred sound of the engine is an acoustic delight, something no electric motor will ever be able to offer, and who’s car loving heart doesn’t beat faster when the engine revs in staccato under lightning fast gearchanges?

The performance is nothing short of superb: 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 6,2 seconds, top speed is over 240 km/h. With this GTI, long stretches of Autobahn at cruising speeds between 160 and 200 km/h are an everyday affair, something which a EV simply cannot match without its usable range melting like snow, even if it can reach these speeds…

On your Gran Turismo trip, you can further concentrate on good restaurants, iconic hotels and stopping places with breathtaking vistas, and enjoy totally carefree mobility…no calculations, no recharge planning, no range anxiety.

The handling is top notch, certainly if you opt for the adjustable suspension. You can choose between sport, comfort and normal, with steering, gearbox and engine reactions to match. An electronic limited slip differential is standard, wisely so.

Iconic cabin

The GTI driver finds excellent seats with of course the GTI logo stitched in the upholstery, then the digital instrumentation of the Polo family, which has here large round clocks and is eminently readable and clear. The “haptic soft touch” controls on both arms of the steering wheel are gladfully replaced with true touch buttons, much to our delight. The sliding controls of heating and ventilation below the central touchscreen still need some concentration, and need more often than not a controlling eye, which can be distracting.

What one appreciates however is the excellent finish and the quality and durability of the materials. One feels clearly that this car is built to last, as a VW product befits. We also liked the red accents around the nice dashboard surfaces with a gleaming lacquered effect finish.

One finds of course the overall practicality of the Polo, with enough room for four and a boot space of  302 liters, up to almost 1100 liters when you put the rear seat backrests down. Infotainment and driving aids are top notch, and you instantly feel at home in this Polo, with everything lying “just right” within reach in your hands.

An allround Gran Turismo…

Last but not least there is the question of the true character of this beautifully performing Polo.

This GTI certainly has lots of zest and panache, but in everyday use can be utterly docile and civilised when you are not in a sporting mood. This, in our opinion, is the (very) strong point of this Polo GTI. It is totally versatile, and indeed will please all family members in their daily life(s.) So there is absolutely no reason why this GTI shouldn’t be the evergreen family favorite, and be delightful for shopping as well as for a fast trip or even circuit track day. 

The fuel consumption is of course totally dependent on how you use the available power. It is very well possible to achieve close to 6 liters/100 km on the open road, with below 9 liters/100 km in town.

Conclusion

If you want a classic GT high performance car with all the build quality and practicality of the Polo, then this car is for you. It handles beautifully, will take you comfortably on long, fast trips and voyages and excels with superb performance.

It is not a dramatic hot hatch, but the beautiful sound of its powerful four cylinder will put a smile on your face every meter you drive it… so buy and keep this one, as it is a limited edition of 2500 units, and if you have a heart for classic motoring, maintain it lovingly and cherish it, only to pass it on to the next generation…for another delightful 25 years!

Hans Knol ten Bensel