Golf GTI, Golf GTD or new Polo GTI?
Discussion
Fellow car lovers!
I'm after a new daily to replace my beloved 2015 VW Polo GTI - the 1.8 variant - and I'm a bit unsure as I've never driven any of the above cars.
I do 15-20k a year, my commute is a 40 mile round trip on the motorway and I'm just looking for any 'real-world' mpg figures or recommendations from current/previous owners as well as what the cars are like to drive.
The GTD is a bit of a wild card as the mpg figures look appealing but I'm not sure if its a 'fun' car to drive.
Any information is greatly appreciated
I'm after a new daily to replace my beloved 2015 VW Polo GTI - the 1.8 variant - and I'm a bit unsure as I've never driven any of the above cars.
I do 15-20k a year, my commute is a 40 mile round trip on the motorway and I'm just looking for any 'real-world' mpg figures or recommendations from current/previous owners as well as what the cars are like to drive.
The GTD is a bit of a wild card as the mpg figures look appealing but I'm not sure if its a 'fun' car to drive.
Any information is greatly appreciated
Edited by chrisNW on Thursday 2nd May 11:04
Edited by chrisNW on Thursday 2nd May 11:27
https://www.spritmonitor.de/en/
Here 1000s of owners track the "real world" MPG of their cars in excruciating detail. Very usefull IMHO
Having driven all 3 and "owned" 2 Golf GTI's (3rd on the way) and a GTD, I would go for a Golf GTI. Most fun, much faster than the other 2 and surprisingly frugal.
Here 1000s of owners track the "real world" MPG of their cars in excruciating detail. Very usefull IMHO
Having driven all 3 and "owned" 2 Golf GTI's (3rd on the way) and a GTD, I would go for a Golf GTI. Most fun, much faster than the other 2 and surprisingly frugal.
Thanks for your help!
I'll give it a visit.
I just wasn't sure how much better than Golf GTI was than the GTD and if it would be that big of a margin.
In terms of the Polo, I was just thinking it has the same EA888 engine that is used in the GTI and the R so I was thinking of tuning it as would be cheaper monthly than a GTI. However, its DSG is 6 speed whereas the GTI's is 7, I have no idea how much that would affect economy - I imagine it would probably be minimal.
I'll give it a visit.
I just wasn't sure how much better than Golf GTI was than the GTD and if it would be that big of a margin.
In terms of the Polo, I was just thinking it has the same EA888 engine that is used in the GTI and the R so I was thinking of tuning it as would be cheaper monthly than a GTI. However, its DSG is 6 speed whereas the GTI's is 7, I have no idea how much that would affect economy - I imagine it would probably be minimal.
I'm looking at the Mk7.5 GTI, I test drove the Mk7 GTI and my Polo felt as quick which was surprising. However, it's probably understandable given the 300kg difference, so I'm hoping the extra 15bhp and added torque will make a bit of a difference.
That's what I thought as well tbh, I was just trying to persuade myself that diesels weren't that bad and I was trying to think with my head rather than my heart! Haha
That's what I thought as well tbh, I was just trying to persuade myself that diesels weren't that bad and I was trying to think with my head rather than my heart! Haha
I have a r (estate) - but with the 7 speed dsg, on way to watford yesterday at 5pm, I got 41 mpg. That was from M3 junction 3 to Watford. Bit of stop start on motorway, trundling along at 50 mph for a bit (due to traffic), but using a bit of power to over take where possible.
I would imagine the GTI would use a bit less fuel, mainly due to weight (I do have the estate). So possibly 42/43 mpg for same route.
Tbh I try and fill up with Tesco momentum as often as possible although the car currently has tesco 95 ron, as the pump I pulled up at didn't have 99 and couldn't be bothered to wait.
Polo gti I drove at the nurburgring (Apex) - was a nice drive tbh, I would say its not far off golf mk7 / 7.5 size, although they have long waits, and it has to be the plus version. The normal gti polo looks a bit crap to me, especially as I have got use to LED lights on the golf R, I would want the LED lights on the polo gti if I did get one.
I would imagine the GTI would use a bit less fuel, mainly due to weight (I do have the estate). So possibly 42/43 mpg for same route.
Tbh I try and fill up with Tesco momentum as often as possible although the car currently has tesco 95 ron, as the pump I pulled up at didn't have 99 and couldn't be bothered to wait.
Polo gti I drove at the nurburgring (Apex) - was a nice drive tbh, I would say its not far off golf mk7 / 7.5 size, although they have long waits, and it has to be the plus version. The normal gti polo looks a bit crap to me, especially as I have got use to LED lights on the golf R, I would want the LED lights on the polo gti if I did get one.
I have a 2016 VAG 2.0 BlueMotion TDi. It's a Jetta. EA288 engine.
'Smart' motorway roadworks on cruise yesterday at 50 mph = 78 mpg. Average is usually around 58-60. DSG7 auto.
Long trips to France and back at 70mph plus, 65 mpg. Jetta v. slippery. Golf a bit more of a flying brick.
Had a MkV Golf GTD. Was easy to tune, did around 55 mpg. Very nice car for long distances.
Fly in the ointment for diesel is 10p a litre fuel price increase, danger of further 'city taxes' for DERV, higher purchase price eats into fuel economy savings. More emissions gubbins to soot up on short/cold journeys. Engine and cabin takes longer to warm up in winter.
Upsides: drive the torque, not the revs = more relaxing on long journeys. Bonkers fuel economy if driven unlike a GT. Plenty of low-down torque for carrying passengers/dogs/beer or escaping pesky bends.
Also think GTI might have better residuals due to DieselPhobia.
Haven't driven a new Polo.
'Smart' motorway roadworks on cruise yesterday at 50 mph = 78 mpg. Average is usually around 58-60. DSG7 auto.
Long trips to France and back at 70mph plus, 65 mpg. Jetta v. slippery. Golf a bit more of a flying brick.
Had a MkV Golf GTD. Was easy to tune, did around 55 mpg. Very nice car for long distances.
Fly in the ointment for diesel is 10p a litre fuel price increase, danger of further 'city taxes' for DERV, higher purchase price eats into fuel economy savings. More emissions gubbins to soot up on short/cold journeys. Engine and cabin takes longer to warm up in winter.
Upsides: drive the torque, not the revs = more relaxing on long journeys. Bonkers fuel economy if driven unlike a GT. Plenty of low-down torque for carrying passengers/dogs/beer or escaping pesky bends.
Also think GTI might have better residuals due to DieselPhobia.
Haven't driven a new Polo.
currently got a mk6 gti (manual), obviously the newer mk7 or better will give slightly better consumption. but you are looking at £60 to fill up and for that you will get circa 350-400 miles out of a tank (general mix of town/ motorway, nothing too crazy speed wise)
a proper economic run on the motorway at steady 60-70mph and this will go up to 450miles. drive it fast/ bit of a hoon/ fun A road driving and you can look at being down 300miles out of a tank.
the fuel consumption was absolutely fine for me to absorb doing circa 20k miles a year commuting.
a proper economic run on the motorway at steady 60-70mph and this will go up to 450miles. drive it fast/ bit of a hoon/ fun A road driving and you can look at being down 300miles out of a tank.
the fuel consumption was absolutely fine for me to absorb doing circa 20k miles a year commuting.
The normal gti polo looks a bit crap to me, especially as I have got use to LED lights on the golf R, I would want the LED lights on the polo gti if I did get one.
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Completely agree that it has to be the GTI+. The active info display looks really smart and LEDs are a must!
The R is a right laugh, I'm quite jealous! Once had a salesman take me round some country roads after he came back from some 'track training' where VW took them to The 'Ring so they could learn to drive the car properly and christ can the R go.
I think it's safe to say the GTD is out the question after some feedback! And now it's just a battle of the GTI's.
Only problem with the Polo GTI is that they're quite rare so it could provide some difficulties regarding a test drive. However, the exclusivity is also a positive point.
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Completely agree that it has to be the GTI+. The active info display looks really smart and LEDs are a must!
The R is a right laugh, I'm quite jealous! Once had a salesman take me round some country roads after he came back from some 'track training' where VW took them to The 'Ring so they could learn to drive the car properly and christ can the R go.
I think it's safe to say the GTD is out the question after some feedback! And now it's just a battle of the GTI's.
Only problem with the Polo GTI is that they're quite rare so it could provide some difficulties regarding a test drive. However, the exclusivity is also a positive point.
malks222 said:
currently got a mk6 gti (manual), obviously the newer mk7 or better will give slightly better consumption. but you are looking at £60 to fill up and for that you will get circa 350-400 miles out of a tank (general mix of town/ motorway, nothing too crazy speed wise)
a proper economic run on the motorway at steady 60-70mph and this will go up to 450miles. drive it fast/ bit of a hoon/ fun A road driving and you can look at being down 300miles out of a tank.
the fuel consumption was absolutely fine for me to absorb doing circa 20k miles a year commuting.
That sounds promising! a proper economic run on the motorway at steady 60-70mph and this will go up to 450miles. drive it fast/ bit of a hoon/ fun A road driving and you can look at being down 300miles out of a tank.
the fuel consumption was absolutely fine for me to absorb doing circa 20k miles a year commuting.
That's really good especially for a manual! I'm assuming the tank is around the 55 litre mark?
chrisNW said:
That sounds promising!
That's really good especially for a manual! I'm assuming the tank is around the 55 litre mark?
no, the tank is only 50l.That's really good especially for a manual! I'm assuming the tank is around the 55 litre mark?
i’d say you average 30mpg or less driving fast, 35mpg in average, 40mpg on a run.
but i prefer real world- miles per tank (£ v miles) to work it out.
i actually changed from a 3.2 v6 TT because i could only get 300-320 miles out of a tank. which was annoying as i was travelling 350-400miles a week and i was having to stop twice a week to fill up with petrol.
the golf gti has been a great all-rounder for me. plenty fast enough when you want and plenty practical enough to tick most boxes.
malks222 said:
i actually changed from a 3.2 v6 TT because i could only get 300-320 miles out of a tank. which was annoying as i was travelling 350-400miles a week and i was having to stop twice a week to fill up with petrol.
Yeah I feel your pain! My current Polo only has a 45 litre tank which would give me around a 300 mile range and although to work and back was just under 50 miles, the mpg drops considerably around town which lead to me filling up twice a week which is a bit of a shame.A bigger tank would be more than welcome even if it is only 5 litres! As you said the Golf got around 400 miles from a tank which should be bang on for my needs.
Just thought, I should've included the Leon Cupra on that list. Smart interior, more power, discrete styling (in my personal opinion I love an under the radar monster) however, they do seem to lack some of the class of the VW products.
malks222 said:
currently got a mk6 gti (manual), obviously the newer mk7 or better will give slightly better consumption. but you are looking at £60 to fill up and for that you will get circa 350-400 miles out of a tank (general mix of town/ motorway, nothing too crazy speed wise)
a proper economic run on the motorway at steady 60-70mph and this will go up to 450miles. drive it fast/ bit of a hoon/ fun A road driving and you can look at being down 300miles out of a tank.
the fuel consumption was absolutely fine for me to absorb doing circa 20k miles a year commuting.
I’m a mk6 GTI owner doing 20k p/a too (DSG however) and this is spot on. I normally average 33-34 mpg daily which involves 70% motorway and some spirited driving when given the chance. Stick to sensible speeds and you’ll see 40+ mpg - just last week I did a 140 mile trip from Heathrow to the Midlands, 70-75 and achieved 41 mpg according to the computer. a proper economic run on the motorway at steady 60-70mph and this will go up to 450miles. drive it fast/ bit of a hoon/ fun A road driving and you can look at being down 300miles out of a tank.
the fuel consumption was absolutely fine for me to absorb doing circa 20k miles a year commuting.
The mk6 has a 55L tank however, not 50L like the mk7, but the latter is more economical so you should be able to achieve 350-400 miles from a tank still. More torque compared to the mk6, and also a tall 6th/7th gear which rev around ~2000 rpm @ 70 mph (~2700 in the mk6!) makes motorway driving very economical from what is a “hot hatch”.
Not been in newest Polo but I imagine fit and finish is still a fair bit off the Golf. The latter will be much nicer to be in day to day. Subjective but always felt smaller hot hatches lend themselves better to manual boxes and agile bodies, in which case the Fiesta ST wins all day. But obviously with commuting I can see why you’re considering the Polo.
Naturally you’ll get more MPG from the GTD but at 15-20K p/a I still think the GTI is worth the a few ££’s extra on fuel a month. It’s a lot quicker when pressing on.
Had 5, 6 & 7 Golf GTI's - 5 very good but old, 6 iffy, 7 exceptional! The Mk 7 is a considerably better car than the Mk6 in all respects, sorry to say that I don't have specific MPG's, but as long as you aren't thrashing it, consumption is pretty impressive for a "hotish" hatch. I'm Currently in a lease for an S4 & really wish I had gone for another Golf (seriously)....
If you're looking for a new GTI, you may not find it that easy - there was a promotion on the PP version which appears to be sold out now & there are only a limited number of DSG & TCR (also DSG) versions available from what I can see. Enquiry with a couple of dealers suggests that ordering for the regular, manual GTI is now done & DSG's will follow shortly until the Mk8 version is launched, which will be a while away....
If you're looking for a new GTI, you may not find it that easy - there was a promotion on the PP version which appears to be sold out now & there are only a limited number of DSG & TCR (also DSG) versions available from what I can see. Enquiry with a couple of dealers suggests that ordering for the regular, manual GTI is now done & DSG's will follow shortly until the Mk8 version is launched, which will be a while away....
Golf GTI 7.5 PP every time.
I have had mine a month, and every time I drive it, it puts a smile on my face. If you still order one there were 15% discounts on Drive the Deal.
Drive to work is 30 miles, mostly M3 & M25 and I get 41 mpg straight out the box. Obviously when you have fun it goes down but so worth it. Perfect balance of practicality and performance.
Only extra I added was DCC which I think is worth it. ECO mode for M25 traffic jams, sport mode for B road fun.
I have had mine a month, and every time I drive it, it puts a smile on my face. If you still order one there were 15% discounts on Drive the Deal.
Drive to work is 30 miles, mostly M3 & M25 and I get 41 mpg straight out the box. Obviously when you have fun it goes down but so worth it. Perfect balance of practicality and performance.
Only extra I added was DCC which I think is worth it. ECO mode for M25 traffic jams, sport mode for B road fun.
My wife has the new Polo Gti and it's ok. Red dash is nice. Interior is a bit plasticky but the steering wheel and shifter are good. Not too impressed by the fake noise and lightweight bouncy feel on the road but it's nice enough to drive. Not nice enough that I have been in it many times though...I think I've driven it less than half a dozen times in the year we've had it 
I think the Polo looks great and it is nice that you don't see many around, but I would probably go for the Golf Gti if it was for me.
I think the Polo looks great and it is nice that you don't see many around, but I would probably go for the Golf Gti if it was for me.
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