Polo GTI 2.0 dsg - really that bad..?
Discussion
Hi, I’m looking at both and new ish Polo GTi and Golf, I like the idea of the new 2.0 Polo but it only comes with DSG.
Question is, can it really be as bad as some tests suggest?
Top gear site gave it 5 out of 10… general feedback is that it’s bland, unengaging and that the DSG changes up and down at the wrong time, peak torque is low so why rev it etc etc.
The general alternatives are suggested as the Fiesta ST and Hyundai, both are a bit too boy racer for me… Got an Audi A1 at the moment (1.4 tsi ) which I like but not sure I fancy the S1.
Thoughts or alternative suggestion welcome!
Thanks
.
Question is, can it really be as bad as some tests suggest?
Top gear site gave it 5 out of 10… general feedback is that it’s bland, unengaging and that the DSG changes up and down at the wrong time, peak torque is low so why rev it etc etc.
The general alternatives are suggested as the Fiesta ST and Hyundai, both are a bit too boy racer for me… Got an Audi A1 at the moment (1.4 tsi ) which I like but not sure I fancy the S1.
Thoughts or alternative suggestion welcome!
Thanks
.
I was going to get a Polo GTI DSG myself, but decided to get a Golf 1.5TSI Evo DSG instead.
There's nothing wrong with the Polo, but many people say if you want a hot hatch it isn't as much fun as others.
I went with the Golf due to greater comfort/equipment and having limited opportunities to use the extra 50hp in the Polo.
It's easy to just flick the gearlever to the left and manually shift the DSG if you want in either car (I don't have paddles on my car) but I've found it actually has pretty good gear logic as I always leave mine is Sport mode.
The TSI engines rev round to 6k easily, but I've found with mine that mainly I'll short shift at 5k as there is no need to wring it out.
Another car I considered was the Skoda Octavia VRS, basically a Golf GTI underneath with the same engines but quite a bit cheaper. They are a lot larger than a Polo/Golf though.
There's nothing wrong with the Polo, but many people say if you want a hot hatch it isn't as much fun as others.
I went with the Golf due to greater comfort/equipment and having limited opportunities to use the extra 50hp in the Polo.
It's easy to just flick the gearlever to the left and manually shift the DSG if you want in either car (I don't have paddles on my car) but I've found it actually has pretty good gear logic as I always leave mine is Sport mode.
The TSI engines rev round to 6k easily, but I've found with mine that mainly I'll short shift at 5k as there is no need to wring it out.
Another car I considered was the Skoda Octavia VRS, basically a Golf GTI underneath with the same engines but quite a bit cheaper. They are a lot larger than a Polo/Golf though.
Edited by Whataguy on Friday 21st October 15:51
Edited by Whataguy on Friday 21st October 15:53
I suspect the articles you've read are being a little unfair, a manual will always be more involving and more fun that an auto
The dsg box isnt the best in the world but it's far from the worst, I think the box can also be mapped if you are that way inclined.
I'd suggest taking one for a test drive, see what you think
The dsg box isnt the best in the world but it's far from the worst, I think the box can also be mapped if you are that way inclined.
I'd suggest taking one for a test drive, see what you think
The new polo GTi is a really good car now finally it has the brilliant 2.0 EA888 under the bonnet IMHO. It seems to not to get such good reviews due to the fact it seems more refined and easier to live with as an everyday car, but if you look at the specification has as much grunt as any opposition in its class. If you look at the performance specification of the polo GTi and cross reference with the golf GTi 245ps the 0-62 and top speed are exactly identical, I think due to the considerable weight difference. Many believe that the new polo is the old golf, even though the new polo being slightly bigger in length (20cm) than the mk1 golf with the trend of all cars growing in size generally. Also i don’t think anyone can disagree the styling and look is also almost identical.
VW also did not de-spec due to the shortage of semiconductors. Are you aware of what Ford have done in respect of de-specification to the new 2022 facelift fiesta ST, removing power fold/heated mirrors, interior door lock/unlock switch, along with much other spec compared with the previous model and then increase the price by 19% this is simply pure extortion! Many Ford ST-3 customers were not made aware only becoming reality when picking up there new model ST.
You should go test drive the polo GTi and make your own decision.
VW also did not de-spec due to the shortage of semiconductors. Are you aware of what Ford have done in respect of de-specification to the new 2022 facelift fiesta ST, removing power fold/heated mirrors, interior door lock/unlock switch, along with much other spec compared with the previous model and then increase the price by 19% this is simply pure extortion! Many Ford ST-3 customers were not made aware only becoming reality when picking up there new model ST.
You should go test drive the polo GTi and make your own decision.
chris-ixr1q said:
Hi, I’m looking at both and new ish Polo GTi and Golf, I like the idea of the new 2.0 Polo but it only comes with DSG.
Question is, can it really be as bad as some tests suggest?
Top gear site gave it 5 out of 10… general feedback is that it’s bland, unengaging and that the DSG changes up and down at the wrong time, peak torque is low so why rev it etc etc.
The general alternatives are suggested as the Fiesta ST and Hyundai, both are a bit too boy racer for me… Got an Audi A1 at the moment (1.4 tsi ) which I like but not sure I fancy the S1.
Thoughts or alternative suggestion welcome!
Thanks
The PS 208 GTI is well worth a test drive & isn't imo boy racer looking:Question is, can it really be as bad as some tests suggest?
Top gear site gave it 5 out of 10… general feedback is that it’s bland, unengaging and that the DSG changes up and down at the wrong time, peak torque is low so why rev it etc etc.
The general alternatives are suggested as the Fiesta ST and Hyundai, both are a bit too boy racer for me… Got an Audi A1 at the moment (1.4 tsi ) which I like but not sure I fancy the S1.
Thoughts or alternative suggestion welcome!
Thanks
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210120...
GTI Prestige:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210030...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210010...
If you like the idea of a DSG box then I'd say take a good look at the last of line Clio RS Trophy Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209230...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209219...
When I was looking, the best review of the Polo GTI I found was from a German site:
https://youtu.be/qk7wny6QXN0
https://youtu.be/qk7wny6QXN0
I really like the new Polo GTI and it’s far better than the reviews suggest. I rate the previous one as well.
There are more fun hot hatches but they trade every day useability to be so.
Only issue is the price of a used Golf vs the new Polo. I’d go the Golf GTI every time.
Also worth consider the Seat Leon Cupra they are great value for money.
There are more fun hot hatches but they trade every day useability to be so.
Only issue is the price of a used Golf vs the new Polo. I’d go the Golf GTI every time.
Also worth consider the Seat Leon Cupra they are great value for money.
I test drove the previous one a few years back (manual) and quite liked it. Was pretty quick too, certainly as quick as an older Golf GTI i bought instead.
General consensus is the Polo is too “sensible” to be a hot hatch of that size. It’s not as fun as a ST or i20n, and not as refined as a Golf; a middle ground which is why it’s reviewed poorly by some. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad car in its own right though. If you want a comfortable small cruiser that is quick, then the Polo is a great option.
An alternative is the Audi A1 40 TFSI which uses the same engine. Again, not inspiring to drive and more expensive than the Polo. Paying for the badge and nicer interior. They’re more under the radar of thieves too I imagine.
General consensus is the Polo is too “sensible” to be a hot hatch of that size. It’s not as fun as a ST or i20n, and not as refined as a Golf; a middle ground which is why it’s reviewed poorly by some. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad car in its own right though. If you want a comfortable small cruiser that is quick, then the Polo is a great option.
An alternative is the Audi A1 40 TFSI which uses the same engine. Again, not inspiring to drive and more expensive than the Polo. Paying for the badge and nicer interior. They’re more under the radar of thieves too I imagine.
Edited by jam_up on Friday 21st October 21:38
Thanks for feedback all.
The reason I’m looking at the polo is that the golf has grown so much over the years - I do most of my driving in towns so smaller is better. The polo is longer than both the Mk1,2 and virtually the same length as the mk3 golf! (I’ve had 3 golfs before…).
I think a test ride is in order as suggested and I’ll have another look at the 208.
Chz
The reason I’m looking at the polo is that the golf has grown so much over the years - I do most of my driving in towns so smaller is better. The polo is longer than both the Mk1,2 and virtually the same length as the mk3 golf! (I’ve had 3 golfs before…).
I think a test ride is in order as suggested and I’ll have another look at the 208.
Chz
I always try different cars before buying. Usually I draw a list of 3 cars and will test drive them at dealers. And then, i will test drive as many of the examples of the car I want until I find the "right" one.
I do not believe car magazine reviews as most manufacturers "prepare" press cars (different engine map, sound deadening...).
I cannot believe the number of people buying cars without trying them and coming to this forum to complain.
My biggest disappointment was the Alfa Guila QV. Every car magazine was raving about it. I just did not gel with it at all.
I do not believe car magazine reviews as most manufacturers "prepare" press cars (different engine map, sound deadening...).
I cannot believe the number of people buying cars without trying them and coming to this forum to complain.
My biggest disappointment was the Alfa Guila QV. Every car magazine was raving about it. I just did not gel with it at all.
I've driven the Audi A1 Competition (basically Audi's version of the Polo GTi). I was impressed by it but the car felt a bit weird, it was good off the mark but it's not an engaging drive.
If you are after driving dynamics, I'd recommend the Mini Cooper S. It feels like a more balanced package. It's not as powerful as the VW/Audi product (if memory serves me right) but it's a more engaging drive.
If you are after driving dynamics, I'd recommend the Mini Cooper S. It feels like a more balanced package. It's not as powerful as the VW/Audi product (if memory serves me right) but it's a more engaging drive.
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