Polo GTI - 2011 model - any good?

[thenortherner]

I'm looking at opting in to a company car scheme at work. I'm after something fairly quick, decent MPG and low company car tax. I don't need anything big and I'm not too fussed about the car having loads of toys.

Rather than opting for a diesel Scirocco, I'd rather have something with a bit more go. I don't need a big car and the Polo GTI seems to fit the criteria.

No other hot hatch seems to be available on the scheme. The only thing close is a MINI Cooper S Chili but the 'trade up' is £70 a month which I'm not too keen on. I had one of these a year ago and it was a great car, but I'm not sure I can justify this extra cost.

Anyone had any experience of them, or know how it compares to the Cooper S?

Cheers,

[CK_N4S]

Not tried the Cooper S but testdrove the GTi.

Only option is 7 speed DSG which comes with padles. The engine dosn't sound half bad, plus it's quiet when not pushed. Coming from a highpower diesel the way it shifts felt odd at first, but it does move itself briskly. Wheelspin is managable in the wet. Just know that it has the same peculiar non-start when starting from standstill that all DSG cars have. Weird they haven't fixed that yet.

Interior trim is better than other Polo models and feels special enough. I tried a model with an aftermarket nav unit so sound, speakers and controls of audio are a lost for me. Speakers sounded half good though. Seats are excellent, although for a sporting model they could benefit from more lateral support.

Thye ride is subbtle yet firm. I'm coming from a car on KW variant3 coilover, so it did not feel to bad for me in standard form on 17". Steering is light intown and remains light at speed. Felt very lively at motorway speeds. not solid at all in my hands.

I was looking for something to use also in mainland Europe for fast travel and ended up not selecting it for feeling to light at really high speeds (100 mph plus) and it being very thirsty at those same speeds.

CK

[george h]

I can't compare it to the Cooper S as I haven't driven it, however the new Polo GTI is fantastic if you can live with the DSG gearbox. There is a waiting list for them though, mine is due in September.

[thenortherner]

Quick update, I put an order in on Friday.

Opted for:

Deep black pearl finish
Convenience pack
Front passenger airbag deactivation
Heat insulated tinted glass
Multi-function steering wheel
RCD 510 stereo
Sensor pack
Winter pack
Smokers pack

Hopefully I'll get an estimated delivery day at the end of this week. I'm not expecting it being here before the end of October. Can't wait.

[PH lurker]

thenortherner said:

Quick update, I put an order in on Friday.

Opted for:

Deep black pearl finish
Convenience pack
Front passenger airbag deactivation
Heat insulated tinted glass
Multi-function steering wheel
RCD 510 stereo
Sensor pack
Winter pack
Smokers pack

Hopefully I'll get an estimated delivery day at the end of this week. I'm not expecting it being here before the end of October. Can't wait.

It sounds excellent .

[Biscuit Bus]

Let us know how you get on. I'm going to have a look at the GTi next year as a replacement for my Cooper S. Not sure I'd put up with a 6 month wait though!

[thenortherner]

Cheers.

I'll let you know if and when I get updates re. the delivery time.

Anything VAG is around 4-5 months wait at least at the moment. I've read one or two have been luckier and received their GTI earlier. Colleagues have been waiting around 8 months for a Golf.

[TonyTony]

The new Polo GTI's look cool, but the price difference for a Ibiza Cupra with the same engine and gearbox is too much!

[thenortherner]

Well, scheduled delivery date of 21.11.11.

A hell of a wait for a Polo.