Volkswagen Polo GT TSI review, test drive

Is the new VW Polo 1.2 GT TSI what enthusiasts have been waiting for?

Published on Apr 25, 2013 04:31:00 PM

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Volkswagen Polo GT TSI review, test drive

Still, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Once you get past that initial tiny bit of lag (the DSG tries its best to hide this) there’s a smile-inducing grunt and the car will get to 100kph in a reasonably quick 11.34sec, which is 0.28sec quicker than the Polo 1.6 (0-100kph in 11.62 sec). Throttle response is reasonably linear and the car feels peppy thanks to peak torque being made all the way from 1500rpm to 4100rpm.

Despite that, the lack of sheer displacement can still be felt, especially when you get to around 140kph where the rate of acceleration slows down. VW’s ARAI-tested fuel efficiency figure for the car is 17.2kpl.

Now, because the car is called the GT, you might expect a sporty suspension setup, but that is not the case here. Sure, the GT TSI has its own specific setup – but ground clearance remains the same as the other Polos in the range and the spring and damper rates have clearly been tuned with comfort in mind. That’s not to say that the car is soft and wallowy and it is, in fact, quite the opposite. Push it hard through corners and the Polo GT will stick with you most of the time. There’s decent body control, the steering is direct and accurate enough (it lacks any real feedback though) and there’s good grip from the 185/60 R15 tyres (the same as on a regular Polo Highline).

This, combined with the engine’s enthusiasm makes for a car that is fun to punt down your favourite twisty road. Push it to the limit however and it will show its limitations in the form of some understeer and bobbing over undulations.