THERE was a time when, if you owned a hot hatchback, the whole neighbourhood knew. They called it hot for a reason. The streets were scorched by it.
It used to be all about making a racket for petrol enthusiasts, going at breakneck speeds, and having an incredible driving experience.
In its current form, it will soon vanish entirely. Imagine a luxurious electric hot hatch. Its unavoidable. Everyone knows that one constant in life is change.
Those who dwell in the past or dwell in the present will inevitably fail to see the future, as John F. Kennedy famously said. This perfectly encapsulates the essence of motoring.
While classics, vintages, and the current are always interesting to look at, the future is more interesting. One day we will have a fully electric version of a GTI.
Design
Driving enjoyment, rather than luxuries, was the primary focus of the original Golf GTI's design. The present model is an elegant sports automobile.
The future of GTIs is all electric. Volkswagen has just unveiled their first electric hot hatch, the ID.3 GTX, and they want to release a battery-powered GTI replacement in roughly 2026.
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The contemporary Golf GTI and its Polo GTI sister occupy this intermediate ground. With the speed and agility to tear across your favourite track or mountain pass, this vehicle is also refined enough to carry your mother-in-law shopping without drawing any unwanted attention to herself.
The Polo GTI currently occupies a distinct niche in the market, apart from previous competitors such as the Fiesta ST, Clio RS, and Peugeot 206/7/8 GTI.
If you are looking for a more conventional, "pocket rocket" kind of hot hatch, the lighter and somewhat less expensive Suzuki Swift Sport could be a better fit than the 2024 GTI, which offers a lot of performance and driving enjoyment for the money.
The Polo GTI, like the Golf, is a mature take on the performance hatchback.
Performance
A 2.0-litre EA888 turbopetrol engine developing 147 kW between 4 400 and 6 000 rpm and 320 Nm between 1 500 and 2 600 rpm makes the most recent Polo larger than a Golf 3 and as powerful as a Golf 5 GTI.
When you switch to Sport mode, the exhaust sound becomes a bit harsher and more consistently loud, while still having a nice raspiness about it.
To be clear, this is a sporty vehicle that offers sporty performance. By pressing down on the right pedal while using launch control, you may unleash a powerful rush of acceleration that will spin the front wheels at full turbo boost.
Even at high altitudes, the 6.7-second sprint to 100 km/h that Volkswagen says is certainly doable.
Many people have also paid close attention to the chassis, which features a sports suspension that is 15 mm lower than standard and an electronic differential known as an "XDS" that mimics a limited slip diff to lessen understeer, a problem with most front-driven performance versions.
I did not experience any discomfort when driving the Polo GTI, despite its noticeably stiff ride and not-so-sharp handling. One further plus is that this vehicle comes equipped with adaptive chassis control, which allows you to alter the damping.
Included in the package are IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights and a pair of 17-inch Milton Keynes Alloy wheels (18" rims are available as an optional extra).
Interior
The GTI's interior is not noticeably different from the standard Polo's, although it does come with comfortable sports seats. Although the chairs provide enough support, my one gripe was the snugness of the top seat bolsters over my shoulders.
As with the standard Polo models, the cabin is as technologically advanced as the average person would want it to be, complete with digital gauges that do not sacrifice practicality.
For example, the volume knob is still there, and the temperature settings remain on their own screen (albeit they may be a pain to use due to the introduction of slider controls with the 2022 redesign).
An eight-inch Composition Media infotainment system, ambient lighting, cruise control, dual-zone temperature control, and other standard equipment are also available.
A caution triangle and right-hand driving are both notable standard features, according to the VW website. A lot of the awesome items you desire will, unfortunately, be more expensive.
Take the Discover Media infotainment system with navigation as an example; even the most basic features, such as a wireless charging pad and voice control, need an update, which in turn increases the price.
Coming soon to Chinese automobiles, these will be standard equipment. Regrettably, Volkswagen has sealed their fate.
You could expect to pay more for features like keyless entry, park distance control, and a rearview camera. Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist are part of the "Travel Assist" suite of driver assistance technologies, which also includes a leather seat package and a Beats audio system.
My decision
No one can dispute that the Polo GTI is gradually becoming more similar to its older sibling, the Golf GTI. Every one of us adores the Golf GTI.
While the Volkswagen Polo GTI could use a bit more drama and a few more standard features that do not come standard, it is otherwise a well-rounded and fulfilling package that offers plenty of excitement and is pleasant to drive in both urban and highway environments.
Specifications
Power Max: 147 Kw
Power Max rpm: 4400-6000 r/min
Torque Max: 320 Nm
Torque Max rpm: 1500-4350 r/min
Engine Size: 2.0 l
Cylinders: 4
Charger: Turbocharger
Fuel Type: Petrol
Transmission type: Automated Dual-clutch
Gear ratios quantity: 6
Gearshift: Automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
0-100Kph: 6.7 s
Top speed: 238 Km/h
