2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI Manual Review – Hot Hatch In A ‘White Bread’ Wrapper
The skinny: When the new Polo GTI arrived in 2011 it lacked one vital element that purists long for - a manual transmission. With the 2015 update, not only is there a slick six-speed box, but a bigger, gruntier 1.8-litre turbo-four filling in for the previous twincharged 1.4-litre.
There’s also a bit of undercover assassin about the Polo GTI. Styling is more subdued than you might expect from a zingy little hot hatch; but don’t be fooled - Volkswagen’s pocket rocket has more than a hint of ratbag in its DNA.
We love the newer, bigger engine and the snug sports buckets. There is a lot of micro-performance car here for a sub-$30k pricetag.
Vehicle Style: Light performance hatch
Price: $27,490 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 141kW/320Nm 1.8 4cyl turbo petrol | 6spd manual
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.1 l/100km | tested: 7.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Much has been written by war historians about the Q-ships of the First and Second World Wars: heavily armed vessels with the outward appearance of merchant ships. (And there is a link there to Q Branch in Bond novels...)
So, the connection to the Volkswagen Polo GTI?
Well, to look at, you may not think much of the tame-looking white hatchback in this review, but its subtle lines hide some serious performance weaponry. Point it at a winding road, and you'll discover it's an absolute Q-ship.