The 2022 VW Polo GTI is a wonderful all-rounder for these searching for a sporty hatchback
by Brad Anderson
9 hours in the past
by Brad Anderson
Australian costs for VW’s in style scorching hatch fashions have skyrocketed lately, a lot in order that the Mk 8 Golf R is AU$11,000 ($7,363) greater than the previous-generation mannequin. The once-AU$31,990 ($21,414) Polo GTI has additionally jumped in value from 2018 to AU$38,750 ($25,939) for the 2022 mannequin. Is it definitely worth the cash?
To seek out out, we just lately jumped behind the wheel of a 2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI, testing it out for per week. We walked away impressed however weren’t totally gained over by its efficiency or its hefty price ticket.
A contemporary face with the identical powertrain
The newest Polo GTI was first unveiled in Europe in mid-2021 however solely just lately landed in Australia. It’s not considerably completely different than the mannequin it replaces and as such, continues to be powered by the identical EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is sweet for 147 kW (197 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque and is coupled to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the entrance wheels. Apparently, the Polo GTI has 152 kW (204 hp) in abroad markets whereas additionally rocking a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘field.
These figures carefully match the Polo GTI’s two primary rivals; the Hyundai i20 N and the Ford Fiesta ST. The Korean hatch musters up 150 kW (201 hp) and 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) from its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder whereas the Ford’s 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is sweet for 147 kW (197 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque.
Nevertheless, the VW doesn’t have a limited-slip differential just like the i20 N and Fiesta ST, as an alternative counting on VW’s prolonged digital differential lock (XDL) that acts as a brake-based torque vectoring system. It’s not all dangerous information, nevertheless, because the Polo GTI is provided with electronically-adjustable suspension, one thing not discovered on the i20 N or Fiesta ST.
Loads of security options come normal on the German hatch. These embrace VW’s IQ.DRIVE Journey Help system that actively helps the driving force by utilizing Adaptive Cruise Management and Lane Help applied sciences to speed up, brake, and preserve the Polo GTI’s place inside its lane. Different good options embrace Entrance Help with Pedestrian and Bike owner Monitoring and an Optical Parking System that gives a visible indication of any impediment within the automobile’s path when parking.
A well-known really feel to the inside
The cabin of the 2022 Polo GTI is basically the identical because the pre-facelift mannequin however has been tweaked and made to really feel a contact extra trendy. Certainly, the spotlight of the cabin is the ten.25-inch digital gauge cluster which galvanized us once we reviewed the entry-level Polo Fashion 85TSI in early 2020.
This cluster is highly-configurable and will be tweaked to indicate conventional round dials or a extra trendy structure with satellite tv for pc navigation within the heart and digital readouts of different necessary car and site visitors data. A pronounced central infotainment display screen can also be normal however these eager to improve to the 9.2-inch show that our check automobile had must cough up AU$1,500 ($999) for the Sound & Tech Package deal.
Elsewhere, VW has fitted a brand new management unit for the HVAC system. Very like the system out of the brand new Golf, this technique ditches bodily buttons and knobs for the fan velocity and temperature management and as an alternative makes use of small contact panels you could both press or slide your finger alongside to vary the settings. When first utilizing these controls, we weren’t impressed, questioning simply why VW developed them provided that they aren’t any higher than conventional buttons. Nevertheless, we quickly bought used to them and located them easy to function.
Learn: 2023 VW Polo Facelift For South America Is Barely Completely different From The European Mannequin
What we didn’t like as a lot had been the steering wheel controls. VW has put in the facelifted Polo GTI with an all-new steering wheel that has a sportier design than the previous wheel and in addition makes use of touch-sensitive buttons. These are a ache to function, forcing you to slip your finger and thumbs to vary issues just like the media quantity and music. We wouldn’t go so far as to explain it as a silly choice to develop such controls, nevertheless it’s not far off.
A bundle of enjoyable… more often than not
As quickly as you begin to drive the 2022 Polo GTI, the similarities between it and its larger brother, the Golf GTI, change into obvious. Certainly, it feels similar to the Golf GTI however with much less energy and in a extra compact dimension.
The two.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder presents extra punch than we had been anticipating based mostly on the ability and torque figures. The engine presents wonderful pull from a standstill and stays sturdy as you pull by means of the gears and the speeds begin to improve at a formidable charge.
Whereas there’s a little little bit of turbo lag beneath 2,000 rpm, it may be simply prevented by letting the engine rev. The dearth of a limited-slip differential can restrict traction off the road, nevertheless, notably in damp and moist circumstances.
A key level of distinction between the Polo GTI and the Hyundai i20 N and Ford Fiesta ST is that it’s bought completely with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission whereas its rivals have six-speed guide bins. Sure, this does detract from the driving expertise however the VW’s DSG is superb, a lot in order that we not often used the paddle shifters, as an alternative preferring to let the transmission work out which gear was finest at any given time. Shifts are sharp and snappy while you’re shifting and the exhaust has a pleasant little bark when shifting between ratios.
What’s not so good in regards to the DSG is the jerkiness we skilled when shifting into 1st gear and slowing for crimson lights. It will also be a bit hesitant when pulling away slowly, very like different DSG-equipped VWs.
Gentle on its ft
A handful of various driving modes can be found, permitting you to configure the Polo GTI in no matter manner most accurately fits you. We left it in Sport mode more often than not however discovered it was extra comfy to drive round city with the suspension in its Regular setting, versus Sport. VW’s inclusion of adjustable dampers is most welcome, notably provided that each the i20 N and Fiesta ST have mounted suspension programs that can’t be adjusted. These dampers go some method to clarify the worth premium of the VW.
Pint-sized scorching hatches like this have all the time thrived within the corners and the Polo GTI isn’t any completely different. The Continental ContiSportContact 5 tires measuring 215/40 R18 in any respect 4 corners present tenacious ranges of grip and reply excellently on turn-in. The automobile feels simply as mild because the 1,305 kg (2,877 lbs) dry weight would lead you to imagine and instantly instill confidence within the driver.
Nevertheless, the Polo GTI doesn’t present the identical stage of outright grip because the i20 N neither is it as enjoyable or playful because the Fiesta ST. That is due largely to the disappointing lack of an LSD and in addition forces you to be way more mild on the throttle in the midst of a nook and thru the exit. There’s definitely no planting your foot to the ground by means of a pointy flip fairly like you may within the Hyundai. This can be a disgrace nevertheless it’s to not be anticipated of a contemporary scorching hatch from VW.
The brakes additionally go away rather a lot to be desired, not as a result of they don’t provide loads of stopping energy (they do), however merely due to how grabby they’re at even the slightest contact of the pedal.
VW claims it returns 6.5l/100 km (36 U.S. mpg) over the mixed cycle however we averaged 8.2 l/100 km (28 mpg) throughout our time with the automobile.
A well-rounder, as you’d anticipate from VW
For the overwhelming majority of hatchback house owners who’re searching for one thing that’s well-equipped, enjoyable to drive, and makes their on a regular basis commute a bit extra fulfilling, the 2022 VW Polo GTI is a wonderful selection. Nevertheless, for potential patrons searching for an reasonably priced scorching hatch that they will hoon alongside a winding mountain highway or a racetrack, the Hyundai i20 N and Ford Fiesta ST are higher choices.
