Volkswagen Polo GTi Driving Experience - Sports Cars

This is a crowded segment of small sports compact vans. So to speak small, because now noisy party, Cleo, 208 e race they reached considerable size and cavalry. They are all very good, but at the same time they differ from each other in character and attitude.

Volkswagen, for example, has always had a knack for building sports cars suitable for everyday life, but it can be fun when needed.

Tagged 22.350 euros, la Volkswagen Polo GTI has a competitive price. It has a rough, but not tamarro-like appearance, has the most sophisticated interior in its category and is distinguished by excellent quality finishes. Under the hood, not a 1.4 with a supercharger and a turbine, but 1.8 turbo combined with a six-speed manual transmission.

Resumes have risen to the top 192, while the torque, thanks to the greater strength of the manual transmission, increased to 320 Nmwhich is a whopping 70 Nm more than the DSG version. House announces one 0-100 km / h in 6,7 seconds, top speed 236 km / hbut we care how you drive.

EVERYWHERE

The driving position is correct: upright steering wheel, slightly raised seat, well-placed pedals and light clutch: nothing to complain about the tactility of the controls. The steering is smooth and fairly precise, but too light, as are the not-quite-short-travel shift clutches. So far, I seem to be driving on quite normal Polo 1.2 gasoline. Pressing the Sport button improves things: the steering is tighter, the engine is more toned and ready for throttle response, and the dampers are stiffer.

1.8 turbo Volkswagen Polo GTI there is a pair for sale. It is round, smooth and, above all, strongly presses, even if you are in fifth gear at a speed of 50 km / h. In fact, compared to competitors, here is 200 cc more and a few Nm, but not only that, a small low-inertia the turbine almost completely eliminates turbo lag, providing immediate response. If you've tried the Leon Cupra, you know what I'm talking about. Here the GTI pushes like a little Leon. What's missing, though, is a bit of a nasty attitude towards the red zone of the tachometer, but as we'll see, it's all part of a balanced GTI-style recipe.

La road it curls up and becomes demanding, so I decide to take Polo by the scruff of the scruff to see how long it can hold on. The first corners show a neutral and balanced demeanor: it enters corners quickly and there is no understeer, but the rear is too stable and has little interaction in the tightest corners. This makes her very confident and instills confidence when she gets strong, but at the same time reduces her agility a little. Even on the steering wheel, I don't get very clear information, and to understand the grip limit, you have to rely solely on your hips. Bite Continental Contact3 215/40 Fortunately, this is excellent, at least on land, and as the limit is exceeded the loss of traction progresses. IN Speed it is precise and pleasant on grafts, and its softness is as pleasant in movement as in movement with a knife between teeth.

But the real highlight is engine... In third and fourth gear, the torque is so great that no other gears are needed on 80% of the roads; The problem is, without a limited-slip differential (not even an electronic one), the Polo is in a bit of a crisis. When exiting tight corners in a second, the inner wheel tends to be enveloped in a cloud of smoke, and on more pronounced passages, the nose tends to start at a tangent also at the third.

IN SYNTHESIS

La Volkswagen Polo GTI In everyday driving, it is undoubtedly the best among the rivals. It can be comfortable, quiet and relaxing, but also fast and fun when needed. The engine has reserve power, and the straight-line Polo is surprisingly fast. However, the slightly filtered steering and chassis information and over-exposure at the rear don't make it the most adrenaline-fueled of its rivals. It should be noted that the manual transmission version is, however, more attractive than the DSG version. The dual-clutch transmission will also be quicker in sporty driving and more comfortable on the move, but will undoubtedly also take a lot of fun out of you.

I speak, Polo GTI he seems balanced from every point of view, and every gram of his recipe is perfectly weighted. The interior is of the highest quality, the engine has a power reserve, and in mixed it knows its business. It may not be the best option for a track day, but it is undoubtedly the most versatile of the competition.