Polo GTI 2015 Roadtest

[skipster]

Looks like a newly posted roadtest for anyone interested: http://www.gtspirit.com/2014/12/19/2015 ... ti-review/

[alexperkins]

Interesting read. I'd be quite tempted to take one for a test drive when they arrive

[skipster]

Yes indeed, I don't think we will see any until March at the earliest, there is still uncertainty though on the 'Sport' option, it does not appear to offer it on the VW configurator but the info on the website may still be subject to final confirmation.

[JohnPolo]

Got a call today from VW HQ, who tell me that on Page 12 of the price list under 'wheels and suspension' is the sports option pack. £245
Think the dealerships and the configurator are playing catch up.
Ordering mine first week back after new year

[TheFrog]

I would have ordered a GTI instead of a BGT if VW had toned down the styling a bit more. The red strip that continues into the headlights is especially nasty (and very difficult to remove), and there's far too much silly red stitching inside

[Daz Auto]

I would have ordered a GTI instead of a BGT if VW had toned down the styling a bit more. The red strip that continues into the headlights is especially nasty (and very difficult to remove), and there's far too much silly red stitching inside

You could just get a red car. Then it is all coordinated.

The cosmetics of the car don't concern me as much as the drive. I want my next car to be nippy and comfortable - as I do a lot of miles.

[skipster]

Just spotted this one: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Sea ... 15-review/

[Daz Auto]

Happy New Year everyone.

What I like about the new Polo GTI is the manual option. And I currently drive a DSG! Don't get me wrong - the DSG is brilliant once you learn (flappy paddles) how to drive it. But that review is correct - in full auto there is always a delay.

Also, I think in the real world the manual will be faster. I would love to see the torque curve for both engines. I'll bet the manual engine generates the same amount of torque over the same rev range as the other. It's just not limited in the middle - if you understand what I mean. The DSG will probably have launch control i.e. put the gearbox in Sport mode, switch ESC off, hold the foot brake and floor the accelerator at the same time. Or something like that. I only used the feature a few times at the beginning. Launch control will allow VAG to post faster 0-62 times for DSG equipped cars. In the real world - when I want to overtake, I want a manual. Though I do understand that the DSG will be slight more economical due to the ratio of that 7th gear. But people don't buy GTIs for their fuel economy!

I think I will have to contact my dealer regarding the availability of the adjustable dampers. As I cannot find the sport performance pack in the configurator? :/

[JohnPolo]

I posted a message on this thread about the sports pack a few days ago. It is available. The configurator needs to play catch up. It's listed as a £245 option on the dealer price list and VW customer services confirmed this to me in a phone call.

[TheFrog]

Auto Express confirm the sports pack and the fact the manual is better: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen ... dsg-review

Having owned 3 DSGs mated to both petrol and diesel engines, I would always stick with manual now. The actual gear change is fab, but - unless the software has improved over the last couple of years - I always found the DSG wasn't quite in the right gear at the right time.

[Tooks]

Happy New Year everyone.

What I like about the new Polo GTI is the manual option. And I currently drive a DSG! Don't get me wrong - the DSG is brilliant once you learn (flappy paddles) how to drive it. But that review is correct - in full auto there is always a delay.

Also, I think in the real world the manual will be faster. I would love to see the torque curve for both engines. I'll bet the manual engine generates the same amount of torque over the same rev range as the other. It's just not limited in the middle - if you understand what I mean. The DSG will probably have launch control i.e. put the gearbox in Sport mode, switch ESC off, hold the foot brake and floor the accelerator at the same time. Or something like that. I only used the feature a few times at the beginning. Launch control will allow VAG to post faster 0-62 times for DSG equipped cars. In the real world - when I want to overtake, I want a manual. Though I do understand that the DSG will be slight more economical due to the ratio of that 7th gear. But people don't buy GTIs for their fuel economy!

I think I will have to contact my dealer regarding the availability of the adjustable dampers. As I cannot find the sport performance pack in the configurator? :/

I think it was in that Car Magazine review posted earlier where I read that the torque curves are indeed different on the manual vs DSG cars. Apparently, the DSG max torque is lower (due to the box limitations) but wider and flatter, so starts earlier and finishes later. In the real world, I agree that the manual box will have the more responsive torque curve, but then like you I also enjoy the DSG box.

Personally, I'm not that fussed about changing to the newer one, the styling changes are subtle and I've already mapped mine and changed the suspension so I don't feel too short changed. I do like the look of the LED's although I also like my xenons.

VW have a bit of a problem with the Polo GTI I think, they will always do something to stop it eclipsing the Goof GTI in the performance stakes, hence the killing off of the proposed AWD R version. A strange decision given that the Polo is what VW go rallying in!

It's a shame, as the Polo is a logical choice for those who don't want or need the space of the Golf, or want to spend the extra money, and although you're right that fuel economy isn't a big consideration with performance cars, it's still very nice to get 38 mpg in the real world vs the 26mpg of my old S3 for instance.

These days, I'm looking for a decent all rounder with as few compromises as possible, and the Polo fits that quite nicely I think, especially since the 6R/6C version got all grown up and more Golf like than ever.

I had a nice test drive recently in both a GTI and GTD version of the Golf 7, lovely capable cars the both of them, but ouch at a price with even a few desirable options.

[Tooks]

Regarding the DSG delay mentioned, I agree it was very noticeable when I first got my car.

After a while though, it's not something I notice at all.

I like manual cars, just about all my cars have been, but there is something special about the DSG box, albeit imperfect as it is, that means I just enjoy driving it.

[TheFrog]

The Golf has got way too big and expensive, and personally I think it looks ultra boring. The Polo looks great and has a really classy interior that you just can't find anywhere else (except the A1), and VW's latest petrol engines are ahead of the game.