When it was developing the last Polo GTI, Volkswagen decided that manual gear changing was no longer what potential buyers wanted Offering semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifts was decided as the way forward.
Apparently, it isn't now. You can have a new Polo GTI with seven-speed DSG transmission if you want, but this time you can also save money by opting for a six-speed manual ‘box instead. Volkswagen wouldn't have offered this if it didn't think it would help sales, so perhaps the appeal of "flappy paddle" gear changing to sportier drivers isn't as strong as was once believed.
This isn't the only major mechanical difference between the current car and its immediate predecessor. The 178bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine has been replaced by a 1.8-litre with a maximum output of 189bhp. Performance is slightly better, while fuel economy and CO2 emissions have improved to a greater extent.
The engine has different torque characteristics at low to medium revs depending on which transmission is fitted - stronger with the manual, slightly less so with DSG. This appears to cancel out the effect of the DSG's much faster gear changes. 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds in each case, and the top speed is also identical at 146mph.
DSG raises the official fuel economy from 47.1 to 50.4mpg. CO2 emissions are 129g/km, while the manual cars are rated at 139g/km. Those are the same figures as the older car with its less powerful engine and an apparently "greener" gearbox. That's technical progress for you.
I was always fond of the last GTI, and I'm every bit as impressed with the new one, if not even more so. The driving experience is less raw than in the Ford Fiesta ST or the Vauxhall Corsa VXR, yet less fluffy than in the Clio Renaultsport or the Peugeot 208 GTi, and that's a nice balance.
The Polo deals rather testily with sharp bumps, but that's to be expected from a car of this type. The ride is otherwise quite good, and at brisk but not ridiculous cornering speeds on public roads there's never any suggestion that either end will let go. On a race circuit I'd probably want a bit more steering feel (even in a car fitted with the optional Sport Performance pack) but for everyday use it's fine.
The engine feels a bit meatier than the old 1.4, even though there's only 12bhp in it. The harder you rev it, the better it sounds and goes, noticeably from 4,000rpm and unarguably from 5,000rpm. It's still quite strong at lower revs, though, so you can make decent progress without going anywhere near the red line.
As you would expect in a Polo, there's a real sense of quality, and the standard equipment level is satisfying, with air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB digital radio all included in the price. The optional extras include electronic climate control, curtain airbags (which you might have thought would have been included anyway), a reversing camera and satellite navigation. Leather upholstery isn't available.
Potential customers who prefer the more visceral appeal of the Fiesta ST won't be persuaded away from it by the Polo's pricing, which starts around £1,500 higher at £18,850 for the three-door manual. DSG adds £1,245 to the price, and five-door models cost £630 more.
