Volkswagen Polo 1.6i GTI

the polo gti 1.6 16v is a brilliant car with superb performance, 125bhp for a 1.6. Whereas a golf mk4 2.0 gti has only 115bhp, as the golf is only a 8v. so this is a lot quicker than the most basic golf gti of the same year and has a better fuel economy.

the car handles very well and performs brilliantly with its vvt (vairable valve timing), cabin space is very good for a car of this size and well organised in the traditional German way. Boot space is even better as the boot is very deep due to the space-saver wheel. The gti also has a EDL (electronic diff lock), this is a system that aids traction. EDL simulates a diff lock, which you can feel working when thundering round a bend experiencing under-steer. The gti counteracts this under-steer and gives an exhilarating feeling. This EDL system is in the latest gti but has just been re-labeled as the more advance XDL. this is one of vw's key selling points for the latest gti.

What this car misses is a six speed gear box which the lupo gti has, this is a big problem on a motorway when cruising at high speed, and will effect your fuel consumption. The polo gti gearboxes are prone to failure, some have been known destroy themselves after 35,000 miles. Another problem with this car are the adjusters in the headlights as they go brittle and break. These adjusters cannot be brought, so a whole new headlight is required costing £200+, however if you are not quite a perfectionist the car can still be driven easily in the dark.

If you can see beyond the high insurance group (12) and lack of reliability which could be expected in a 10 year old car, this is the car for you. It is purely a drivers car and is well ahead of its time which still looks like a modern car today.

Thanks

Matthew

a vw enthusiast

This Polo is a fantastic car, not too expensive, amazing fun to drive, feels and drives like a much bigger performance car. The cab is brilliant for a small car and doesn't give way to ugly dash for a bit more room. The dash layout is really good to look at especially at night and the seating position is very comfortable even for a very long journey. Performance wise you cannot fault it. I am coming from a much bigger car and this was a fantastic transition, plenty of speed around town and you can throw it into corners, it just loves it! Motorways are a dream as the car can easily manage those type of speeds.

The Volkswagen Polo 1.6i GTI is a cool car, and great fun to drive! I've modified mine slightly with uprated suspension (now it handles the way VW should have made it), and an air induction kit (sounds awesome adds a few bhp).

I really love this car and have loads of other mods planned. Its faster than most of the other cars in its price range, and certainly is the best built.

The whole VW scene is very friendly and the Polo Owners Club are a great resource to tap into.