2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI Review
Price
RM139,960
Installment
RM1,335/mth
2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI at a glance
Fun to drive and with baby GTI looks, the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI does the badge justice. The commendable ride and refinement, Volkswagen quality and five-door practicality strengthen the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI's case further.
2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Set 15 mm lower with the sports suspension, the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI is adorned with a black, red-rimmed honeycomb grille with the GTI logo, black side sills, 16'' alloy wheels, twin pipes and a roof spoiler. The interior comes with sports seats bearing the typical GTI “Interlagos” pattern, leather sports steering wheel with the GTI logo, plus leather handbrake handle and gear knob and gaiter. The red stitching and metallic touches on the predominantly black cabin serve up a sporty feel.
Handling
The standard Volkswagen Polo was dull to drive. But with enhancements such as the lower, stiffened suspension, the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI is now fun and entertaining; the sharp turn-in, minimal body roll, and plenty of grip are indicative of that. The nicely weighted steering feels good, too. On the whole, the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI balances ride-and-handling superbly.
Comfort
Bumps and rougher surfaces making their presence felt through the firm suspension, but overall the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI rides well for a car of this type. Wind and road noise are kept out excellently, although the pleasing engine note features relatively prominently. Controls are clearly laid out and simple to use, but the clutch pedal is set too high. Drivers get seat-height and reach-and-height steering adjustments to fine-tune their driving position, while the seats are well-bolstered to provide sufficient support.
Quality + Reliability
Like Toyota, Volkswagen stands for quality, and that holds true for the Polo GTI. Build quality is predictably high in standard, and while the materials used are only decent in quality, all controls and switchgear operate tactilely. We expect the solid cabin construction and durable materials to stand the test of time, and the same can be said for the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI's underlying mechanicals, which have remained in production for some time now.
Performance
The 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI's drivetrain consists of a five-speed manual gearbox mated to an in-line four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbocharged engine producing 148 bhp at 5800 rpm and 220 Nm at 1950-4500 rpm. Below 2000 rpm, the power delivery feels mild. But approaching 3000 rpm, the turbo starts kicking in, and the strong urge lasts all the way till the top end of the rev range. The manual gearbox also deserves mention for its light, short shifts and light clutch which proves easy to modulate.
Roominess
Like the Polo, the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI is smaller and offers less cabin room compared to bigger, modern rivals. Four can be seated adequately in the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI, but many rivals offer more rear legroom. The well-shaped boot is at least decent in size, and the rear seats can split-fold for more space if required.
Running Costs
Fuel economy of 12.8 km/litre is good for the performance on tap. Servicing and repair costs should be comparable to fellow Volkswagen models'. We expect resale prices to be supported by the Volkswagen badge and the relative small number of Polo GTIs selling on the second-hand market.
Value for Money
Wearing the GTI badge means expectations are considerably higher for the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Fun to drive and with the looks to match, the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI does the badge justice, though more power would be welcome. The ride and refinement are up there with the best for a hot hatch, while the typical Volkswagen quality and the five-door practicality strengthen the Polo GTI's case further. It is no Volkswagen Golf GTI, but for the money, the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI represents sound value.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes CD/MP3/radio player with 4 speakers, “Climatic” air conditioning, powered side mirrors with side turn signal, ParkPilot, power windows, fog lights and 16'' alloy wheels. Safety equipment includes front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, Anti-locking Brake System (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR), Engine Drag Torque Control (EDTC), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP).
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 186 grams/km and fuel economy of 12.8 km/litre are good considering the performance and driving fun on offer. These figures are possible thanks to the 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI's low kerb weight and the use of a manual gearbox. However, Volkswagen Polo GTI drivers can be expected to rev hard to get the best out of the engine, which will make worse both figures.
Live Life Drive Verdict
GTI styling
Fun to drive
Well-made cabin
Clutch pedal set too high
Can do with more power
Cramped cabin
