VW Polo GTI 2,0 TSI DSG

Volkswagen's baby hot hatch is advancing in the digital sphere, but is it enough?

- Damian Adams and Peter Palm

Price: R489 400 0-100 km/h: 6,65 seconds Top speed: 238 km/h Power: 147 kW Torque: 320 N.m CAR Fuel index: 7,68 L/100km CO₂: 147 g/km

With the base price of sub-R500k, it offers strong daily performance but lacks character and driver engagement when pushed Damian Adams

Continues to impress but improvements are mainly cosmetic, not dynamic Peter Palm

The Polo received a mild T facelift in late 2021, with the flagship remaining the GTI. Aimed largely at advancements in technology, the use of full LED lighting is now standard fitment, and this includes a full-width horizontal strip on the lower edge of the grille. The lower air dam has also received an attractive pair of body-coloured "winglets". Perhaps more noticeable is the brakelamp tretment, where the lenses have been elongated into the hatch. This may be too close to Golf styling for some, but purists will not be duped. To further drive home the standalone image of the baby GTI is the complete lack of any Polo badging, just the VW logo with a GTI badge underneath.

We all know about the extensive option lists on many new cars. Our Polo had the large tilt-and slide sunroof, a good choice for a hint of the wind-in-the-hair joys of cabriolet life. A manually operated sunscreen is fitted. Nice and easy, and quick to open or shut, plus you can keep it closed even with the roof open. The only gripe is the screen is about 75% effective at blocking out sunlight so keep a cap in the car. Others were an upmarket Beats sound system with six speakers, Comfort Pack including keyless entry, park assist, a rear-view camera, and a safety package including front assist, pedestrian monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.