Volkswagen Polo GTI - do you really need a Golf GTI? | carwow

This is the new Volkswagen Polo GTI. For years the Polo GTI has been stuck in the shadow of its older, more powerful Golf GTI brother - but is 2018 the year the Polo can start to hold its own? Join Mat as he takes a closer look at this new Volkswagen mini hot hatch to find out how it stacks up against the competition.
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[@MegaGecas]

Reviewing blue Polo while wearing blue polo T-shirt. Coinsidence? I do think so.

[@ErosMorelli]

😂😂😂

[@shad0w275]

Vytautas Gečas* Coincidence* i think so

[@pruviu3577]

And the polo logo looks red on the t-shirt 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@msm9647]

Hotel? Trivago

[@houch250]

and the polo logo on the t shirt i red like the gti trim

[@gureno19]

Need to make a POLO R. Would be insane to have an AWD mini hot hatch

[@mattyoz0]

Like an Audi s1??

[@gureno19]

@@mattyoz0 yep exactly. I imagine like the MQB platform for the Golf/A3 that the polo/A1 share the same platform...so just put the haldex system in and pump up the power to around 250hp and slap a R badge on it. Heard rumours of a RS1 coming in the next gen as well.

[@pb7870]

They’ve announced they can’t do it because the Polo and also the T Roc are too small to fit the all wheel drive system inside

[@gravemind6536]

Yeah but that would end up in Golf GTI territory and VW can't have that.

[@Digi20]

if you cram all the tech inside than the wheight rises - there is not much of a difference between a polo and a golf anymore, so it would not be that insane power-wise to have a mini awd hot hatch.

[@michaelhetherington5516]

Why would you want the map displayed in both screens at the same time anyway?

[@carwow]

But... Why wouldn't you?!

[@TheGoldgoat]

😂😂😂

[@michaelhetherington5516]

@@carwow because I'd be too busy looking where I was going.

[@jean-michelnicolas9999]

For the passenger.

[@ad.6472]

carwow Do you have double screen at home :-)?

[@americasace]

So I've viewed thousands of car review vids here on youtube and elsewhere, and I have to say that I really like these reviews much more than most. It's like these reviews were custom made for me since it addresses everything I am most concerned about in a car and in a sometimes comedic fashion while still being very serious and upfront and not holding back when there is something that really bothers the reviewer about any car. Another thumbs up from a long time subscriber.

[@andyfairchild2383]

Pretty much agree with all of that. I’ve had one for two weeks now and it’s a great little car. Swapped from the previous model and you notice the improvements. Nothing hugely different but as is the VW way, lots of small upgrades - apart from the torque, that’s way better! I do wish they’d do a 3 door though.

[@adik8131]

It's a Golf and Polo in one. So it's a Golo!

[@owenlee9474]

Right...

[@Inf3Rno]

Adi K Polf

[@adik8131]

@@Inf3Rno 😁

[@adik8131]

@@Inf3Rno reverse Flop

[@realchestro2986]

Golo is arse in my language lol you'll be getting a lot of that with the...GOLO

[@andrekleyn727]

The 5 door configuration is very practical. People don't like to be "squeezed" in the back of a coupe. I will definitely buy this Polo because it's cheaper than the Golf, yet very enjoyable.

[@disclaimer6872]

Did you get it?

[@pugtato01]

YES, A PROPER HANDBRAKE!!!

[@gravemind6536]

But no manual gearbox.

[@Vibevej5]

PugLordTR ;

[@draskogagula2073]

@@gravemind6536 I lke manual gearbox

[@iqbaltahir2102]

Even carwow is trying to get it's videos over 10 minutes 😂😂

[@MegaMetinMetin]

Some Guy car sales must have dropped

[@jenningso]

Full screen, full length, full HD, let's go!!

[@iqbaltahir2102]

@@MegaMetinMetin lol

[@Sedonapass]

whats the point?

[@iqbaltahir2102]

@@Sedonapass they can get more ads if they get their videos over 10 minutes

[@joshbacon8241]

My guess is that they detuned the engine from the Golf GTI’s application because they didn’t want the Polo GTI to be quicker than the Golf GTI...

[@BariarnilforG]

Bro, its the same freaking EA888 they use from S3/R to Skoda Kodiaq. Just different tunes. Its tuned up to a class standards

[@Schuler789]

I'd definitely tune it to at least Golf GTI power

[@fabers92]

That is the plus side, for less than a thousand pounds you'll be able to tune it up to around 300bhp with supporting mods.

[@britishentertainment7610]

Its not the same engine. Yes it is the same engine block but turbine and injectors are smaller in polo gti than in s3/golf r.

[@b.henriques9871]

Josh Bacon ur right, if the polo was as fast as the golf gti people would obviously buy the polo since it's cheaper. You can easily remap the polo gti to have more power then the golf. So buy it remap it and it's done.

[@Pandauno]

5 years ago I watched this video and it made me instantly want one. 5 years later I still don’t regret it. Fantastic car

[@hsvr]

3:06 that shot was orchestrated perfectly without hitting the camera man

[@steveburroughs7343]

I have had my Polo GTi+ for a year now. Previous car was a 7.5 Golf GTi and my other car is a T Roc R. I do love the Polo, but you can certainly feel that they have dialled it down. It’s like they went, oh crap this is as good as a Golf GTi, we can’t have that.

[@FehadBilgramiChannel1]

I've got a 2012 version for 5 years and it puts a smile on my face... Everytime

[@franjohorovskij3510]

Really is it dast fast car or, and does it motor reailalbe

[@rolexflex]

@@franjohorovskij3510 1.4 engine burns too much oil

[@franjohorovskij3510]

@@rolexflex that is common for gti if he is old

[@dennislo1986]

I love it when you have these interactive questions... Please do more of them

[@RoyalFizzbin]

Is it just me, or has the size difference between the Golf and Polo gotten smaller? This car looks 90% of the size of the Golf.

[@cupra_1p172]

Its the same size as the older Golfs

[@gravemind6536]

Its about the size of a MK4 Golf.

[@siguru1066]

I think the UP! is bigger than a Golf 1..

[@gravemind6536]

Its certainly heavier.

[@alexmolete]

Indeed it is. Also, the Golf Mk8 will be as big as the latest Honda Civic.

[@NonstopDriving]

Was lucky enough to get my hands on the car as well, to test drive and review it. Absolutely amazing what Vw has made for such a cheap price!

[@JTheAndroidFreak]

Fantastic review Mat and definitely more of an all rounder then hot hatch specialist. When I met you in Leicester you had pretty much the same views about the Polo GTi. It would be nice to have a comparison between the latest Fiesta ST and the Polo GTi to have better understanding. Cheers Mat and team carwow 👍😉

[@Letsgettosubscribersnovideos]

that olympic air b747 at the back

[@davidbillberg2203]

Yeah, must be this one? www.planespotters.net/airframe/Boeing/747/SX-OAD-Olympic-Airways/ZEqMIgNG

[@roadsforlife6172]

At 2:08 someone been listening panjab radio😂😂

[@MrWellred81]

why does he seem so surprised by the tartan seats? haven't GTI's always had them?

[@oliverpearson1577]

0-60 in 6.4 seconds is a very respectable clip.

[@faulky4038]

Ordered as a new demo for January, very excited to see how it drives day to day!

[@qurthis]

Love how your polo is fitting the Polo :)

[@ravington666]

Sport select suspension is not optional but standard in the UK.

[@dickiedocker]

Love to see it tested against the Mark 5 Golf GTI

[@gravemind6536]

It would beat a Mark 5 golf GTI hands down.

[@sherwincroats7204]

Gravemind maybe in your dreams

[@gravemind6536]

It is quoted as doing 0-60 0.5 seconds quicker and has a higher top speed by 1mph. The MK5 golf GTI won't beat it.

[@sherwincroats7204]

Gravemind actually race the two cars straight up and get the results don’t come with quotes

[@slooriginal1727]

@@sherwincroats7204 it will beat it

[@sebastianb5036]

Great car. Own mine now for almost 11 month. Made 21 000 km most of it just for the sake of driving. This month it will get some golden 18 inch OZ Rims and a black top and maybe black mirror caps. Some month in the future I consider upgrading to a KW Suspension to get it 3-4 cm lower

[@4039byrne]

Got the love seeing the dial go from 71mph to 102mph when he gets some air

[@060steve]

I would always choose a polo over a golf (unless we’re talking old models) Much prefer the size and the polo styling is just sexy af these days

[@maxcartercars6360]

Bought one, sold it, regretted... getting another next week.. can’t wait ! super car... even more fun than Maserati Ghibli I had before.. great value also didn’t loose any £ on the first one

[@BKBHD]

The review I have been waiting for! Insane Mat

[@InfinitePotential007]

Was waiting for Mat to do the handbrake turn like he did on the 2018 polo review 😉

[@DimitarStanev]

This isn't a Polo anymore. It should've been the new Golf. I guess even journalists like carwow are to blame for that this car is bigger than an mk4 Golf. Wanting bigger boot and more interior space for every next generation. ffs if you want more space buy a bigger vehicle, it's supposed to be a convenient city car, not a bus.

[@Mikez98]

A little exaggerated there bro

[@jpb2541]

Mike but it is true

[@Mikez98]

@@jpb2541 i partially agree but i think the new current Polo's size is perfect. It's still fairly a small hot hatch but i think VW should have given the option for a 3 door version. Gonna get this exact gti plus model for next year :D

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

Thats why we have a VW Up! now.

[@nicemimomisu]

Both Polo and Golf are getting too big

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

I like the seats, I hope it comes on the new GTI golf and golf R mk8

[@nicholasjohnstone4380]

Great video. Loved the Olympic B742, Blackburn Buccaneer and classic VC-10 behind! Think the Polo might still win a drag race though.

[@wisemannkuna4585]

Amazing video Mat👏 keep up the good work!

[@renierchristiancorona3231]

I hope you will have a review on hyundai 2019 veloster turbo automatic.

[@dehanvisagie5928]

1:43 some tricep gains

[@brunolorenzo4574]

Here in Brazil we've got a GTS version of the Polo fitted with a 1.4 TSI. The design is pretty much the same but we don't get those 18's nor the lowered suspension; the steering wheel is also different and we've got more red details on the inside. That lil' buddy there might be a rocket on a 2.0 TSI.

[@PyroNut94]

I’m in be middle of the long painful wait for mine, can’t wait to get it 👍🏼

[@benmatheson1189]

I love the wheels look amazing

[@stephenrhodes7758]

I'm liking its styling over the more fussy styling of the Golf.

[@mikecustoms]

styling of the 1.4 and 1.8 polos was better in my opinion, specially the 1.8 had this aggressive look that the golf didn't. it's also the only manual one. in terms of handling, all three behave the same, this one is more grown up but I recall the 1.4 being just as you described. That one was so eager to accelerate though, you couldn't drive it like a normal person, it made you look like a boy racer, no matter how gentle you were, it was always shifting down and ready to pull.

[@fireblade-eu]

I bought 2018 VW Polo GTI and I love it. My previous car was 2016 Ford Focus ST, yes, it had more power and was faster than the Polo, but it was just too big and bulky for me. I like compact cars.. i think I should get myself a two-seater next time :P

[@starshippower88]

Didn't Mat use a very similar title for last year's video 🤔

[@double.u1577]

Zygimantas Marcipukas yes, on the regular Polo the non-gti

[@starshippower88]

@@double.u1577 I thought so

[@VehicleValhalla]

Zygimantas Marcipukas I was gonna comment that

[@bird9455]

Do you really think he uploads and writes the titles?

[@korgond]

It's a generic stupid title for every Polo review on every auto channel

[@britshell]

I wish they sold this car in the United States because I would absolutely buy it.

[@bbb12345]

You guys should do a fast lap ranking where you film these tests. Would be nice.

[@ultrahyena3013]

He's right about tyre noise though. I test-drove a polo bluegt, which is the next one down from polo gti, and I was surprised at the excessive tyre road noise, I didn't buy it for this reason. I mentioned it to the car dealer and he said he didn't notice the noise. Fair enough, suppose he may have got used to it or thats what dealers do, that's why we have comments and videos. Interesting that there's no tyre noise from Golf GTI. Perhaps a different tyre brand a model might help.

[@kevindawson1280]

Ok i have a question, why on earth would you want navigation maps on both screens anyway 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@vhira]

Matt please do a review on the VW Up GTI

[@paulwharton1850]

Excellent review - I learnt a lot. Many thanks !

[@Johnnybananass-_]

Bought one, in the gti+ spec, LOVE MINE !! I don't want a car I have to fight with on a rainy drive or a car that's so uncomfortable i need a cushion, this was the best choice, lovely inside, feels well made and is a fun daily driver and 20,000$ cheaper here in NZ than the golf gti .

[@Nitroze]

I have this car, its amazing

[@morishogo144]

It's crap

[@Nitroze]

@@morishogo144 cheers pal, it might be crap compared to cars 10x its price, but i'm only 18, cant really afford to ensure anything else

[@quinnsimpson2302]

@@Nitroze don't worry he's just jealous that he doesn't have a good car like you. I love this car wish I had one!

[@chrisfleet999]

@@morishogo144 if anything is crap its your name.

[@YY-sj2kh]

@@Nitroze how much was your insurance bro? I’m looking at one for my second car later this year and I’m getting quotes for 4K 😅 I’m 18 been driving a year now

[@hamzanazir6457]

Just saw a car wow advert on Tv

[@matthewmokoena2123]

3 year polo gti journey ended for me 2 wks ago. What a blast. But with 2 polos and a family of 4, those long trips and monthly grocery shopping journeys started becoming...... too tight. Too the Jolion we go

[@davidbillberg2203]

Nice Polo GTI and nice planes in the background!

[@vasiliskts2038]

0:40 έλα η ολυμπιακή στο βάθος 😂😂🇬🇷

[@steliostzv]

Χαχαχα ρε φίλε αν δεν έβλεπα το σχόλιο δε θα το παρατηρούσα 😂😂😂

[@arisk4211]

λολ

[@dimitrioschanias9178]

Μόλις το είδα πήγα αμέσως να βρω ελληνικά κομμεντς!

[@subscribeorsus6862]

Χαχα είσαι ανοιχτοματης

[@vasiliskts2038]

@@dimitrioschanias9178 και γω αλλά δεν βρήκα και λέω δεν το γράφω να μαζευτούμε 😂😂🤣

[@thomaswillis2382]

Yes been waiting for this! 👍

[@carwow]

We aim to please...

[@AgentSmith911]

Rumor has it next gen Golf out next year wull have an R version with 400 bhp 👍🏻

[@A5hTriX]

Getting fed up with car manufacturers now... Polo standard Polo e Polo black edition Polo sport Polo gti Polo gti+ GREAT review as always and keep up the 4k!!!

[@MrSupersixfour]

Look no further than VW for a ridiculous amount of versions....golf springs to mind

[@KASGTR]

I like this GTI

[@ibrahimelasheibi5261]

VW and Audi 😍👏 My ride

[@clivegraham3088]

I was wowing at the planes in the background

[@PriyankaLiyanage]

Thanks Mat, ur my favorite car reviewer.

[@leviathangaming5938]

The only problem I have with the Polo (apart from the fact it's only available with 5 doors, as Matt pointed out), is that you don't have the option of a manual gearbox! Mental. It's an option on the non-GTI versions, so how hard could it have been for VW to make it available for the GTI? It's exactly the sort of car you'd want a manual in!

[@n.b.2385]

No the manuals are for old people. I would never buy an st fiesta, because they don't offer it as an automatic.

[@wainerollins2587]

Agree with this. I personally am not a fan of manual transmissions, but I recognise that many people are and a car of this size should have it as an option.

[@leftchalldn8718]

Olympic the best!!! 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

[@michaelhusada2276]

I’ve been driving Polos and an i20. It’s not about whether I can afford the Golf/i30 or not, I actually prefer the smaller size, especially when I throw it around on city roads.

[@robcousins231]

Haha! Matt was right at home doing that handbrake turn!

[@Hdgkrosj838]

18 inch wheels on polo :O

[@v12-s65]

Allowitfam lol, I saw twennys on a cupra

[@PTZOUTZ]

Of course it’s for the people that can’t afford a Porsche, so they get a small city car and spec it like it is a Lamborghini hahahaha 😂😂😂

[@1.8T20V]

AKTINODIAGNOSI BACKUP not even a lamborghini has spec as good as a FECKIN POLO 😂 trust me i know what im talking about.

[@Joe-sx6wb]

Yes I do need one thank you.

[@Notona777]

Thank you! Another great review!

[@Kenksonn]

im happy i bought 2015 polo gti version that is 3-door and has 1.8 liter turbo with 195hp and will do it on stage1 to get on 240hp and 430nm.... such an underrated car

[@BoogieBubble]

I don't actually think that is annoying not having a 3 door version. Cars should be practical and comfortable for rear passengers too , not only for the front passengers. I don't see the reason for a sport car not to practical for everyday use.

[@ApurtureSci]

What's wrong with having the option though? I have a 3 door Leon and I've had a passenger in the rear maybe twice so far this year, so I think the loss of practicality is well worth the style.

[@BoogieBubble]

There is nothing wrong for having that option my friend. I am just saying that in my opinion is not such a big deal for not having one. That is all :). And also style is something that varies from person to person. While practicality is practicality for everyone.

[@dickn.ormous1064]

3 door cars have better torsional rigidity.

[@steh21]

An option would be nice for those that want it I suppose but the three door was nowhere near as popular. After my first 3-4 cars having only 3 doors, I'm looking forward to my 5 door Polo GTi. It's just a shame about the 42 week wait...

[@imbatman88]

I'd rather have a 3 door, I couldn't care less. If someone wants a lift and they have to get in the back and they decide to moan I would just say alright then, you're walking.

[@Abc-yt3el]

I now own a red one of these 👍🏼🏎️🚗

[@beorange2000]

Still happy with it? I bought one yesterday

[@tm199100]

@carwow you should do some head to head with the fiesta st! I haven't found quality material on that yet.. you guys should definitely able to provide that!

[@noahkhor7950]

The background is beautiful

[@WarthogMist08]

I've had mine a week and absolutely love it!

[@badrse7381]

Hallo ! How is your polo gti ? Would you recommend it ? And how is the fuel economy in the real world ? Thanks

[@WarthogMist08]

@@badrse7381 Hi! It's an awesome car, I can't recommend it highly enough. Economy wise on a motorway run the best I've had was 48mpg, around town is low 30's and on a combined trip around 42mpg, which I think is pretty good considering it's a GTI! Mat's verdict is pretty spot on I'd say, there are crazier hot hatches out there if that's what you want, but the Polo is a great balance between fun when you want it to be but also comfortable and easy on a long run.

[@Abc-yt3el]

@@WarthogMist08 I've got a GTI too and everyone I know thinks its the new Golf GTI. I absolutely love it and if you really give it some its very exciting and fun to drive. I'm getting the same MPG too which is good to hear

[@badrse7381]

@@WarthogMist08 thank you so much,

[@paulbrown3126]

Thanks for replying to this I'm going to look at one tomorrow and this has just made my mind up that it's the car for me

[@kominpara4347]

5:43 bruh you're driving 44mph and checking the timing gear

[@johnnyxp64]

00:45 our old Olympic airways plane rusting there give me a weird feeling... 🇬🇷🙄

[@Alyourpal15]

Could you do a VW Up GTI review? Would love to hear your take on it.

[@numanch4413]

I was watching the planes more than the car

[@numanch4413]

@A true petrol-head hell yeah i am an aviation lover 😂😂

[@RuvArit]

Same! This car is just not right. There are other cars that are way more interesting to look at!

[@jonathanprescott5292]

I was watching the car, but ngl that old 747 caught my interest!

[@suns8575]

Same. Love the Royal Navy Bucaneer

[@Abc-yt3el]

This is at Bruntingthorpe Airstrip in the Midlands for anyone whos interested. I had a track day experience here and loved speeding around near these massive jets! What a present from my fam 👍🏼

[@marleyjp043]

Best car reviewer

[@NaRiCo94]

MJC30 Worst*

[@ciaransmith322]

@@NaRiCo94 nah

[@NaRiCo94]

Help me reach 100 subscribers with no videos triggered 😂

[@TJ-gv6bj]

Jp Performance is better

[@kingrofty]

Thanks Mat, really good video!!

[@willpowell30]

I love this car but the normal version not the +, can’t wait to get this as my next car!

[@zlatilzlatilov4330]

Polo GTI gets the 2.0 TSI engine, GREAT! Now put the 2.5 TFSI from the RS3 into the Golf R!

[@gravemind6536]

They need to do that for it to be able to beat the Focus RS.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Think that is an Audi only engine... It's not a shared design like the EA888 is.

[@Dwaynefreeman]

And call it Golf RR

[@jakelamotta2387]

I want a Polo GTD. If they made the Golf GTD a bit faster there would definitely be room for a Polo GTD!!

[@epistte]

That would be a sweet daily driver.

[@asandanzama8612]

I have a bmw 435i convertible and a 2019 vw polo gti love them both

[@kokekan75]

In the wet, it wheel spins constantly even in normal drive mode. Very torque steery.

[@Tomoyo0827]

I was totally stunned by this car's performance and the noise it makes. It is a hidden gem to anyone considers and test drives it.

[@SXsoft99]

15mm lower God every kid on the block will be jely

[@360FAMOUZ360]

SXsoft99 never understand why they boast about that when there is still a massive arch gap

[@mocasinuldomnuluipablo2237]

more like jelly

[@SiphoMkhwanazi]

I bought one this month, great car, no regrets .

[@badrc350]

You had it in the wrong order. The 6N had a 1.6l, the 9N3 a 1.8T, the 6R a 1.4TSI, the 6C a 1.8TSI and finally this one a 2.0TSI. :)

[@Stephenellis97]

200bhp isnt that much for a 2.0l turbo petrol engine really

[@gummikazy]

cant make it faster then the golf gti now can you

[@livelyosprey]

If it came in manual it would be amazing

[@rmdbownage]

Already is

[@anestistziamtzis9628]

0:42 I wonder how that aircraft ended up there.

[@keithisaacs6092]

Another excellent review from Matt could you spot which jet was Matt's yes it was the one with the L plates.

[@blacksarethechosenonelikeo269]

VW best company when it's comes to beauty

[@B2KJFF]

Audi? Bmw!?? Mercedes?!?!?

[@TJ-gv6bj]

@@B2KJFF dont forget Alpina!!!

[@NA-mm5nb]

🥵 head check for u

[@petersothern2909]

it's a mini golf

[@gravemind6536]

Its the same size as a MK4 golf to be fair.

[@PC-hp6gz]

So, it is pitch and putt?

[@ronallen4194]

Only recently bought a second hand VW Polo GTi 5(6c) 1.8T 2016 3 dr as a daily driver...WOW! The looks, Fantastic front, Interior is smart and VW ! The "Response" Outstanding and back to the "Hot Hatch" days. The VW Polo GTi since has lost something......A "Manual Drivers" gearbox, which leaves the (6c) "for ME...The model to have. Bring back the Manual Polo GTi and that front and I would buy again. I also own a 2018 124 Spider, cracking value for money Sports car. Cheers

[@professionalcrybaby5605]

Plz make a video about top 10 shortlist of every price range cars