UP! GTI vs POLO GTI - WHICH IS THE BEST £12K POCKET ROCKET??

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My business buying and selling interesting used VW Audi cars means I have access to a constantly changing fleet and can make some diverse content that doesn't just involve driving around in brand new cars loaned to me by dealers or manufacturers.
In this video I compare two GTIs that both cost £12000 on the used market. A 2015 Polo GTI and a 2018 Up! GTI. The Polo is more practical with decent rear seat accommodation for adults, way faster but for many the Up! GTI is fast enough, cheaper to run and a lot newer with still over 2 years of VW warranty to go and just 1/6th of the mileage of the Polo covered.
It's all to play for so stay tuned to see the outcome - it's just my opinion and both are great cars, so buy whichever suits your needs the best, you can't go wrong with either.
The Up! body warmer/gilet I am wearing (in size medium) is a genuine VW accessory with an RRP of £55 but surplus stock is being sold for just £10.99 including UK delivery by Parts Depot here;
www.parts-depot.co.uk/black-b...
This is the music from the intro/outro;
• That's Just Love Bas...
THANKS TO MY NEIGHBOUR JOHN AT "LOCKING WHEEL NUT REMOVAL SERVICE" FOR HELPING WITH THE CAR TO CAR FOOTAGE. IF YOU EVER NEED LOCKING WHEEL BOLTS REMOVED (AND JUDGING BY HOW BUSY HE IS, YOU PROBABLY WILL DO ONE DAY), HE IS YOUR MAN!
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[@ThisIsDaxter]

Two absolutely fantastic cars. It's funny really, because on paper, the Polo runs rings around the Up! It's not until you drive them both, that you realise the Polo just doesn't make your face ache as much from smiling, as much as it does in the Up!

[@volkswizard]

Spot on sir! I still haven't truly got to grips with why that is but I know that it's not speed related so it must be something about your brain being fully engaged in the process of driving, something more highly engineered cars don't allow the driver to do within the confines of the public highway.

[@davidhayes4814]

Three years ago, I considered getting a Polo GTI, since it seemed great value. Given that it would occasionally have to transport 4 tall adults, I was disappointed by how cramped it felt compared to the Mark 7 Golf GTI. Looking at the equipment list, spec’ing up the Polo to the Golf GTI levels revealed much less difference than you might imagine. Hence I bought a Golf GTI for under £26K. I have just traded it in for a facelift Performance model. My partner loves it. I drive a Peugeot Boxer van ... O to 60 in 24 seconds. It’s magic.

[@kieranhendy]

Personally I would go for the polo, but when you consider that the price of the Up comes with some nice extras like cruise control, heated seats, parking sensors and the polo has nothing then it changes things massively. Hopefully getting an Up GTI soon

[@allseeing357]

Brilliant little car the 6C GTI. Had that exact car (15 3 door Pure White Manual) for 18 months and was a huge fun daily driver. What surprised me most about it was comfort level....did alot of long distance motorway work in it and honestly no less comfortable or noisy than a Mk7 Golf (of which I've had two GTD's). Mine did have ALOT of additional spec though, base spec on these was a little mean. Sports Performance Pack is well worth having on these, gives the thing far more of a Jekyll and Hyde character over a base car....but Sport ride was a bit bone breaking and not really fit for most UK roads. I found with this car is that you really had to drive it to get the most out of it, unlike alot of modern performance VW's that flatter your driving (even if you are crap).....drive one of these like a idiot...particularly in the wrong conditions most will find a hedge......I guess that's why alot of them are now getting badly crashed then broken for parts! I rather liked that about it though, felt a bit old school and all the better for it....Mk7 GTD handled better and was more competent... but bloody dull by comparison. Sold it March last year and still miss it now.

[@Hermetic_]

Paul P: Good comment. I have just moved to Germany and will have a long commute on the motorway. Based on your above comment, I suspect a used 2015-2018 Polo GTI may be a good option 👍

[@danl4252]

These have really gone up in value now. Looking at a 2016 polo GTI and it’s going for around £14500 with 44,000 miles

[@manjbains1977]

Polo does look nice and sporty especially in that white. 👍

[@Roadwarrior92]

Polo gti 6c is great but mods make it a little beast

[@Murphy252000]

I got the up gti as it’s nippy, but more important I wanted great mpg and just a car that different, I love mine......

[@iantaf5559]

Another great video, Andrew. Enjoy watching them as a VW/Audi fan. I can understand how it feels more fun driving the Up GTi on a B road - less power means you are working the engine harder, hearing the noise longer and having more fun out of it. Higher powered cars do the same but getting to the speed limit is done on the blink of an eye in comparison. Less fun methinks!!! All the best....👍🏼

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Ian - sounds like you get the Up! GTI which can only be a good thing :)

[@markturner-smith5309]

Perfect video I have been waiting for and any person looking at 1year old UP! GTI should ask themselves - don't discount the 6c Polo GTI. I have a October 2014 6c BlueGT with the 150ps 1.4TSI - only some insurance issues meant could not have the GTI, still like a 6c GTI. As I buy on PCP'S love to find a very very late low miles 17plate 6c GTI & buy outright but not many come via main dealers now so chances of that small 😣

[@1493Fabio]

Very interesting! It would also be interesting to see a comparison of UP! GTI vs Polo TSI 110 - I was working at a VW main dealer back in 2014/2015 when the Polo 110 came out and when I had the demo for a weekend I thought it was rapid (for a little 1.2)

[@f4tpie]

That coat really ruined the audio but otherwise great video, I would go for the up! GTI I think

[@volkswizard]

I did notice some crackling but I wouldn't say ruined, are you using headphones? Glad you liked it otherwise :)

[@Stallzyx]

@@volkswizard It wasn't too bad in the outside and tour parts, but while driving it did get a little crackly yeah and kept cutting out in the middle of words, but overall nice video!

[@rasherbasher8203]

Another fantastic video. Thank you. I think you've made my mind up about the polo GTI. Happier I've learned thanks to you it's a chain driven engine. The polo gt 150 bhp uses 1.4 engine are theses any good? Is it the same engine as previous gti? The supercharged/ turbocharged polo gti.

[@markturner-smith5309]

Had BlueGT myself, different engine series to 6r GTI not remotely the same engine series as BlueGT is a belt driven timing gear set up (rather than timing chain in the 1.8TSI and old 1.4TSI 150 & 160/180ps units), not that bigger 0-60 difference between/etc Polo GTI & BlueGT. The BlueGT 1.4TSI was a ground up redesign which dropped elements like the timing chain set up and twin charged ideas as nothing but problems for VW in that version (unlike the 1.8TSI/2.0TSI).

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, nice comparison, You'd have the UP GTI if you were under 30, single and child free any day. The Polo is a bit middle aged.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

paul taylor: yep I’m an old bit and I’d probably have the Polo. Bit bigger and comfier (you have no idea how much you relish comfort as you get older - it will come to you, just after your midlife crisis...) Oh yes, and you need more boot room to take all the rubbish of life down the dump. I guarantee that will creep up on you when you can eventually afford a house!

[@Alex_fergo]

I don’t see how you can put a 1L UP GTI against a 1.8 polo GTI.....

[@tadassmolskas3014]

They cost basically the same on the used market and both are gtis so why not?

[@mrstanhope1516]

Those Up! gillets are amazing value. Have had a lot of use out of mine over the past year. On your recommendation of course! I've looked at Polo GTIs in the past but always decided to go for a Golf instead. There's a similar aged black one in the car park at work which does look nice though. Glossed over them for a long time after reading the horror stories about the twin charger engines.

[@markturner-smith5309]

That's was the 6r 2010-2013/14 with the 1.4TSI 180ps, completely different from the 6c post October 2014 1.8TSI Turbo unit.

[@jakehammond7972]

Would you recommend a remap on the dsg as I know tourqe was limited as dsg was dry clutch

[@volkswizard]

I personally wouldn't mess with DSG because I can't afford to buy another if it shits itself and believe me, they do!

[@soranrix]

brake disc´s are both 288, but on the polo gti 6c(brakes are the same as the mrk. 4 1.8 t gti) you can buy the carrier from a mrk. 4 v6 4 motion and the disc making it 312mm , the up gti has the same brake pads as a golf mrk. 7 but with out the wear sensor. regards Sören

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Sören for clearing that up :)

[@malcolmscott4150]

Love 😍 those satin bronze wheels on the Up! Would definitely spec those - The Polo nice but spec seems a bit spartan. We had Chevette in Oz - sold as a Holden Gemini wagon 2 door with asthmatic 1.6 - showing my age as well :)

[@volkswizard]

I suppose there must be some Polo GTIs out there with options but as they were popular with younger owners on finance who just wanted 'the car' they are quite rare. Up! GTI comes with heated seats and your provide you own nav so even the basic car is usable. Also the Up! options seem cheap though I haven't compared with Polo costs

[@geniusme2010]

Have you ever done a review on the polo gt blue motion?

[@darrencottrell5541]

Another corker of a video Andrew, especially for us of the up! GTI fan-base. Great to see content on this excellent little package is still a mainstream feature of the channel and also to witness that your previous unwaning enthusiasm for the car remains. A very interesting comparison, which like other videos, reinforces the power to weight and 100% drive capability of the up! (whilst remaining road legal) can, with the right set of circumstances, equate to as much fun as cars with 2 or more times the power. The Polo looks to be a very capable car, as does the latest edition. For me, however, it strays too close into Golf territory. I'd buy the Golf over the Polo nine times out of ten. The quirky little up! is very different altogether and has a playful puppy dog character that has no interest in being rubbished by paper-based facts and figures or out on the B road twisty stuff. Caught a glimpse of the A2 in shot along the way... ;)

[@volkswizard]

Well said ( and re A2, well spotted) Darren!

[@jonathanmellish4439]

It’s quite noticeable that you are not being bounced around so much in the Up. It’s the reason I sold my St as it was so hard.

[@jakehammond7972]

What mpg does polo do

[@peterlewis3540]

Hello again, have you thought about trying a remapped 140+ Hp Up Gti I've just had mine remapped at JBS in Chesterfield, what a transformation. I would value your opinion, if you have the opportunity to drive a tuned version

[@volkswizard]

Hi Peter, I personally don't get the need to remap the Up! GTI for the following reasons; a) The traction control will engage even more b)The warranty will be invalid c) The engine is not the weakest link by any means, chassis and tyres need sorting first d) The structure of the car which is built to a price feels like it barely handle the standard power and torque e) You will devalue the car on the second hand market (I wouldn't buy it to sell for example) f) You will have to declare it to your insurer g) The car has been built to a strict budget and is already effectively a remapped car when it leaves the factory. Nobody know how durable the engine is with 115 PS so invalidating the warranty and cranking it up is a recipe for disaster. Having to go to JBS would be another reason not to get it done. But each to their own, enjoy it!

[@rohitbadiger9331]

POLO GTI is beast and the best BROTHER

[@sparkford04]

Andrew, love the comparison review - you know why. My missus's Polo GTi 1.8 DSG virtually fully loaded 43000 miles and still flies.

[@volkswizard]

I bet with DSG it feels even quicker than that manual!

[@sparkford04]

@@volkswizard yep, we spec'd the sport package with other goodies. DSG / S she flies

[@Wilko101]

Another great video. I understand you have a full time job, just wished you posted more content as I love all your videos.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Wilko 101, that very kind of you to say. I've posted one per week roughly since Christmas which is manageable, beyond that is pushing it but all depends on workload/weather/having the right cars. The magazine I have written for for 2 decades has gone out of business now so I can channel my creativity to videos although KZbin earning for a 20k view video are around 10% of what I get paid to write and they incur expenses out of that too. However the videos are assisting my main line of work (buying and selling VW Audi) so that's a form of revenue which will help subsidize them in the short term at least :)

[@Wilko101]

Whereabouts are you based? I know at some point in the next 12 months I’m looking for a MK5 Golf Gti as a 2nd car,(possibly) Edition 30. I would definitely feel safe sourcing one from you after watching your videos and seeing how much you know your stuff and care about your cars.

[@eddieallen6401]

Great video. A lightly used up! GTI has got to be the performance car bargain of choice right now. Those wheels and tyres look great. If we get another Beast of the East do a test in the snow! Rally up!

[@volkswizard]

Hi Eddie, Would love to have tested the wheels and tyres but they've gone back to the new owner. Be interesting to see how well the Up! handles snow as it's so light which means not much weight over the driven wheels.

[@peterlewis3540]

The Up is still the DADDY, when it comes to excitement AT SAFE speeds on British Broads.

[@volkswizard]

I agree Peter, it's a lot of fun at 50-60 mph on the right roads!

[@kresa22]

I would like to own it :-) keep up the good work

[@Hermetic_]

8:55 Polo does not come with cruise control?

[@volkswizard]

No, it’s an extra as it is on the Up!

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

I like the VW up! gilet. I'm a similar height and build to you Andrew. Is that a medium or large?

[@volkswizard]

It's a (mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm)medium and available from here > www.parts-depot.co.uk/black-blue-mens-padded-bodywarmer-gilet--genuine-vw-up-collection-merchandise-223-p.asp

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

Thanks Andrew. Deal done.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

My stupid username, sorry, channel name, comes from when Google forced me to create a 'Google account' when they acquired KZbin in 2006. I didn't want one and wanted to keep the same KZbin name I'd had since KZbin's inception, but I couldn't.

[@toregullikhanem3077]

Have you tried a Polo GTI 6C 6speed manual with Revo stage 1 tune? Then the car will be as it should have been from the factory, a much better driving experience! 👍🏼

[@Kiieerrann_xx]

I have that Up! jacket from when I had my Street Up!

[@volkswizard]

Did you get it with the car K K?

[@Kiieerrann_xx]

volkswizard no got it off eBay afterwards along with an Up! lanyard from 2011 launch day and Up! cooler bag. Lanyard for sale

[@kristianspencer1978]

I’d take the polo every time, 189 bhp, stage 1 ram air induction, 250 bhp easy.👍

[@hectorandem2944]

23:35 How do you stay so calm when people do that? 🤔

[@volkswizard]

I think I was used to it by then, that was the second time that day. The first was when I was driving the Polo GTI and met a truck well over the white line and he didn't even slow down when he saw me coming towards him, just kept on going. Luckily there was room to go off the carriageway to the left without damage. On the way back to swap Polo for Up!, there'd been a few cars involved in an accident on the big roundabout near my work including a 19 reg Lexus SUV. It was a sunny decent day which tends to bring out the worst in drivers.

[@Steyreon]

Nice comparison! I agree, with modern cars you have to go really fast to feel the same thrill as with a small, light car at lower speed. I drive a 23 year old Polo 6n1 GTI with 120bhp at 950 kilos and have so much fun at 120km/h around corners :D

[@davonpointer2310]

Great little reviews. Cheers ;-)

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Davon, much appreciated :)

[@mostyngti9962]

Fantastic video thank you

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mostyn GTI :)

[@Tefloncoated]

I just checked and when you remap them both they come out exactly the same with 130bhp and 240nm. Must be a proper laugh.

[@davonpointer2310]

Those pop out windows remind me of my folks Volvo 340 when I was a kid!

[@volkswizard]

You could argue it's clever simple engineering (unless it's in a Chevette)

[@TherymasterWidnes]

Up! Gti every day of the week

[@MrCdt]

Mpg is shocking in the polo when your giving it the beans 20 mpg

[@PhilbyFavourites]

chris tinson: Don’t look at my GLA45 then...... 9.3mpg.......

[@MrCdt]

@@PhilbyFavourites ouch🤣

[@mcxix2742]

Dunno how you got it that low 🤔 I've had my Polo GTI for over 2 years and averaged 37mpg long term, & I don't drive slow. Worst I've ever had is about 25 which was due to traffic

[@MrCdt]

@@mcxix2742 mate I have been thinking their issomething with the sender , gauge or electrical fault

[@farmergeddon7527]

Every recent iteration of Polo GTI since 2010 has looked weak against Cooper S/Mk 7 or 8 Fiesta ST. Too bland in a category that has more talent. No excuse for a hot hatch not being fun. The Up GTI just does its thing and has no real competition but is much more fun than the Polo. It has bags of charm, every corner has a line thanks to its dimensions. The Up GTI makes no sense on paper and all the sense in the world on tarmac. It’s warm rather than hot, but in isolation you wouldn’t realise. VW pulled it out of the bag on the little ferret.

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

The polo is the best,I’ve driven the up and it’s too slow.

[@gerryellis3847]

As the owner of your Up! GTI the

[@gerryellis3847]

The Polo GTI would cost a lot more to tax and insure in Ireland what with Covid 19 our up has done 13,000 miles

[@RiccardoTheWhite]

I write to the channel if you give me that jacket up!