In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Polo GTI hatchback (2010-2017): owner reviews

"The Volkswagen Polo GTI is very much at the sensible end of the hot-hatchback class. It’s quick and decent to drive, but rivals are much more fun"

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0udzc { display: none !important; }

by Richard Ingram

21 Mar 2017

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 21 Mar 2017

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.8 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

78%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (2 cases)
Brakes, Electrics, Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 9

Tell us what you think about your car?

This little thing is a rocket in hatch clothing. I test drove the Fiesta ST, Clio RS200, Cooper S and even its big brother, the Golf GTI. I enjoyed the drive of both the Clio and Fiesta but they are too "sport" for my needs, namely driving to work, etc. The Mini Cooper S was just a bit lame and price off the bat too high and as far as service is concerned, forget about it. So the short list I ended up with pointed toward Germany and its red badged offerings. Obviously the Golf GTI has better tech as of 2016, as well as more power on paper. I was very impressed with its drive and power. It has options out the wazoo but after a look at the options package I wanted the price, like the acceleration shot off rather quickly. Enter the Polo GTI. It's as good around corners as it's larger sibling, Off the mark its hard to tell the difference. The interior was as nice and it has an old school handbrake (weeee) The XDL electronic diff wasn't as awesome as the tricked out mechanical diff on the Golf (optional extra) but not once did I feel like understeer was encroaching in on my fun. Basically the extra digits on the price tag couldn't justify the not so extra performance. All in all I look forward to owning this car for at least the next 5 years. Its soooooooo much fun. If you want a great car for a decent price with a great finish. Look no further.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Fantastic car! Looks brilliant in white, with contrasting red GTI additions. Previously owned a 2007 Fiesta ST and this Polo blows that away. The power delivery is effortless & always eager to accelerate, no matter what gear you are in. The manual gearbox is a pleasure to use, precise with a reasonably short throw. And then there's the way this car corners... it inspires so much confidence and has bags of grip. The optional adaptive dampers are well worth 245 pounds. Instantly the car becomes so much firmer, with body roll all but eliminated. I even like the extra engine noise produced (Albeit from a sound actuator). Also, when you're not in the mood, it settles down beautifully. Leaving you with a refined car with relatively smooth suspension. (Having 6 gears is a revelation). If you want a hot hatch that's also comfortable & capable, look no further.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I set myself a budget of £20K and wanted something with decent performance as I was stepping down from a BMW 740D. Looked at the Clio RS but decided the Polo was less brash/boy racer in appearance and offered equal performance. Five months on and I really enjoy driving it, handling is really good and the XDS limited slip diff is excellent in eliminating understeer even on very wet corners (thanks Jeremy Clarkson for demonstrating this on a golf gti which gave me the confidence to trust in its ability). Bit of a hard ride for passengers but overall its a quality vehicle. Downside is fuel economy, I drive mostly in "D" mode which has 7 gears and get 34mpg combined rather than the 50+ they quote. Quite how they can ever achieve 60mpg is beyond me. I have the excellent DSG version and in "S" mode which has 6 gears, it definitely perks up and power is more easily on tap, especially on twisty roads. But when slowing down rapidly for sharp corners, it sometimes changes down one gear too many and feels over revvy. Town driving in this sports gear is a bit too racy/noisy unless you want people to notice you. The exhaust note is quite pleasing in either gear option anyhow.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Love this car, had a Fiesta Ecoboost and got bored really easily, test drove the ST and it was impressive however the GTI won it with the more grown-up looks and standard quality. The car is quick however it doesn't break the bank to fill the tank. Great little car with all the power to go with it!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Find there is a lot of noise internally. Checked with supplier, told there was nothing wrong. Good car to drive but not happy with noise.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I tested every similar car but this car is very quick. 1st & second gear are useless if you're not on a totally dry road as it just spins the tyres up. Nippy and nice to look at.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A most fabulous car. It is like having a machine moulded around you. If you want a really super car buy this. Happy driving :)

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Had this car for just over a year and it's been nothing but problems , water leaking in through the door took vw two attempts to fix it , then there's the constant squeaking coming from the dash board which has been in five times to be sorted and they have still not fixed it. Now just after its had its first service the drivers seat is jammmed and won't move. Stuck in the wrong position which means I basically can't drive it , vw were useless saying we understand the problem but can't do anything until its been seen by a technician which the closest date is three weeks away , they have seriously gone down hill and would never buy a VW again

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Air con fault keeps leaving windscreen covered in condensation, new door seals fitted are very noisy and still not fixed. Problem with folding mirror, intermittent fault from new media system, new internal door card & armrest, passenger's door mechanism failed, new rear discs & pads after 2,000 miles because of faulty original parts. Non-existant customer care from Volkswagen UK & local dealer. Hopeless trying to obtain refund - now in hands of financial ombudsman - very poor.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Continue reading

Recommended

Volkswagen Polo GTI facelift driving - front

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue0x { display: none !important; }

Deals

13 Feb 2024

Hot car deal: spicy Volkswagen Polo GTI hot hatch for £225 per month

Most Popular

Car tax

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue0y { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

Carbuyer best new car deals hero

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue0z { display: none !important; }

Deals

22 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Ford Puma EcoBoost front

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue10 { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

Tips & advice

Car dashboard symbols and meanings

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue11 { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Charging station

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue12 { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue13 { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue14 { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

Peugeot 208 hatchback

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue15 { display: none !important; }

Best cars

25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Best electric cars

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue16 { display: none !important; }

Best cars

16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

The best cheap-to-run cars 2023

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue17 { display: none !important; }

Best cars

2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

Fastest hot hatchbacks hero

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs16m3v0ue18 { display: none !important; }

Best cars

2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024