I went to the SMMT Test Day today, at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. It's a big event for journalists to come down and try out cars from all the different manufacturers.
Among the surprises (including driving the Focus RS500) VW had managed to bring three Mk8 Polo GTIs over from Germany for us to test. UK models don't arrive until September, so they were left hand drive. Naturally, I had to have a go!
I can't write a full road test on here - it's against my contract. However, I can give a few first impressions if you're interested!
Here's the car:
I took the car around Millbrook's Hill Circuit (aka the Alpine Course) which is a challengine mix of winding corners, different camber and some serious gradients (including a jump if you're going too fast).
And I'm happy to report, it's good fun!
It's not as sure footed as the Mk6 Golf GTI, and tbh it does feel a class below. But that slightly more playful handling makes it a real hoot. The handling's still nice and neutral but it's got a tendency to kick the back end out on tight corners. It's just that little bit more fun. I didn't drive anything else today which had tyres squealing as much as the Polo did, it put a big smile on my face!
Under the bonnet, it's got the same 178bhp 1.4 TSI engine as the SEAT Ibiza Cupra (and Bocanegra) with the same seven speed DSG gearbox. Just as good in the Polo, as you'd expect. A really willing performer all the way through the revs, and anyone who has driven a DSG-equipped V-Dub will vouch for it being a great cog-swapper.
But despite being based on the same platform, there's actually a raft of differences between the Ibiza and the Polo. It's not just the same car with a different shell on top. The Polo has different suspension, bigger brakes, a wider track and the battery has been relocated to the boot for better weight distribution.
Inside, everything's familiar to anyone who's sat in a Mk6 Golf. Typical VW build quality and the same tartan seats as the Golf GTI. Nice, comfortable, fairly bland but that's how us V-Dub boys like it eh?
My only fault would be that it could do with slightly stiffer and lower suspension. It sits a bit high at the moment and there's a touch more body roll than I'd like.
I'm really looking forward to spending some time with a right hand drive model!
