Golf R -v- Golf GTI

**G-rig** · 16-10-2010, 10:34 PM

The polo is a nice idea but tiny in real life.

**Pepe** · 16-10-2010, 11:45 PM

We bringing the Polo into this now? Well, in that case, debate over:

**triode12** · 17-10-2010, 06:57 AM

In case you haven't noticed, the Polo in that pic isn't the GTI version of the Polo.
From what I have seen of the car, IMO it looks much nicer than the Golf GTI and is now closer in size to the Golf Mk III. The power to weight ratio and smaller body would likely work in its favour and make it more fun to drive than the Golf GTI - as was the previous Polo GTI.

Since none of us here besides Dermot has driven one, I'd keep an open mind about it. But I am surpised at Dermot's candor regarding buyers going more for the Polo GTI and Golf R over the Golf GTI, since it is in his best interest to sell the as many units of all models in the range.

Bwen recently summed up the Golf GTI when he said that it was now more like a luxury hatch than a hot hatch, and I tend to agree with him. The refinement accorded the Golf GTI has dulled the hot hatch experience (fun) some what.

Snipped from the other thread:

Dermot (sales manager of Wangara VW)

Well, I drove the Polo GTI at Phillip Island last week, and WOW, was I impressed, so much so that I suspect a change in the future ordering habits of potential Volkswagen owners..... I suspect that a large proportion of potential Golf GTI buyers will either opt for a low spec Golf R, or more likely, a high spec Polo GTI. It is that good a car..Would I buy a Golf GTI or a Polo GTI... Well, if it were my own money, and I could afford the Golf GTI but not the Golf R, I would probably opt for a kittted out Polo GTI..
Guys, its an aswome car........

**dave_r** · 17-10-2010, 08:03 AM

Since it's been raised, having access to plain Polo I have to agree with Dermot. The new Polo is a good little thing. I find the missus one very chuckable due to its light weight and good power delivery (Yeah crazy I know, its only a prima sized engine). The GTI version with some better suspension, more power etc would be a great example of a hot hatch (even if it isn't 3dr).

When people have the $ figures put in front of them, if they don't need the extra space, I'd be willing to bet that they take the Polo GTI over a Golf GTI most of the time.

**Corey_R** · 17-10-2010, 09:19 AM

Driving a current MKIV Polo GTI (ok, so it has stage I), I can say that it's a bit more "fun" than the MKV GTI was (before getting Stage II), but mainly because it's more raw and feels a bit faster - not because it actually has better abilities or anything.
I've also driven the new MKV Polo 77TSI and I agree with dave-'s comments - it's very chuckable and quite zippy, and plenty of room if you don't need to put an entire family in there. I can only imagine one with twice the power (i.e. the GTI) would be quite amusing

**G-rig** · 17-10-2010, 09:26 AM

I'd get a polo GTI as a second car (or even a first one if i was in the market again), would be a lot of fun esp when modded. The power to weight can be improved on all the cars anyway, so will be a lot more fun than stock regardless. The refinement is one selling point for VW as a brand, otherwise I would have got a WRX which would be more fun..

**hooba** · 17-10-2010, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by triode12

Interesting post by Perth VW dealer Dermot. The GTI might be facing competition from the new Polo GTI as well. IMO the new Polo GTI looks better than the Golf GTI.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f128...tml#post570637

With a better to weight ratio than the Golf GTI, I'm guessing it will be more fun to drive.

Great idea, and while you're at it, you should buy a itzy bitzy dog to match the Polo lifestyle.

**G-rig** · 17-10-2010, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by SilvrFoxX

For the hatch that wants to live a little, it actually lives a lot. And thats is kinda the point of the R. It looks bolder and sharper than the trapped-in-tradition GTI, and its interior design and feel is much richer. And it suggests its owner has a bit more imagination than the pragmatic, me-too GTI crowd."[/COLOR][/I]

To be honest the interior of the R and GTI are almost the same, just as the GTI and R32 were only subtly different.