Does a Polo Gti handle properly?

[NickZ]

Whenever I get sick of the handling, I just get into my dad's ute and drive that for a bit around some twisties.

Then I stop complaining!

But seriously, if going around corners real fast is the be all and end all, there are much better cars than the polo. As said before, the Polo is a compromise with its advantages focused more on power than handling, and that's the way I'd rather have it

[VW GTI]

But seriously, if going around corners real fast is the be all and end all, there are much better cars than the polo. As said before, the Polo is a compromise with its advantages focused more on power than handling, and that's the way I'd rather have it

Having said this, I'd rather a Polo with good suspension over an XR4. Even for the extra money.

[GTI POLO]

Ive just read a few other threads where people praise the Polos handling?? What cars are these people used to Falcon station wagons?

The Polo is not bad but not in the same galaxy as the Peugeot Gti.

Maybe because my car has the APS tune on it, that extra torque probably unsettles it earlier.. On a sweeping left bend that tightens, The Polo didnt want to hold the line... Lucky there was no cars on the wrong side of the road.. It felt like it fell over its front wheels..

The Polo feels overpowered for its chassis,

The Peugeot feels underpowered for its Chasis.. Maybe thats why the Peugeot appears to handle better.. On the same sweeping bend, I was applying throttle more and more in the Peugeot which held the perfect line..

[VW GTI]

I think you'll find that's more a driver issue - no offense.

When I got my GTI I came from a Civic VEi - 55kw. I could corner at full power cos it had nothing. Now I can lose traction just by putting my foot down so I have to drive totally differently.

[bahjah]

Having said this, I'd rather a Polo with good suspension over an XR4. Even for the extra money.

Lol how can you justify that? I understand that it's a VW and a tad more refined, but on a handling/dynamics basis alone, it seems unreasonable. Just my opinion.

[marko]

Having had my Polo GTI for about 7 or 8 weeks now I am really happy with the handling, especially for the money you pay. I came from a lowered VX SS commodore, via a new mistubishi lancer to the Polo. The commodore is a terrible handler, even with aftermarket springs, of course this is no suprise to anyone. The mitsubishi was just as bad, it gave you no confidence to throw it around and standard driving elicited huge amounts of body roll and some suspension noise (admittedly not a performance car though). I have found the Polo to be fantastic, especially on cambered freeway off-ramps and through roundabouts. I haven't driven a pug, and i haven't done trackwork, but for everyday driving and for the money you pay i'm really happy with it.

[NickZ]

Lol how can you justify that? I understand that it's a VW and a tad more refined, but on a handling/dynamics basis alone, it seems unreasonable. Just my opinion.

Because it is easier to upgrade the handling of a polo than the power of a NA XR4.

[s1831559]

Because it is easier to upgrade the handling of a polo than the power of a NA XR4.

agree! in addition, XR4's isnt as well equip/comfortable as polo.
no doubt XR4 is a corner fighter, but everyday driving, i'd prefer a turbo.

my previous car was a celica, approx. same power output as the chipped polo. but u really got to drive it hard to feel that power as the lift kick in at 6000rpm. everyday driving? i dun think so.

[FL00DY]

I couldn't live in the drivers seat of an XR4 after having the luxury and comfort of the Polo. XR4 is a nice car, only a fraction slower but handling it has it over the Polo. As an overall package, there is a reason the GTI is more expensive.

Mines not chipped, and I've found I almost don't want it. Sway bar is essential I think, if you love a mountain pass or do any kinda of track or skid-pan work.

But stock for stock, the Polo GTI compared to the Pug GTI is chalk and chese, we should all know this by now. I've always said I can go nice and fast around corners, it just might not look as pretty as say a MINI or a Golf GTI. Meaning it wont be very flat.

This corner coming from Hume Hwy onto Narellan Road is still lots of fun in the Polo. In my old VS stock commodore with ordinary tyres I could go round that at 80km/h, in the GTI I can take it at 100 (obviously when know one is around). However it does take some skill to take it at that speed.

[firdausasri]

True Floody, and driver makes a lot of difference too