Correct, it is much more involved than a standard Polo TSI.
I have done both. The radiator cradle, fan shroud and the fans are different for both, as is the radiator itself. The A/C condensor is the same though. As an extra, the GTI has a front mount intercooler in the cradle too, which does not exist in the TSI Polos.
Replacing any component of it, means it is a full bumper off job. Everything comes off (even the headlights).
EDIT: Thinking about it, the "complexity" of the job is actually very similar. What is materially different is the costs of the individual parts ... everything on the GTI is more expensive, probably simply because of lower volumes being made/sold specifically for the GTI.
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