BY Boipelo Kekana
The VW Polo GTI has become a dream car and a favorite among young South African motorists. It blends affordability, modern features, and practical performance with a stylish design, advanced technology and value for money. It offers a thrilling driving experience for young drivers, making it an accessible option for those interested in hot hatches without spending a fortune.
As Youth Month concluded, our team’s youngest driver spent a week with the Polo GTI. Here’s his take on the car.
What was your very first impression of the car?
It looks bigger than the previous version of the Polo GTI, it’s good to look at. It features distinctive GTI styling cues such as red accents, GTI badging, sportier bumpers, and unique alloy wheels, making it stand out on the road.
Did that impression change over time as you lived with the vehicle?
It began to look smaller as I got acquainted with it. However, it still stood out on the road and turned heads wherever I drove. Must have been the performance and driving excitement that makes owning a GTI a statement of passion.
Did it have the ‘wow’ factor?
It’s very powerful for a small car, hands down. However, there was not much of a wow factor since VW did not depart much from the previous GTI when it comes to the design. I guess it was a matter of not wanting to change a winning formula. It looked like a normal Polo from some angles.
The interior – did it serve you well?
The interior is well-designed, and I love the new VW steering. However, as a taller-than-average guy, I found it nearly impossible to sit in the backseat behind a tall driver or passenger. I was happy though with being behind the steering wheel, with no complaints about being crammed.
The technology – did it meet your needs?
Technology is standard, car play, and a good sound system. Once again, it is simple plug-and-play within seconds, and VW has perfected connectivity to be completely seamless.
The drive – was it an overall good drive? Can you qualify for that?
great to drive, it handles well, it has tons of power, very fluid, and it has excellent brakes. The fuel efficiency is also great.
Overall, did it meet your needs for a car?
It’s a great car for a young person living in the city. However, for someone with a more adventurous lifestyle, particularly an individual who involves friends and family, space might be an issue.
Your final impressions. Is it a yay or a nay?
It depends on an individual’s needs. It met mine with ease, remaining practical for daily use, and was relatively fuel-efficient for a car that is badged as a performance hot-hatch. Although the entry of R550 900 might seem steep, it delivers strong value for money and the excitement of a true hot hatch.
