In most powerful front-wheel-drive cars you get some manner of steering corruption under power but the Golf remains absolutely steadfast and composed. It’s a beautifully balanced and predictable car that flatters everyday drivers but still rewards enthusiasts with an extra, ‘hidden’ level of agility. Whisper it but it’s actually more fun than the Golf R as a result.
Swapping to the Polo is interesting. While the Golf GTI swaggers with self-confidence you sense Volkswagen still hasn’t entirely settled on the Polo’s role. While most cars in this class have downsized their engines the Polo GTI has recently graduated from a 1.4 to a 1.8 and now shares a detuned 200hp version of the Golf’s 2.0-litre.
You can get the Golf in three- or five-door form and with a choice of gearboxes. But the Polo is five-door and DSG dual-clutch auto only. It’s not that much smaller than the Golf and nor is it a great deal slower. Like for like a five-door DSG Golf GTI is £8,000 more expensive too. So, the Polo GTI is an absolute steal, right?
Reality is it’s probably for those who want the GTI look and performance. But wouldn’t call themselves out-and-out enthusiasts. Without the Golf’s fancier technology and with a gearbox that stubbornly does its own thing rather than let you take control it’s less rewarding on track than you’d hope. On the road, it’s fast, refined and well-equipped but somehow lacks that special sparkle.