2024 Volkswagen Polo GTI 147kW Long Term Review | Expensive Hot Hatch | Fun to drive

Introduction

Welcome back to S South Africa! I'm Nck Nash, and today I’m excited to share my thoughts on the 2024 Volkswagen Polo GTI. Having spent several weeks with this vehicle, I’ll cover my overall impressions, the cost of ownership, and whether it's worth its asking price of R560,000 (before options).

First Impressions

Initially, I wasn't sold on the blue color option; I preferred the classic white or the King’s red. However, after spending time with the vehicle, I've come to appreciate the blue and believe it's a standout choice. The vehicle has a sporty appearance with its striking front design, complete with LED headlamps and light bars that scream performance. The facelift gave it a significant boost, and it's one of the best updates Volkswagen has executed.

Moving to the side profile, the 18-inch alloy wheels elevate its aesthetic and performance. The GTI badging and red brake calipers serve as a reminder that you’re not just in any ordinary car; you're driving a hot hatch. One notable feature of this car, which I believe is essential for its sporty appeal, is the sunroof. It’s surprising how sometimes a sunroof can elevate the intimacy and feel of driving a Volkswagen GTI.

At the back, the new tail lamps are an upgrade, spanning from the side to the boot. They add a modern touch, and the two twin exhaust pipes, while not particularly loud, do the job. I do think a more aggressive exhaust note would enhance the overall driving excitement. While I may consider lowering it slightly since I'm a stance enthusiast, I believe it’s stylish as is.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the Polo GTI, the steering wheel is a delight with its leather wrap and perforated sections, and you’re welcomed by the updated dashboard and instrument cluster. The digital display provides all the necessary data, including customizable views for your speed, fuel, and more. The infotainment system, however, has no wireless Apple Carplay or Android Auto, which was a little disappointing. The climate controls rely mostly on haptic feedback buttons which, while functional, can be hit or miss, especially on the move.

Now, regarding practicality, the rear seat space is decent. I can sit comfortably behind my normal seating position, and although the manual seat adjustments could be better, they’re still manageable for a sporty car.

Driving Experience

The Polo GTI is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged engine producing 147kW and 320Nm of torque. The six-speed DSG transmission is responsive, and you feel the vehicle's power even in eco mode. What I appreciate most about this car is that you don’t always need to flick to sport to get that immediate thrust, especially when driving spiritedly.

My average fuel consumption throughout my time with the vehicle has been around 8.5 liters per 100 km, increasing to about 9.6 liters when driving aggressively. Overall, if you manage to drive it economically, you can achieve impressive results, but push it hard, and the numbers will reflect your driving style.

I spent R6,500 on fuel over 3,000 km, showing that with responsible driving, the costs can remain reasonable.

Cost of Ownership

Let’s talk finances. The starting price for the Polo GTI stands at R560,000, and once you add options, it can reach around R630,000. The finance running payment is approximately R14,000 over a five-year period. When you include average fuel costs for typical driving, you could anticipate a total ownership cost ranging from R16,000 to R20,000 per month, depending on your driving habits.

Conclusion

Is the Polo GTI worth the money? Considering its performance, practicality, and fun factor, I would say yes. It’s a fantastic vehicle in the hot hatch segment, and while it is on the pricier side, its unmatched driving experience makes it a reasonable investment for anyone looking for a blend of performance, everyday usability, and brand new vehicle peace of mind.

Thank you for joining me in this long-term review of the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more automotive content as we approach the exciting changes coming to the automotive world!

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Keywords

Volkswagen Polo GTI, 2024 model, hot hatch, long-term review, fun to drive, cost of ownership, DSG transmission, fuel consumption.

FAQ

Q: What is the price of the 2024 Volkswagen Polo GTI?
A: The starting price is R560,000 before options, which can increase to around R630,000 with added features.

Q: How much power does the Polo GTI produce?
A: It produces 147kW and 320Nm of torque from its 2-liter turbocharged engine.

Q: Is the Polo GTI fuel-efficient?
A: Yes, when driven responsibly, it can average around 8.5 liters per 100 km, but aggressive driving can increase this.

Q: What is the average monthly cost of ownership?
A: Total ownership costs range from R16,000 to R20,000 per month, depending on the driver’s habits.

Q: Does it come with modern tech features?
A: While it has a good infotainment system, it lacks wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities.