VW Polo GTi 5dr DSG: Test Drive Review

Date: 20 June 2011

Category: Supermini P11D price: £19,245

Volkswagen's performance Polo, the GTI, is never going to be the sensible fleet choice.

With CO2 emissions of 139g/km, in a supermini sector that has cars emitting as little as 89g/km, such as the Skoda Fabia, volume isn't going to be high. But what the GTI lacks in practicality it makes up for in fun. The 1.4-litre 180hp engine does 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and handles brilliantly. VW's impressive DSG automatic gearbox is also a pleasure and can be switched to manual or sports mode.

The five-door GTI costs £19,245 and does 47.9mpg compared with the most frugal Polo, a Bluemotion 1.2 TDI, which costs £15,480 and has official figures of 80.7mpg. With cost-per-mile at 51.9 pence for a small car, it will be hard to convince a good fleet manager of the GTI's worth. But it doesn't change the fact that this is a thoroughly enjoyable car to drive.

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