PoloDriver

On 26 August, Volkswagen Group Malaysia launched the Polo GTI 6R at the Sepang International Circuit. Launched in Europe in May 2010, the Malaysian model appears the same as the European variant, but there are however, some key differences, especially when compared to UK cars. Engine and transmission choice is the same (178bhp/132kW, 1.4-litre TSI unit with seven-speed DSG gearbox), but Malaysian cars are equipped with a multifunction steering wheel, parking sensors, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, and an electric panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, all of which are optional extra-cost items in the UK. As in South Africa, Malaysia Polo GTIs come with alcantara seat coverings (optional on UK SEL models) as opposed to the ‘Jacara’ cloth in Europe.

Despite having more power than its direct predecessor, the 148bhp Polo GTI 9N3, the GTI 6R is 24% more fuel efficient, and has CO2 emissions of 139g/km compared to 188g/km of its ancestor. Weight is unchanged to the European cars at 1194kg, and performance is the same as in other markets. Top speed is 142mph/229km/h, and the 0-62mph/0-100km/h dash is dispensed with in 6.9 seconds. Power is transferred to the front wheels via the DSG gearbox, and an electronic transverse differential lock (XDS) reduces the tendency to understeer. Prices start at RM132, 888.00 for the three-door version while the five-door is priced at RM135,888.00. The Polo GTI comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty plus a five-year roadside assistance package. Visit www.volkswagen.com.my for details.

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While the report on our 1000 miles with J6 VWW, one of Volkswagen UK’s press fleet Polo GTIs is still forthcoming, here’s a wallpaper to whet some appetitites in the meantime. Pictured outside the ultra-modern Salvation Army Citadel in Chelmsford, the smaller Volkswagen GTI looks just the compact yet sporty part. We’ll post more pictures as we process them – along with the full written report for our digital magazine bookshelf – but for now, here’s a very bright wallpaper in 1024x768px, 1280x800px, and 1920x1080px sizes.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. In the space of four days, I thought about getting a car, went and saw two locally, and ended up buying the first one I saw. Little over a month ago, I hadn’t even considered driving anything other than my 18 year-old Polo GT Coupé. But that was before the Volkswagen UK 2011 Polo GTI arrived, and unwittingly – and starkly – pointed out that even a 1993 car is now an antique. Lovingly referred to by family members as ‘the classic car’, the coop has covered 164,000 mies, 116,000 of those in my 12-year ownership. But, surprisingly (both to me and those that know me), it now has a new driveway mate.

As I hadn’t considered buying another, newer, car, I hadn’t really thought about what form that more modern, refined, yet cheap fun potential purchase would take. Being a lifelong fan, I guess it was always going to be a Volkswagen, although when I started looking at my £3000 limit, all sorts of machinery presented itself. From early Renaultsport Clio 172s (I’ve always liked the look of the first-generation cars) through to first-year, high-mileage Audi A2s, the search was quite an eye-opener. But as you can see from the picture above, I again plumped for a Polo, my fifth. Was it really going to be anything else?

A 2001-model GTI, it has a 1.6-litre, 125bhp VVT engine, and is seemingly a lot of car for the money. With ABS, CD player, digital air-conditioning/climate control, EDL, headlamp washers, power-steering, remote central locking, sport seats and xenon headlights, it ticks all the equipment boxes, and the fact that it looks natty with its 15-inch BBS alloys and Reflex Silver paintwork sealed the deal. It’s only covered 67,000 miles, too and comes with an almost solely Volkswagen Retailer stamped up service book. There are some little bits and pieces that need sorting naturally (it is a 10 year-old car after all), but that’s half the fun. The interior needs a good clean, too , but it’s nothing an afternoon of elbow grease shouldn’t sort out.

I’ve got no plans for the car apart from the initial tidy up, as I’d like to keep it standard. The first parts have been bought – a set of mudflaps to protect the paintwork, and also a replacement whip aerial mast to replace the corroded chrome one that’s on the car at the moment. There were things to look out for, though. Volkswagen issued a pedal box recall around seven years ago, and this car’s been done, and it’s also had a recent cambelt change. The gearbox feels fine too, as these can cause problems.

At 38, is it my ‘mid-life crisis’ car? I don’t think so, it’s just a much more sensible option for these modern times we live in (although not as sensible as a three-cylinder TDI might have been, of which I only saw three advertised at a 2000-2002 vintage). Yes the Clio 172 would have been more fun in an enthusiast sense, but the possibly flaky build and cheap-looking interior did it no favours. Have I made the right choice? I’m hoping my first foray into GTI ownership will be as much of a pleasure to own as its driveway predecessors, but only time will tell. But, when your other half tells you it’s a good-looking car, you know you could be onto a winner.

Look at that. Two silver ‘sports’ Polos on the drive. Only 18 years and 103bhp separate them. Whereas our long-term 75bhp Polo GT coupé relies on simple mechanical make-up and charm to make up for its lack of electric fripperies, Volkswagen UK’s 178bhp Polo GTI press car is packed with tech. Top of the technological spec sheet must be the 1.4-litre twin-charged engine, which features both a turbocharger and a supercharger. Then there’s XDS, an electronic differential lock, and electric everything. We’ve got J6 VWW for two whole weeks and we’ve got lots of miles planned. We hope to exploit its performance, test its dynamic polish, and see if it’s as all-round a package as its bigger brother, the Golf GTI. Follow the updates on our Twitter feed at @polodrivercom, and if you’ve had experience of Volkswagen’s latest pocket rocket (or its closely related SEAT or Škoda cousins), tell us what you think.

It might have taken a while to come on stream, but the smallest VW GTI seems to be impressing folk. Our Twitter feed has been littered with Polo GTI-related tweets over the last few weeks, so here’s a quick round-up of our content that you may have missed if you don’t follow us. And if you don’t, why not?

Polo GTI awarded Motor magazine’s ‘Bang For Your Bucks’ prize: http://goo.gl/fb/4fk54

The Volkswagen South Africa Date Drive results are in. And, a Polo GTI can make you sexier! Check out the infographic to see the evidence: http://twitpic.com/5melk6

Sam Wollaston of The Guardian newspaper in the UK writes about his all too brief encounter with the Polo GTI: http://t.co/kPEZ78a

Two Polo GTIs are also featuring in long-term test experiences. Ian Dickson, cars editor of MSN is running a five-door red model, and Stephen Dobie of evo magazine is running a three-door white car. Find out how they are doing by following @the_roadtester and @evoStephenDobie on Twitter respectively.

Finally, don’t forget you can read about our first drive of the 178bhp performance Polo here: http://ow.ly/5G2vc

For extra PoloDriver.com content, conversations and links that aren’t on the main website, remember to follow us at www.twitter.com/@polodrivercom