Photo: Volkswagen
Since about 2014 or so, Volkswagen has gotten the habit of offering a manual Polo GTI again, and people seem to like it. It wasn't available from day 1 with this all-new model, but you can now order a 2019 Polo GTI with three pedals and the obligatory GPF in Germany.
With the old Polo GTI, there were two benefits to a manual gearbox, as the 7-speed DSG couldn't handle all the torque of the 1.8 TSI. But the 6-speed matched to the new 2.0 TSI can, leaving us only the cost advantages.
More specifically, the 6-speed manual starts from €23,350, which is about €1,600 less than the DSG model. This brings the Polo closer to rivals like the Fiesta ST, though we suspect most customers will still have the auto since it's the main reason to have a VW over the fun or engagement you get from other brands.
Also, the manual is somehow less efficient (6.3 l/100km vs. 6.1 and 142g vs. 138g), even though it's about 30 kg lighter. You might also be interested to know that according to the WLTP, this car will do about 10 l/100km around town, even though VW's numbers claimed a lot less.
The Polo GTI options are cheap by VW standards, but still quite costly. For example, you will need another €2,500 just to have nice paint, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and the digital dashboard which can show you things like navigation or your radio. But despite the beefy 2-liter turbo engine with 320 horsepower, you can't get the car with a mechanical diff like you can with the Ford Fiesta ST.
The GTI sits 15mm lower to the ground than a normal Polo to improve stability, but you can order a couple of adaptive dampers to add a layer of comfort. The body kit is quite discreet and includes new bumpers with some sporty elements, the red strip, and a small trunk spoiler. In the usual VW way, you have tartan seat trim as well.
More specifically, the 6-speed manual starts from €23,350, which is about €1,600 less than the DSG model. This brings the Polo closer to rivals like the Fiesta ST, though we suspect most customers will still have the auto since it's the main reason to have a VW over the fun or engagement you get from other brands.
Also, the manual is somehow less efficient (6.3 l/100km vs. 6.1 and 142g vs. 138g), even though it's about 30 kg lighter. You might also be interested to know that according to the WLTP, this car will do about 10 l/100km around town, even though VW's numbers claimed a lot less.
The Polo GTI options are cheap by VW standards, but still quite costly. For example, you will need another €2,500 just to have nice paint, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and the digital dashboard which can show you things like navigation or your radio. But despite the beefy 2-liter turbo engine with 320 horsepower, you can't get the car with a mechanical diff like you can with the Ford Fiesta ST.
The GTI sits 15mm lower to the ground than a normal Polo to improve stability, but you can order a couple of adaptive dampers to add a layer of comfort. The body kit is quite discreet and includes new bumpers with some sporty elements, the red strip, and a small trunk spoiler. In the usual VW way, you have tartan seat trim as well.
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