Golf GTI vs Polo GTI

[Keith009]

Well there are enough knowledgeable people on here to ask about cars so here goes...

The OH and I are looking to trade up from our current baby Bimmer 118i to a convertible (looks set to be an Audi A5 2.0T at this stage ). We are also thinking about complementing the convertible with a more 'sensible' everyday car, which he'll primarily be driving. We were looking for something that has the requisite boot space, is comfortable for both city runabouts and long distance trips, and is 'fun' for him to drive. $50 000 and below is our price point.

Obviously it's hard to go past the Golf GTI at that price point and a hatch seems to satisfy our practical requirements. The reliability of the VW badge is also a draw. We test drove the Golf GTI yesterday and loved it. It is super comfy for me (we intend to option it with the Adaptive Chassis Control), smooth, refined and whisper quiet, yet provides an exhilarating enough drive for him. VW Essendon quoted us $48k on-road which includes the options we wanted (Metallic Paint, Park Assist, Adaptive Chassis Control, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Media Device Interface) and the OH's corporate discount - he's doing this as a novated lease.

However we can't help noticing that the Polo GTI has identical 0-100 km/h stats, and costs a whole $11k less on RRP. Not to mention lower fuel consumption. We've been in a standard Polo before, and think it's more than adequately sized for a hatchback and found it surprisingly composed for such a small car. We've yet to test drive the Polo GTI as we were pretty set on the Golf GTI until we examined the Polo GTI in greater detail.

Can anyone comment on whether the $11k premium is justified for the Golf GTI? Should we at least give the Polo GTI a spin? Are there any differences between the Polo and the Golf (other than the size) that we should be aware of, eg in comfort, handling etc?

Also, could we perhaps do better than the $48k quoted by VW Essendon for the Golf GTI? It includes on-roads and a $3000 corporate discount.

TIA!

 

[AdMEL]

QF009, a few comments:

VW is not known for their reliable cars (they regularly end up at the bottom of reliability surveys). However, I believe Golf GTI's are manufactured in Germany and the current version is a much better design, which should mean better reliability. Also, the fact that they aren't considered the most reliable in this day and age shouldn't really be a problem, as pretty much all new cars are very reliable.

Current Polo is about as big as a Golf of only a few generations ago. Polo is a very good looking car and the engine (I assume it's the 1.4l twin charger) is supposed to be a very good engine, both from a performance and economy perspective (it might be a good idea to check servicing costs though, as the engine is resonably complex). You should definitely test drive it. If it meets your size requirements, drives ok and isn't too expensive to service, I would save the $11K!

 

[BVT]

Well there are enough knowledgeable people on here to ask about cars so here goes...

The OH and I are looking to trade up from our current baby Bimmer 118i to a convertible (looks set to be an Audi A5 2.0T at this stage ). We are also thinking about complementing the convertible with a more 'sensible' everyday car, which he'll primarily be driving. We were looking for something that has the requisite boot space, is comfortable for both city runabouts and long distance trips, and is 'fun' for him to drive. $50 000 and below is our price point.

Obviously it's hard to go past the Golf GTI at that price point and a hatch seems to satisfy our practical requirements. The reliability of the VW badge is also a draw. We test drove the Golf GTI yesterday and loved it. It is super comfy for me (we intend to option it with the Adaptive Chassis Control), smooth, refined and whisper quiet, yet provides an exhilarating enough drive for him. VW Essendon quoted us $48k on-road which includes the options we wanted (Metallic Paint, Park Assist, Adaptive Chassis Control, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Media Device Interface) and the OH's corporate discount - he's doing this as a novated lease.

However we can't help noticing that the Polo GTI has identical 0-100 km/h stats, and costs a whole $11k less on RRP. Not to mention lower fuel consumption. We've been in a standard Polo before, and think it's more than adequately sized for a hatchback and found it surprisingly composed for such a small car. We've yet to test drive the Polo GTI as we were pretty set on the Golf GTI until we examined the Polo GTI in greater detail.

Can anyone comment on whether the $11k premium is justified for the Golf GTI? Should we at least give the Polo GTI a spin? Are there any differences between the Polo and the Golf (other than the size) that we should be aware of, eg in comfort, handling etc?

Also, could we perhaps do better than the $48k quoted by VW Essendon for the Golf GTI? It includes on-roads and a $3000 corporate discount.

TIA!

Golf over the Polo, anyday. IMHO.

Should you be looking at more diversity (georaphically) in your garage? Two German marques - not that there is anything wrong with that!

 

[Keith009]

Golf over the Polo, anyday. IMHO.

Should you be looking at more diversity (georaphically) in your garage? Two German marques - not that there is anything wrong with that!

Yeah we were inclined to simply go for the Golf, but can't help to see if there's much tangible difference between the 2 other than size given the massive price gulf.

My other option for convertible was Japanese - the Lexus IS250C. Very lovely car, very smooth and refined and those leather seats are SOOOO nice! I plan to put Nappa leather in the A5 and it doesn't even feel half as nice. But I can't get over how awkward the Lexus looks when the top is up. Unlike the sedan which has rather nice sleek lines. The A5's ride quality was also rather impressive and I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the soft top was (and this is without their Acoustic roof lining option). And it's hell of a lot sexier!

Come to think of it the 2 marques are owned by the same parent company. This defo didn't happen by design! Just that they're 2 very good cars that met most of our needs. A lot of the A5's parts come from VW anyway (the 2.0T engine in the A5 is the same as that in the Golf GTI). I wonder if VW Group itself will be able to give us a larger collective discount?

 

[BVT]

Yeah we were inclined to simply go for the Golf, but can't help to see if there's much tangible difference between the 2 other than size given the massive price gulf.

My other option for convertible was Japanese - the Lexus IS250C. Very lovely car, very smooth and refined and those leather seats are SOOOO nice! I plan to put Nappa leather in the A5 and it doesn't even feel half as nice. But I can't get over how awkward the Lexus looks when the top is up. Unlike the sedan which has rather nice sleek lines. The A5's ride quality was also rather impressive and I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the soft top was (and this is without their Acoustic roof lining option). And it's hell of a lot sexier!

Come to think of it the 2 marques are owned by the same parent company. This defo didn't happen by design! Just that they're 2 very good cars that met most of our needs. A lot of the A5's parts come from VW anyway (the 2.0T engine in the A5 is the same as that in the Golf GTI). I wonder if VW Group itself will be able to give us a larger collective discount?

I will be interetsed i n your views, after you test drive the Polo. Nothing wrong with it; I just think the Golf GTi wil be heaps more fun. Have you considerd an Eos?

 

[Keith009]

Have you considerd an Eos?

Nope... but we'd have definitely thought of it if we shopped at that price point for the convertible. Always wanted a Lexus as they make such comfy cars but I think something went wrong in the transition from sedan to convertible as the IS250C looks really ugly with the top up. The A5 is like the Prada suit that fits! It just felt flawless... killer looks, very cool and well put together interior, and it's such a relaxed boulevard cruiser when you want it to be yet has enough power if called upon when overtaking etc.

 

[futaris]

I would stick with the Golf. And ask the same question on ozaudi.com, VWWatercooled Australia - VWWatercooled, VWGolf.net.au - Australian Volkswagen Golf Forums and maybe ozvolks.com...

There are a few other AFF members on ozaudi, driving Audi's and other VAG cars...

 

[Keith009]

I do have an account on ozaudi as I signed up to ask about the P plate turbocharge exemption for VIC. FWIW my "test drive report" of the 2 convertibles: http://www.ozaudi.com/forums/showthread.php/29604-Advice-on-A5-2.0T-Cabriolet-for-P-plater-%28VIC%29?p=279150#post279150

I can't legally drive the Golf or Polo GTI as am on Ps (and neither qualify for the turbo exemption as they're clearly high performance sports cars) so it's really the OH who will be driving either. I just go along for the test drive to ensure that he picks a car that's adequately comfy for me - not bone jarring like our current 1 series!

I didn't realise there's a VW section on ozaudi but I guess it'd make sense as the 2 brands are rather closely related.

 

[The Rok]

The 0 - 100 figures are on par but where the Golf GTI wins over the Polo GTI is the XDL. This gives it far superior handeling through the corners. The Polo GTI is a little light and struggles to put its power to the ground.

More noticable differences between the two are that the Golf has a Touchscreen radio with SD Card Reader, MDI (I-Pod Interface), fully integrated Bluetooth and so on.

There is no factory option for bluetooth on the Polo, only dealer fit.

And lastly, a Golf GTI can be found with relative ease if you are flexible on specification, a Polo GTI will most likely be a minimum of 12 months wait......

 

[docjames]

Austral vw (in brisbane) are offering drive away without onroads sale on golf GTI at the moment.

As the owner of a MkV Golf GTI, I vote golf! If you can afford it, it's a better car, but the polo is no slouch either.

PM me Your email address and I can forward you the email.

 

[jb747]

I've got relatives of both of the cars you are talking about in my garage. Her car is an Audi Q5, with the 3.0 TDI. Not sure how you intend using your A5, but consider this engine (though it may boost the price by too much). V8 levels of torque, and tiny four fuel consumption. The 7 speed dual clutch gearbox is lovely...but remember, it is not an auto...takes slightly different mid set. If you are going to have the car built for you, consider the sport seats. Way better than the standard.

I also have Mk5 Golf R32. Big brother to the GTI, but the same basic car. Had it for 4 years now, and still love it. Probably the only car I've ever owned puts a grin on your face every time you start the engine. I've looked at the Polo (I was in a dealers just the other day, as my 32 will be soon sold to make way for something that can tow (sad)). I was unimpressed with the Polo. After all that I'd heard I expected a smaller Golf, but the ambiance just wasn't there. The Mk 6 GTI is a beautiful vehicle...go for that. If you want a small, nice car, buy an A1 (you might get a bulk discount there)....otherwise the Golf GTI pretty much stands alone. If you get the RNS 510 sat nav in the Golf, you don't need a media interface...just use the HDD or an SD card. I've never used mine.

DO NOT buy a bluetooth from VW for the Golf RNS. They are using a very poor system, and not importing the fully integrated units from Europe. Buy the Skoda system (readily obtainable, lots of info on the VW forums). This is what VAG should be making available.

Dealers...for Audi talk to James Vandrine at Melbourne Audi, or Lesley Bartlett at Penfolds Burwood. Do not go near Doncaster.....

Volkswagen...I'll be very surprised if you can beat Burwin.

 

[Keith009]

Hi, thank you all for your comments.

Dermot - 12 months?!?! That's defo a deal breaker. I can understand waiting that long for a special edition Bentley or something but this is only a $30k little hatch we're talking about lol.

docjames - they also have a similar promo at VW Essendon. I think it's an Australian-wide thing. Upon further digging on some of the VW forums, apparently they quite readily take away on-roads for you if you bargain.

jb747 - I'm not as into speed as the OH so the A5 2.0T engine will do just fine for me. We tried the 3.0TDI engine in the Sportback when we were thinking of getting that but it was WAY too powerful for me, not to mention that the Sportback had very bad noise isolation with a lot of road, wind and engine noise and comparatively poor ride quality - you feel everything on the road (could be because of the S-line suspension on the tester - I made it clear to the dealer that I do not want S-line suspension on the A5 Cabriolet). I was pleasantly surprised by how much more refined the Cabriolet was despite the soft top, and even when the top is down. I simply want something that is primarily a flash yet comfy and relaxing cruiser/posing machine , yet has adequate power to do simple tasks like overtaking for which the 2.0T engine is more than sufficient. I might still give the C Class Coupe a go when it comes out, as the interior looks the best!

We were impressed how refined the Golf was, especially as it's supposed to be a hot hatch. It really felt a lot bigger than it actually was, and the ride quality is much better than our BMW 118i. One of my concerns about the Polo would be the ride quality, as it stands to reason that smaller car wouldn't be as composed. But the OH mentioned that if he is just as happy with the drive and doesn't have to wait more than 5-6 months then he'll seriously consider the Polo.

Thanks for the tips about options. We loved the Sports seats on the A5 and are definitely getting it along with Nappa leather. I wish they used a nicer and softer grain of leather like Lexus though. For the Golf, I thought the function of the Media Device Interface was to ensure that it can accommodate a USB cable so that we can plug in our iPhone to either re-charge the battery in the car or listen to music. How do you achieve that with the SD/HDD... wouldn't that also mean carrying an extra SD card around?

We didn't have a good experience with Audi Center Melbourne so we'll try Burwood. Audi Richmond was very good even though they were a satellite dealership of Audi Melbourne. We'll defo give VW Burwin a go, it'll be much closer to our new place in South Yarra than Essendon anyway (we're currently on the wrong side of the river in the People's Republic of Brunswick).

 

[gumpy]

I love VW, i owned the pervious generation Polo GTi and i loved it.

Personally unless you really need the extra space get the Polo GTi.

It's the size of the golf Mk3 (as you know all cars just grow over time).

The polo will give you better fuel econ, easier around the city and the shopping centres and it's actually quite a comfortable car. In my old car I did Syd to Mel a few times and it's not bad at all.

The golf is better for certain things like it has a independent rear suspension vs a torsion bar in the polo but are you one that would really notice or care about that?

If I were you get the polo gti with all the options and with the savings but a J ticket somewhere for a lovely holiday.

 

[jb747]

......comparatively poor ride quality - you feel everything on the road (could be because of the S-line suspension on the tester - I made it clear to the dealer that I do not want S-line suspension on the A5 Cabriolet).

I think you've hit the nail on the head with regard to the S-line suspension. The normal Audi is firm enough. Whilst on suspensions, I doubt that you'd need the adaptive suspension on the Golf either. From what I've read, most owners (unless they're boy racers), tend to leave it at the 'normal' setting.

For the Golf, I thought the function of the Media Device Interface was to ensure that it can accommodate a USB cable so that we can plug in our iPhone to either re-charge the battery in the car or listen to music. How do you achieve that with the SD/HDD... wouldn't that also mean carrying an extra SD card around?

Well, in both the R32 and the Q5, we have HDD and SD interfaces. The SD will handle up to 32gig, so we just leave one in each car which holds all of the music. The media interface works with an iPod, but it will not charge a new iPhone. Again, have them in both cars and never use them.

 

[Keith009]

I love VW, i owned the pervious generation Polo GTi and i loved it.

Personally unless you really need the extra space get the Polo GTi.

It's the size of the golf Mk3 (as you know all cars just grow over time).

The polo will give you better fuel econ, easier around the city and the shopping centres and it's actually quite a comfortable car. In my old car I did Syd to Mel a few times and it's not bad at all.

Thanks so much for that. We'll defo take the Polo GTI out for a spin. Hopefully we don't have to wait 12 months for it though, that is a ridiculous waiting time for a VW. Contrary to popular belief in Australia, VW certainly isn't a 'prestige' brand by any means!

Whilst on suspensions, I doubt that you'd need the adaptive suspension on the Golf either. From what I've read, most owners (unless they're boy racers), tend to leave it at the 'normal' setting.

Well, in both the R32 and the Q5, we have HDD and SD interfaces. The SD will handle up to 32gig, so we just leave one in each car which holds all of the music. The media interface works with an iPod, but it will not charge a new iPhone. Again, have them in both cars and never use them.

Thanks for that. I might try to convince the OH to leave out the Adaptive Chassis thingo then. The normal mode is comfy enough for me and didn't seem to present any issues with his drive either. I hated the Sports mode! Will leave out Media Device Interface in light of what you just said... though I think it comes standard in the Audi.

 

[hummel]

Thanks so much for that. We'll defo take the Polo GTI out for a spin. Hopefully we don't have to wait 12 months for it though, that is a ridiculous waiting time for a VW. Contrary to popular belief in Australia, VW certainly isn't a 'prestige' brand by any means!

There is a few of the new polo gti's at dealers that are unsold at the moment but you have to be quick.

If I was in your situation I would probably go for the Golf purely because it's hard to get the Polo and there is some good deals to be had on the Golf at the moment. FWIW I currently drive the previous Polo Gti (2008) which Ihave done over 120,000kms in and it hasn't missed a beat. I also have a 1978 VW Kombi which is even more reliable

Perhaps with the money saved by buying the polo you could do a few upgrades/options on the A5?... or a status run

 

[Keith009]

Perhaps with the money saved by buying the polo you could do a few upgrades/options on the A5?... or a status run

Will do. We have to actually like the Polo of course. Currently planning to put Metallic Paint, Bluetooth, Park Assist and Sav Nav on the Golf GTI (and I suspect much the same with the Polo), and Metallic Paint, Heated Seats with the neck heating feature, Sports Seats, Nappa Leather, B&O Sound System, Walnut Brown inlays with the A5 Cabriolet. Willing to give up on the neck heating or wood if it means getting an A5 right there and then (noticed that most of the one in-stock have no wood) rather than wait 6 months. Also apparently the 2012 A5 comes with Sat Nav as standard - win!

Got over status runs a long time ago. I don't mind a more circuitous routing but I'm over airport security, waiting in queues etc... Even the Flounge is getting monotonous. Blasphemy, I know, especially for those who have read my DONE4 exploits. And I refuse to do a YUPP run.