Volkswagen Polo GTI 2006 review

This question resonated often during the week, usually followed by "looks good, how does she go?"

My answer?

Volkswagen's toey new tiddler looks a lot like the Golf GTi and shares that car's sporty intent though it's not as powerful or quick nor anywhere near the price.

But it's just as much fun to drive.

At a mere $26,990, Polo GTi is a performance car bargain offering 110kW of turbo boosted power and strong torque to make driving easy.

How does VW do it for the money?

Bringing the Polo GTi out of Spain could save a few bob but the $Euro is used across Europe so we can't really figure it out.

It doesn't matter because this little three door hatch offers enthusiastic drivers arguably more bang for their buck than anything else on the market.

And far from being a bare bones blaster, the Polo GTi has just about everything you need. Standard equipment includes six air bags, ABS, ESP and even a low tyre presssure warning system.

That's on top of air conditioning, CD audio, power assisted everything and 16in alloy wheels.

The 1.8-litre, 20-valve DOHC engine has been around for yonks in various Golfs and Audis and is infact the same engine used in the previous Golf GTi. In that heavier car it was underwhelming.

While 110kW might not sound like a lot of poke, it's the torque that rules the day.

With 229Nm available at 1950rpm, the GTi pays attention to even the smallest movement of your right foot.

And it's easy to loaf along in too high a gear and simply push the accelerator.

This helps optimise fuel economy as well as improving driving feel. The gearbox is a five speeder offering a good spread of ratios but no auto is available.

Interior styling is up to a typical high standard and the GTi offers room for four adults and their luggage.

We reckon the only downside to this car will be availability. Demand will almost certainly outstrip supply for the VW rocket-powered roller skate.