Volkswagen Polo GTI (2011)

But the latest incarnation of the Polo GTi deserves equal billing. After all, it shares a number of technical features and the fundamental GTi philosophy with its more expensive sibling.

Around $14,000 cheaper than a Golf GTi, it’s well worth consideration by those after an entertaining drive. It’s Golf’s smaller sibling, but interestingly our measurements show cabin occupant space is little different. Golf shades it for load space in the hatch area though.

Polo GTi’s twin-charger engine, which uses a combination of supercharging and a turbo, offers plenty of grunt and go with frugal fuel use and reduced emissions. It never lacks for an urgent response, despite its diminutive 1390 cc capacity, and the standard seven-speed DSG gearbox (there’s no manual) shifts swiftly, even when forced at wide-open throttle to shuffle back multiple ratios. Naturally, there’s a manual and a sports mode too.

The chassis has a nimble poised feel, there’s good grip from the 40 series rubber and the steering is nicely linear and suitably sharp. Brakes are progressive and efficiently retard progress when requested. The sports suspension is 15 mm lower than the standard Polo.

The front sports seats are comfortable, supportive and nicely bolstered though lumbar adjustment and cushion tilt would have been welcome.