This is how the new Volkswagen Polo GTI (2021) makes us overjoyed and deeply unhappy

Advantage 1: two-litre engine with 207 hp and 320 Nm

The new Volkswagen Polo GTI has a burly two-litre engine with 207 hp and 320 Nm. Its predecessor also had a 2.0 TSI (with 200 hp), but the more compact cars with a tiny turbo engine of one liter come on the market, the bigger two liters seem.

The gigantic engine provides an acceleration from 0-100 in 6.5 seconds (first 6.7 s) and that also makes us happy. Switching yourself is unfortunately not there, because you get a DSG automatic transmission as standard.

Advantage 2: spacious equipment

The second advantage is the generous equipment. If you buy a regular Polo, you don't dare to dream of expensive options such as adaptive shock absorbers, matrix headlights or digital meters. But the Polo GTI has those luxury things as standard. So you pay more and you get more.

Advantage 3: colorful interior

We are also charmed by the colorful interior. Red trim brightens up the dull dashboard and door panels, and the seats are upholstered in checkered fabric – as befits a GTI.

Disadvantage: steering wheel with touch buttons

We also discover the biggest drawback in the interior: the steering wheel has touch buttons! Those are not physical switches, but touch surfaces that you have to touch more gently than a newborn baby. In other Volkswagen models, the touch buttons have already caused tantrums and crying spells.

The renewed Polo GTI is expected in the Netherlands at the end of this year. Then we will come back to you with the driving test. We are betting on a base price of more than 30 grand.