Despite the Polo GTI’s impressive on-paper performance credentials, it’s not really the sort of car to shout about its sporting abilities on a visual front.
As with the exterior, the approach taken to its cabin errs on the side of conservatism. In fact, it’s largely similar to that of a regular, yet generously equipped, standard Polo.
The Jacara cloth upholstery, sports seats and GTI badging are about the only elements that set the GTI aside.
The most notable thing about this interior is probably the touchscreen – but not in the way we’re now used to. Instead, it’s remarkable for essentially being the same 8.0in unit used back in 2018, complete with physical buttons and dials on its borders. Although it is now equipped with newer software, it looks as it ever did. You can upgrade it to 9.2in for £925 (with some other features thrown in).
The big change that Volkswagen made at the 2021 facelift was instead to the digital dial display, expanding it to 10.25in.
A corollary of this is the presence of a separate, physical control panel for the climate system.
How you feel about this state of affairs will depend on what kind of buyer you are: to the tech-hungry ‘digital native’, it will look tragically old-fashioned; to the ‘common sense’ traditionalist, it will be more than welcome at a time when new Volkswagen interiors are little more than a giant touchscreen atop a plinth.
In terms of usability, those sports seats are passably supportive and comfortable yet sit you perhaps a little higher than you might ideally like. Otherwise, the driving position is largely spot on.
As for space in the rear, there is room for two adults – although head and leg room are likely to be a bit tight for taller individuals to sit comfortably over an extended period of time. Boot space is identical to that of the regular car, which means it’s among the best in the class.
There’s a decent 355 litres available with the seats up, while folding them down opens up 1125 litres. Although there is a relatively wide sill to navigate, the boot floor adjusts for height to make loading and unloading easier. Bag hooks also mean your shopping won’t slide about if you elect to take the mountain road home.
