Polo GTI - 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013?

[mylilgti]

Not sure what everyone is on about regarding the polo gti issues. Maybe i got lucky with mine. It's out of warranty and recently had the 45000km service. Mind you i think this was the only year model that wasn't recalled.

I have the MY12.5. It's ridiculously fast and handles nicely but i would love to own a scirocco as my next car!

[JonW]

I have a 12.5 and its had its hassles but finally it drives like it should always have done. No oil use and clutches are great and no thumps or clonks etc. I would not shy away from one of these if i was you, they are great if you can find a good one. Im selling mine soon, 28k kms on it.

[staz88]

Same here. MY12.5 Polo GTi.
Bought brand new. 40,000km driven so far.

Drives great. No warranty claims. No oil consumption issues. No problems at all.

[JonW]

In a few years time people will be seeking these cars out I reckon, such is the way of cars. The engine and the way the 6R works as a package is something different.

I had a 6C GTI recently for 10 days, and I was glad to be back in my 6R after. That sounds like something jealous people say, but the 6R is more raw and faster revving and the steering is heavier which works better to me (you can change it in VCDS tho if you like). You can get a 6C off the line easily without shredding the tyres, you will struggle in a 6R, thats good and bad of course. With the latest round of gearbox software my gearbox is the best its been and I dont think the 6C is any faster in real terms. I liked the 6C and it had some great features, but I was happy to have my R back, not least as its a 3 door and I didnt have to fold myself up to get in lol

[spare]

Either I got super lucky buying mine (brand new) back in 2013, or as mentioned previously, the Forums tend to create a false sense of concern by showing a very filtered view (by its very nature) of only bad or negative experiences with these vehicles.

Keep you car regularly serviced with an experienced VW mechanic, stay on top of the Oil side of things by topping up regularly as needed with the oil VW recommends etc. and you'll be fine.

The big one is the CTHE engines (2013 onwards I believe?) fixed a lot of the inherent issues of the original CAVE engines, so try to get 2013 onwards.

Mine's running full APR Stage 2, it's my daily, I drive it hard, go to cruise days, drag days etc and it's been great!

[sschen]

I went to test drive a 2011 Polo GTi last night and it doesn't feel as responsive as my 2007/8 Polo GTi (with APR Stage 1). I guess it is because it isn't a fair comparison seeing my older GTi has APR Stage 1? But I do like the firmer steering feel of the 2011 Polo GTi.

[sschen]

Either I got super lucky buying mine (brand new) back in 2013, or as mentioned previously, the Forums tend to create a false sense of concern by showing a very filtered view (by its very nature) of only bad or negative experiences with these vehicles.

Keep you car regularly serviced with an experienced VW mechanic, stay on top of the Oil side of things by topping up regularly as needed with the oil VW recommends etc. and you'll be fine.

The big one is the CTHE engines (2013 onwards I believe?) fixed a lot of the inherent issues of the original CAVE engines, so try to get 2013 onwards.

Mine's running full APR Stage 2, it's my daily, I drive it hard, go to cruise days, drag days etc and it's been great!

Interesting... So not all the 6R Polo GTi (2010 to 2015) share the same engine???

[alexaescht]

Interesting... So not all the 6R Polo GTi (2010 to 2015) share the same engine???

Nope.

-CAVE 1.4 twin charger 2010-2013 (132kW/250Nm)
-CTHE 1.4 twin charger 2013-2015 (132kW/250Nm)
-EA888 1.8 turbo 2015+ (DSG: 141kW/250Nm; Manual: 141kW/320Nm)

2010-2015 are auto only (DQ200 DSG) while 2015+ is the same DSG with a 6sp manual optional. Note that DSG versions of the 2015+ GTI are torque-limited so as to not overload the DSG.