Polo GTI... want one, got one & now modded... Detailed..

[flyfs6]

I'm looking to replace my daily driver which is advertised at the moment...with either a Renault Clio 197 F1 team.

This model also comes with proper bucket recaros' and cup suspension. Therefore its supposed to handle better and steer sharper. All 197's have approx 194/197bhp 2.0l n/a engine. They're supposed to be thirsty too but that doesnt put me off. But they're also supposed to be desireable and popular new and second hand. It could be like the next Clio Williams

I'm seeing some light, therefore a Polo GTI is on the cards too. It makes more sense in the long run, its cheaper to run/insure, more practical because 5dr's are available, and easier to tune because the 1.8T has been around for ages. Plus the red stitching really stands out with the leather option.

Now what I'm hoping you guys/gals can do is, to help us out with your opinions on both cars and views of your cars.

Like on average how many miles do you get to a tank, what are they like to live with? Could you live without remapping it and how much i'm looking for a CAT back exhaust+map or anyother bits.

Is worth getting rid of the Polo 9n TDI 100PD for (which feels rapid)? and would any of you go for a Clio 197 F1 team instead?

[AndyGTi]

Hi flyfs6

I bought a Polo GTI in Jan and absolutely love it. It ticka all the boxes I wanted it to tick and suits what I want it for.

Economy wise I am easily matching the 35.8 combined figure and sometimes higher. But of course maybe I'm not tearing around like some of the others.

Several owners on here have done modifications and uprated the 1.8T engine, by the sounds of it their cars are pretty quick and they see it as a major improvement over standard set-up

I had a Renault Clio 1.4 16v (2002) previously and I was pleased to get rid of it. Polo build quality is far superior even if they have improved new Clios.

It really depends what you want from car. The Clio 197 has a very good chassis and all the reviews rave about handling. But when I test drove it the lack of torque really put me off as well as the fact I really didn't fancy owning a Renault again. You have to really rev it to get the power. I loved the torque from the Polo's 1.8T engine and I am quite happy driving calmly around because I know I have plenty of go when I need it. Overtaking is effortless and doesn't require lots of gear changes.

If you are really keen on Clio 197 you should have a look at Renaultsport website, they have a great forum and everyone will give you plenty of opinions for and against.

Also don't know how soon you want the car but the cup suspension and recaros will be an option from September on standard car, so you might want to save some money and wait a bit longer.

Anway whatever you choose it'll be great fun to drive

[KennyPOLO_Gti]

hi flyfs6
I had a clio 1.2 before i bought my polo gti, and all i can say is what a difference! My clio was a good car for my first car, cheap to run and parts were cheap etc but it was cheap basically! cheap insides of the car and outsides, had to take it down to renault a few time for wee things such as sunroof fittings squeeking, auto lights not coming when they should! A know these are daft things but its annoying to be honest! Ma whole family have has VW and we love them, a learnt to drive in a polo sport Mk3, ma sis had a polo Mk 4 (gr8 car) and ma dad has a passat and never had any complaints about any of them! As for the Gti, well I love it, Its solid, tuneable (APR stage 1 - 3), lightish, sexy (lol), but to be honest a poor handler! Very springy, which can be solved very easily!

So basically a think renault are a cheap french manufacturer which i dont rate cos its french, where as the best cars I think you can get are german or Japenese!!! So go for the Polo GTI and Tune it up!

[flyfs6]

Thanks for your posts.

Andy like you say, lack of torque is a let down. Shame it lets down a very nice car. A reputed Renault tuner is willing to develop bits for it, just need a car

Kenny, I know Renault can be a headache - I have first hand experience. 197 seems so desireable - I saw past reliability and quality.

I have an appointment to visit a VW dealer with to view a Polo GTI and I'm hopeful .

What sort of miles to the tank do you guys get and how much does it cost to fill up? Worst and best please (any figure). Just want a practical figure in my head.

[KennyPOLO_Gti]

I went to blackpool (3hr trip) last week and got 88ish too the gallon, Sitting around 80 - 90 most of the way. But with my general driving am getting 32 - 34 to the gallon. Really depends how you drive m8. I like to be heavy footed a lot

[Jeff GTi]

88 to the gallon, you having a laugh

surely that was only your best reading once you re set the trip computer at speed on the motorway, work out your expenditure on pen and paper and i doubt it will be so high bud

my gti will give me 40 - 44 on motorways or 30 mpg round town taking it easy

[Jeff GTi]

and flyfs6, with all my mods ill get about 250 miles to a tank round town, to 300 on a run, worst i ever got in my red one was 93 miles, but it was one hell of a fun time round silverstone haha

[david burton]

both those cars are at the opposite ends of the small hot hatch scale. you should be easily able to choose if you know what you like.

the 197 is a driver's car, point to point almost one of the quickest about, as standard. but it's french and build quality won't be brilliant. a very revvy engine too.

the GTI is good quality, but needs to be tuned to get anywhere near the handling and performance of the Clio. It's not really a red-hot hatch, but it is fast.

[KennyPOLO_Gti]

88 to the gallon, you having a laugh

surely that was only your best reading once you re set the trip computer at speed on the motorway, work out your expenditure on pen and paper and i doubt it will be so high bud

my gti will give me 40 - 44 on motorways or 30 mpg round town taking it easy

LOL meant to put 38 A wish i got 88

[flyfs6]

Cheers for your opinions.

I did test drive a Polo GTI few days ago, the dealer was asking too much money for it, wouldn't take any money off and it wasn't as described. Things like double the mileage, and missing some options I was advised it has.

It did have leather, parking sensors, winter pack and metallic paint. I drove a whole 400 mile trip for that! So it really annoyed me. Good news is that I can order a new for just 10% more from another dealer. Bad news I cant have that colour

Secondly I passed by Renault last night at 8:30pm to see if their F1 sold. I was surprised to see people still in there, they let me in and let me also drive a normal 197. Its a lovely car yet I'm not sure its for me. I didn't notice lack of torque when driving normally and not until I really took it past 5-6k revs where it will fly yet feels dead. Lovely steering etc.

If I hadn't driven the GTI that Clio would have been a no brainer. GTI is significantly more progessive, and without a doubt is going to be more fun to live (even in standard guise. It has that sparkle.

[Jeff GTi]

thats great i bet your made up, now get it remapped when you get it and youll be like mine, from a rolling start you will be able to worry sti impreza's and porsche boxters by staying with them

[KennyPOLO_Gti]

Totally agree with Jeff, Get that Remap on it!!!! so much fun.

[andy947]

I'm selling my Polo GTI, Silverbird Metallic, 56 plate, under 5k miles, 12500 ono.

[gti-joe]

I'm selling my Polo GTI, Silverbird Metallic, 56 plate, under 5k miles, 12500 ono.

Saw it on pistonheads, looks minted. Why you selling it ?

[andy947]

I'm selling my Polo GTI, Silverbird Metallic, 56 plate, under 5k miles, 12500 ono.

Saw it on pistonheads, looks minted. Why you selling it ?

Just fancy a change, i'm after a Mint MK1 / MK2 Golf GTI instead.