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A supermini GTi. I love the concept – small and fast – sounds like a Jack Russel Terrier, doesn’t it?

Consider the GTi moniker, launched by Volkswagen back in 1974. Its meaning: GT - a fast car; while the ‘I’ – stands for fuel injection. Forty one years ago those were considered real feature not to be taken for granted. Today these features are par for the course. All cars now come standard with fuel injection, and as a result even city nip-arounds would be considered pretty quick too.

VW are the benchmark when it comes to creating the best all-rounder in the hot hatch line up –when referring to the Golf.

But how about the Polo? Today, five generations deep in perfecting its craft, the Polo is a great city car and like its bigger brother- the Golf- it too is the benchmark by which most competitors are measured. Recently the Polo has been given a midlife facelift – to ward off any wannabe crown snatchers.

On review, the pinnacle of Polo hierarchy, the GTi. Built to last, solid as a rock, quick as a flee and buckets of fun. It’s light or at least it feels like it is- making its 1.8TFSI engine seam more powerful than it is – hitting the 0 to 100 km/h mark in a dashing 6.7 seconds. The GTi is fitted to either a fantastic 6-speed manual or the seamless ninja quick 7-speed double clutch auto. Being a petite car with a catch-me-if-you-can attitude, the GTi is adorned with firm suspension set up. This adds to the cars driving excitement but lessens the luxury element one would get with a Golf GTi.

The cabin has been well designed; comfortably carrying up to four adults while five can be carted for a short distance. The boot and other storage space, like the cubbyhole and console bins, allows for practical storage.

Fuel consumption is fair at 8.5l per 100 km/h. Which is a good thing because what you save at the petrol pumps will cost you in its initial purchase price. The Polo GTi doesn’t come cheap, not with a starting price of R315K plus – but I suppose it’s like anything in life – you get what you pay for!

www.vw.co.za