Video: 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI review - a match for the Fiesta ST?

Volkswagen has been making 'GTI'-badged hot hatchbacks for more than four decades, and yet has often struggled when diversifying its sub-brand beyond the Golf range.

The new Polo GTI might be the car to change that. Powered by a detuned Golf GTI engine producing 197bhp and providing sub-7.0sec 0-62mph acceleration, the new hot Polo is all set to bring a classy and usable, yet newly serious performance option into the market dominated by the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST and Mini Cooper S.

Unlike previous Polo GTIs, this one has been planned from the earliest stages of the creation of VW's latest supermini platform and engineered without compromise. It'll be available with a choice of DSG paddleshift automatic and manual gearboxes and with VW's latest digital instruments and infotainment technology too. Matt Saunders found out if it's finally a junior GTI worthy of the badge.