OK, couldn't get hold of a Polo GTI DSG to test drive locally , so arranged to have a test drive in a Skoda VRS DSG 1.4Tsi. at my doorstep (5mins away) Skoda dealer.
Engine spec is the same as the Polo and just about all the mechanicals are the same (maybe suspension a little different?)
So the tech specs are:-
180ps (178bhp) at 6200rpm
250nm (184lbft) between 2000 and 4500rpm
0-62mph = 7.3 seconds (Polo GTI quotes 6.9 to 60mph)
45.6mpg on the combined cycle (54.3mpg on the open road!)
Co2 emissions are 148g/km = £125 a year tax.
Price - List is £16260, but there is an offer on at the moment with VAT which knocks just over £1900 off the price, so call it £14,360 - before any negotiations!!
Quite a bargain if you don't have any badge snobbery urges deep down.
This is the first time I've even paid much attention to this car and I must say that in the flesh it doesn't look bad at all. the front windscreen is quite high, which gives a very good outlook once you are sat in it. Plastics are however a definite class down from the VW's I've been in, but not as nasty as some Seats I've been in.
Now to the interesting bit, without the driver sat in it this car weighs in at just 1168kg
So stock it has a power to weight ratio of just over 152bhp/ton. Basically the same as the MKVI Golf GTI
Off the line the car is very sprightly, the supercharger is evident straight from the off and the surge is quite potent, not modded GTi fast, but very good indeed. I can see why Blade loves his Polo GTi with extra power.
On uphill stops the car will hold itself stationary for a few seconds after you release the brake pedal without creeping forwards or backwards, a definite improvement on the 6 speed DSG. The car handles nicely, and over the horribly pitted and potholed roads of Sheffield it was very reasonable without getting confused and crashy. The car idles nicely and there's no hint of the transfer of power duties between the supercharger and turbocharger that Mr Clarkson hinted at with the original Golf 1.4TSi. Power delivery is smooth and consistent, no turbo lag at all, throttle response is instant and creamy smooth. On the open road the VRs is stable at speed and although it does tend to lean into corners more than I'd like, it isn't anything that would put me off and nothing that a decent ARB or two couldn't resolve. Speed builds quickly up to around XXXmph and then the car gradually starts to lose its resolve. I'd guess a remap would also help in this area too.
Overall (and I never thought I'd say this!) I was mightily impressed with the Fabia VRS and the price is quite a bargain too.
When you consider the basic list price of the Polo GTi is £19,415 before negotiations, then you are talking £5k difference.
Would I buy one?........If I only had the money for one then yes, but I'd still probably knock on the VW door and have my wallet raided for the extra ££££'s.
On another note, optional extra's at Skoda are unfeasibly cheap compared to VW - for the same kit!!
Satnav equivalents for the VRs and GTi are £840 and £525....FOR THE SAME KIT!!!!!!
