Now, I know the Fabia is cheaper and after driving the Polo I know why. The interior quality and fit and finish is far superior to the Fabia. Typical example of what sticks in my mind are the interior door handles - The VRS had flimsy plastic handles that looked like they would be of the same quality as a plastic bottle, wheras the Polo GTI is literally the same quality as the Golf GTI. I know the publicity spiel says that the Fabia has all the same oily bits that the Polo does, but it simply cannot as the Polo simply handles better and rolls less than the Fabia.
I wouldn't have said the difference was that marked but you can see where they have saved money, its still streets ahead of Renault and ford though, so im happy. Ref the handling Ive driven both and 100% agree the polo handled better, especially with the damping control over rough roads. IMO that's irrelevant though as both of us will change the suspension, ARBs, brakes etc so then its a level playing field.
Both cars need alot of work. I have been speaking to VWRacing about mods and they were in agreement that the chassis suffers pretty poor axle tramp and torque steer and traction issues once mapped,
Plenty of mods available or in development already though. Im waiting for replies from Sam@VWR about pricing for their ARBs, although whiteline have a rear bar available already, and with any luck there will be engine mounts available very soon. VWR believe the LSD is a little bit off at the moment, and i also spoke to Quaife regarding developing a LSD for the DSG7 and they didn't seem remotely interested as they dont see the market as being worthwhile for it as it has the XDS system already.
I'm going for mkiv R32 front brakes and golf rears as the brake upgrade so it stays oem but with much more braking ability. I'm waiting for booking confirmation to have a custom intercooler and radiator made, and im sorted for forge intake.
Not sure how far to take the power though as no ones really sure of the limits on the fuelling yet and with most of the Cupras having issues on SCN its a bit daunting.
Hurdy whats you aims for the Polo then? Performance wise im after 200Hp/ton. Other than that im just after cheap track days and running costs. You'll be amazed at the economy once you've put a few miles on them even when your pelting it. I reckon mine is a good 10mpg better in every scenario to what my Octavia was driven like for like.