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Polo GTI vs. Ibiza Bocanegra

VW’s Polo GTI and SEAT’s Ibiza Bocanegra use the same engine, but which is better? Plus, how do they rate against VW’s Nineties sizzler?

Polo GTI vs. Ibiza Cupra

Photos: Nathan Morgan May 2010

Volkswagen is credited with inventing the GTI genre, and with six generations of hot Golf under its belt, it’s obvious why. The badge has also been available on the Polo since 2002, but the supermini has never been viewed in the same light as its big brother. Could this be about to change?

The introduction of a new GTI aims to redress the balance, and it’s the first Polo to use a supercharger since 1991’s G40 Coupé. With looks inspired by the Golf GTI, plus an interior that has already been praised for its quality, the new hot Polo promises to be the company’s best yet. The highlight is the 1.4-litre engine, which uses a turbo as well as a blower to produce 177bhp. And thanks in part to the DSG twin-clutch gearbox, it’s the quickest Polo GTI ever.

If you’re after dramatic looks from your sizzling supermini, then SEAT’s Ibiza Bocanegra is worth considering. It uses the same engine and gearbox as the Polo, but has a racier shape. The performance figures match the VW, while a value for money price tag and long kit list make it hard to beat.

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7 Comments

Not a surprise

The quality styling and finish all shine through,the new polo is a really good looking hot hatch,its worth the extra cost over the ugly dated looking Seat.The extra quality and comfort justify's the extra cost,if Seat built the ibiza to the same standard as the Polo it would sell for a similiar price .There is no prestige or Heritage in the Seat brand.I owned a few Seats in late 90's and they were great i think this was down to lifting interiors straight out of vw's and the styling was kept subtle yet still sporty.Now the current Seats all look really dated compared with their equals from VW and Skoda.Its ashame that Seat have to cut corners to be able to undercut their Parent company.

By nickbsmooth on 3 June, 2010, 8:55am

Nonsense

nickbsmooth, you talk nonsense man.

Firstly, it is VW who persist with a design and shape that barely changes over the years and certainly in my view the Polo was dated the day it was launched, as is the Golf. Both cars are completely boring to me, but obviously not to you. That is fine - beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but that is something you seem to forget with your constant banging on about SEAT being dated. No, they are not, and neither are they ugly.

We have two Ibiza SC's in my family - a 1.6CRD Sportand a 1.4 Sport so I speak from owner experience. Both are superby well built - in fact Audi specified that the build quality had to be up to what they viewed as a high standard. There are no rattles, no squeaks, both are very quiet and having driven the Polo and
Golf, I fail to see where you reckon SEAT are cutting corners. OK some materials may not be quite so touchy feely, but they are still quality.

Your argument loses all credibility however when you compare the Ibiza with Skoda. If ever there was a dated looking car its the Fabia. And if you think the Leon is dated, then I rest my case - you clearly have no idea of what dated is when it comes to car design, as dated most definitely does NOT apply to the Leon.

By Debbie312 on 3 June, 2010, 7:02pm

Nonsense is Right

I have never really been a fan of any of VAG. cars, but lowest on my list would be VW....'nickbsmooth'... is obviously having a laugh and a joke when stating that 'the styling and finish shine through' !! what? utter codswallop! VW make some of the most drab and boring interiors that ever 'dis'graced a car! I once had the use of a golf back in the early 90's and a more depressing place to be I couldn't think of..(.WORSE still, at the time my own car was a Rover 200!) but ok I jest a little, although I have to agree with Debbie312, the Seat range as a whole is far more appealing and easy on the eye than any VW badged offerings, and on the subject of Skoda, the current range is definitely hitting the mark style wise except perhaps the aforementioned Fabia, and not only the car but the name is dated on that one!...gotta say I also agree VW and Audi to a certain extent tend to evolve their range rather than having the guts to do something strikingly different. boring boring... heck even Ford and Opel have been much bolder in some of their recent designs...(although an exception there would be the Astra..to me the last model was definitely a better looking car...and there you have it...car design is a very subjective thing...we all are different ...I will make one acknowledgement to VW though..quirky, a little odd, but definitely a pretty thing...the Corrado

By pete_jal on 3 June, 2010, 10:41pm

Polo looks great in an understated way?

That just about sums up this car and VW. In other words it looks utterly dull and nobody will look twice at it.

As for the price, 18k!? This has to be some kind of joke surely. For that kind of cash you can get yourself a proper car, not some glorified female student runabout.

By oliver144 on 4 June, 2010, 9:36am

Save More

Save money and go for the Ibiza Cupra instead. Same car but not as "Loud" looks and cheaper to. Beats the VW and Bochanegra.

By Paddy1979 on 4 June, 2010, 1:32pm

ouch

Debbie312 amazing how sensitive you are over my comments,if you love Seat then thats great but there is no need to assume i know nothing about car industry,when i build new cars for a living.The real gauge of quality and satisfaction is the driver surveys such as JD power,where the real winners are Skoda's beating the Seat's Audi's and VW's by a country mile.Both the Seat and Polo are too expensive,how Seat can Justify £17k is insane if it were sub £15k then it would be in its own league.
Comparing Seat with Audi is ridiculous when an Audi is a premium product.Its like comparing a Toyota to Lexus

By nickbsmooth on 4 June, 2010, 6:17pm

HAhahahaa

The Polo has looked the same since 2000. Now thats dated lookin. And whats this about prestige. I never heard of VW winning rally chanpionships or touring cars anything. VW is a crock...

By Leonidas on 5 June, 2010, 2:35pm

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Facts and Figures

Verdict

Neither of these superminis provides the ultimate in driver appeal, and there are lots of more focused hot hatches around. Instead they aim to mix strong performance with everyday usability and head-turning looks. If that’s what you want, the Polo is a convincing package.

Like the Golf, it is understated with an ability to suit any occasion, from race track to posh hotel. Its strong performance and surefooted handling join a classy cabin and well judged chassis. It’s not an involving experience, but the VW’s softer side elevates it above the SEAT.

If you want to shout about your car’s performance potential, then the loud-mouthed Bocanegra is for you. But its cabin isn’t as appealing as the Polo’s, while its uncompromising suspension is likely to become tiresome. And without the dynamic rewards to make it worth the discomfort, it takes second spot.

1. Polo GTI
As an all-rounder the Polo GTi is definitely one of the best in the class – it looks great, in an understated way. The interior is a belter and the engine provides smooth yet rapid progress. Keen drivers will lament the lack of a manual gearbox and the handling could be a little sharper, but in this test it has the measure of its rival.

2. Ibiza Bocanegra
On paper or in isolation the SEAT is an enjoyable machine. It’s powerful, nimble, entertaining and cheaper than the Polo. It also boasts head-turning looks and a quality interior. However, the Ibiza lacks the all-round polish of the VW, and its raucous character will be a turn-off for some.

 
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