Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Polo G40

We step back in time to see how the last supercharged Polo compares

The Polo G40 Coupé hit the UK in 1991, but if you haven’t heard of it, don’t be surprised. It wasn’t a sales success, as VW shifted only 616 in the four years it was available.

By modern standards, the 113bhp produced from its supercharged 1.3-litre engine is unimpressive, but combine that output with a short-ratio gearbox and lightweight construction – it tips the scales at less than a tonne – and you’ve got an entertaining hot hatch.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The first thing that strikes you about the G40 is its size. It’s so small it makes the latest Polo look like an MPV. The red bumper stripe and 13-inch BBS alloy wheels are very Nineties, but there’s still something pleasing about the simple overall shape. VW ambitiously referred to the G40 as a coupé, although as you can see in the pictures, it’s little more than a three-door hatchback.

At launch, the marketing men made a big thing about the premium switchgear, which was lifted directly from the Passat, and that quality is still evident today. The fixed wheel means the driving position isn’t as adjustable as its modern peers, but the sports seats are comfortable and supportive, despite their lurid fabric pattern.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Mokka

2022 Vauxhall

Mokka

15,820 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £16,990
View Mokka
A3 Sportback

2023 Audi

A3 Sportback

36,874 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £17,697
View A3 Sportback
Arona

2021 SEAT

Arona

60,575 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,497
View Arona
Formentor

2024 Cupra

Formentor

23,067 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £26,997
View Formentor

The rest of the cabin lacks the design flair featured in today’s hot hatches, with acres of black plastic and basic instruments. Still, the thin pillars and large glass area make for a terrific view of the road, and the manual windows and sunroof keep the weight down. This is instantly noticeable on the road, where the G40 feels really light on its feet. The unassisted steering weights up mid-corner as the tiny tyres dig hard for grip. And even with the sports suspension, the large-profile tyres aid the ride, so it’s firm but comfortable.

Unlike its turbocharged peers, the boost provided by the supercharger comes low in the rev range, and the most impressive aspect of the whole set-up is its linear power delivery.

It’s eager to rev as well, a job made easier by the short-ratio five-speed gearbox, which is well weighted and precise. Even though it doesn’t feel as urgent as the Bocanegra or Polo GTI, there’s little reason to doubt the claimed 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds – a figure that’s still quick by today’s standards.

It can’t keep up with its modern counterparts in a straight line, and the Nineties model isn’t as refined, either, but for driver involvement and a sense of occasion, it stands the test of time. And after driving cars laden with safety kit and clever electronics, the purity of the experience comes as a breath of fresh air.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £2,598 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,537 off RRP*Used from £14,993
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,391 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,803 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”
VW Golf GTI badge

Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”

VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
News
13 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change
Protyre area manager Simon Hall inspecting a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change

The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories
News
12 May 2025