This VW Polo GTI is a highly original example of the millennium-era model, which boasts spritely performance and genuine low mileage. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre 16-valve inline-four producing 123bhp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 52,166 miles from new.
First registered on 11 March 2000, this car has just one private keeper on the log book. Supplied when new to a lady owner, it was kept in very good order and serviced annually without fail, until it was acquired by the Citygate VW group and retained on a trade declaration.
It is understood that the paint was kept in superb condition thanks to a GardX paint protection application, and that the dealer group purchased the car to show just how much of a difference the product could make over time. The car has spent the last four years in a showroom for this marketing purpose.
Fitted with a deeper front bumper and side skirts, the bodywork presents in excellent order today, with no panel damage, corrosion or dents. Volkswagen cars of this era are renowned for being robust, and this Polo GTI is no different. The Flash Red paintwork is in remarkably good condition, with the protective coating having kept the finish looking bright and glossy throughout. The car rides on 15-inch BBS split-rim alloy wheels, which are in great shape.
Inside, the black cloth upholstery presents very well, with some minor wear to the driver’s side bolster, but with no other noticeable wear or damage. All of the trim is in good order, with only the odd nick or mark in the plastics. The original leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob are present, along with the factory-fitted Gamma radio and cassette deck. Equipment includes xenon headlights, a six-disc CD changer, and air-conditioning. The seller states that the driver’s side window is currently inoperative, but that it will be fixed before handover to the new owner.
Its last scheduled maintenance was in February 2015 at 50,415 miles, which consisted of a major service along with replacement of the clutch cable. It is believed the car covered approximately 1,500 miles more over the next year, before being taken off the road and exhibited in a Citygate VW showroom. There is a record of a cambelt change in the history file in May 2007 at 23,599 miles.
The seller informs us that the car is currently being given a thorough check over at West London VW’s workshop, and it will have a fresh MOT certificate for the next owner – having had any necessary maintenance carried out prior to the auction ending.
Accompanying this Polo GTI is the original owner’s book pack, including the stamped service record, along with two keys. The spare wheel is also housed under the boot floor.
This VW Polo GTI is something of a time-warp example of the breed, having been cosmetically protected when new, and being recently exhibited in a dealer group showroom to present its impressive condition. A superb junior hot hatch; it could be put into service as a refined and exciting daily driver, or simply savoured at weekends on the next owner’s favourite roads.
All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.