^ It's a bit early to bin my warranty yet, but something worth looking at later.
As for how it drives, it drives brilliantly, the lack of fully independent rear suspension doesn't hamper it's handling at all. It's handling is sharp, like a Golf GTI (The R is fast but doesn't feel sharp). The Polo GTI+ is comparable on standard equipment with the Golf GTI. When you can get a GTI+ with 18" Brescias for £20900 at broker rates vs a standard Golf GTI 5dr performance DSG for £26930 - that £6k extra doesn't buy you much more car.
The only non chrome switch in the car is the lighting dial switch, both come with 18" alloys in my comparison,
Only obvious scrimping is lack of rubberised plastic on top 3" of door cards vs Golf and interior rear door window assembly where it comes to a point is a large painted area that's begging for a piece of triangular trim to cover it.
The minimal weight differences demonstrate that the Polo is just as solid. Both have active info display (Polo has newer gen), Polo gets newer/bigger/higher resolution media screen type. Both get auto lights/rear dimming mirror/auto wipers/LED headlights/ambient lighting/armrest/rear tinted glass/red calipers/ front and rear parking sensors/ACC. Polo gets keyless and basic DCC system in lieu of satnav and climate control. Not a lot between them - I do miss the "never need to touch it" e-handbrake on the Golf. There's a few other bits on either car I'll have forgotten. The polo engine retains MPI and the inlet end has the Audi valve lift tech for (slightly) better mpg. The Polo is 95% the size of a Golf inside.
Residuals (based on published GFV) anticipated to be slightly better than Golf GTI (50% at 3 years GFV).
Such a good car for the money, I'm buying one for the missus too (due to be built this week).