Volkswagen Polo GT TSI In-depth review Part 1

The Volkswagen Polo, a car which doesn't requires any introduction. This is a car which is certainly quite different from other cars. Well to start off with, the VW Polo is a sub-compact hatchback produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen based in Wolfsburg, Germany. The MK5 (5th Generation) Polo was first unveiled in 2009 at Geneva, Switzerland. Afterwhich the Polo was launched in India in January 2010. Since then there hadn't been any major changes except for some little cosmetic upgrades. The Volkswagen Polo won the "World Car of the Year" award in April 2010 at New York Auto Show, USA. Since then this beast has shown the world it's capacities and understated qualities.

DESIGN:- Certainly the Volkswagen Polo is a very good looking car. The design of the car is very understated and simple yet sporty in nature. The big 'VW' badge at the front is a feather in the cap and eventually helps make this car as a 'Status-Symbol'. Especially in the GT-TSI the front honey comb grille makes this car look stylish. There is a single slat chrome below the VW logo; previously i.e from 2010-2014, the Polo used to come with the dual-slat chrome grille which I think looked better on this car. There are big shoulder lines running all around the car which makes this car appeal to be as having a muscualr body frame. The rear VW badge is used to open the boot via an electronic armature disc and simultaneously used as a handle to lift the boot.

ENGINES:- The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is powered by a 999cc (1.0L) turbo charged petrol engine.

An International Engine of the Year award winner, the 999cc direct-injection TSI petrol is both densely packed with technology and finely engineered to deftly balance the conflicting requirements of both power and fuel economy.

Compared to the previous 1.2 TSI rated at 105hp, the new 1.0 makes 110hp. And despite its smaller capacity, it makes an identical 175nm of torque, albeit from a slightly higher 1,750rpm (vs 1,500rpm for the 1.2 TSI). The 1.0 TSI also has a cylinder less and, hence, a more apples-to-apples comparison is with Hyundai’s 1.0 -litre, three-cylinder TGDI motor which develops 100hp and 172Nm of torque.

Talking about the performance, which by any yardstick is very strong in the VW Polo GT TSI as compared to other cars in the market, the tug from 3,000rpm to around 6,000rpm delivers a strong push in the small of your back, and shift up a gear and there’s not much of a let-up in performance. Acceleration is so strong, the 1.0-litre does the 0-100kph sprint in just 9.97sec (claimed by VW), making it one of the fastest hatchbacks in India except for the Fiat Abarth Punto (Discontinued).

SUSPENSION:- FRONT:- McPherson Strut fully independent + stabiliser bar (Anti Roll Bar)

REAR:- Semi-Independent trailing arm (Torsion Beam Axle) .

INTERIOR:-

The Polo undoubtedly features a very well built and solid cabin. Extremely robust materials are used in here with that Volkswagen solidity felt in every thing we touch. The most satisfying part about this car in the "THUD" it makes after we close the door. This makes us feel that indeed we are isolated from the outside world respectively. Those who love driving will appreciate the very sporty and clear instrument panel with its white-on-black numbering and the monotone central display. And then there's the leather-wrapped flat-bottom multi-functional steering wheel, a tactile experience in itself. The Polo comes with a 6.5 inch touchscreen infotainment system which houses Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mirror Link etc. It's pretty sleek to use and is pretty responsive respectively. The steering is adjustable both for reach and rake which is a segment first feature. Features includes:- Automatic wipers, Auto dimming inside rear view mirror, Central Locking, 4x windows are automatic with Pinch-guard functionality. Safety Features includes:- Airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, Traction Control, Engine Immobilizer, Reverse parking sensors and many more.

PRACTICALITY ON-BOARD:- The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI has an adequate boot carrying capacity of 280L (without the seats being folded) and it's one of the biggest in it's class. There is a bit loading lip but it whatsoever doesn't cause any problem in lifting stuffs over respectively. There are 2 big bottle holders in the front 2 doors which can easily fit in a 1L- 1.5L bottle. The rear ones are shockingly useless and rudimentary and can't even fit a 500mL bottle. However the feature sorely missed is the 60:40 split which was available till 2014. Now you have to fold the rear seats completely which is a problem. Under the false boot floor is the spare wheel with the Jack and the tools. The driver's seat is height adjustable but there is no lumbar support. The boot houses 2 hooks on each side where we can hang light stuffs. A boot light would have been highly appreciated.

By:- Saptarshi Pal

Founder, Owner MotorBlaze