There’s something about all things German, most of them appeal to the heart and the mind alike, especially the cars. The Volkswagen Polo has been on sale in our country since 2009 and perhaps very few options in the segment offer such understated elegance as this German hatchback. The build-quality, the VW moniker and the premium feel that came attached, attracted a lot of buyers initially. The competition always had an edge when it came to engines though. The Polo with it’s 3-cylinder motors, was no-where as refined as some of it’s competitors. Some reports about snobbish behavior at dealerships, didn’t help matters either. However, the GT TDI and the GT TSI versions were a welcome change and the ‘Hot Hatch’ tag made every other notion vanish.
Volkswagen today launched an improvised version of the Polo. This gentleman hatchback now features, a new 1.5 litre TDI diesel engine and subtle styling changes on the outside as well as the inside. A new shade of Orange will also be available, while people who are scared of the dark will complain about the omission of DRL’s. We explain all the features and the dash of lemon the German manufacturer has showered on their entry level car in the Indian market.
Lets begin with your wallet:
- Polo 1.2 MPI Rs. 4.99 – 6.07 lakh
- Polo 1.5 TDI Rs. 6.27 – 7.37 lakh
- Cross Polo Rs. 7.90 lakh
- Polo GT TDI Rs. 7.99 lakh
- Polo GT TSI Rs. 7.99 lakh (All prices ex-showroom Delhi)
The 2014 Volkswagen Polo will be available in 3 engine choices. The standard versions will be available at VW dealers across the nation starting today, fans of the GT versions will have to wait until the end of August.
Engine Options:
- A 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder, MPI petrol engine that develops 74 bhp at 5400 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm. This engine returns an ARAI rated 16.47 kmpl.
- The diesel mill is an all new 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder, Turbocharged unit. It develops 90 ps (88.8 bhp) at 4200 rpm and 230 Nm of torque between 1500 – 2500 rpm. The diesel motor will return an ARAI rated 20.14 kmpl.
- The GT TSI retains the older engine, develops 105 pS (103.6 bhp) at 5000 rpm, coupled with 175 Nm of torque between 1500 – 4100 rpm. The TSI engine will cover an ARAI rated 17.21 kms to a litre of petrol.
- The GT TDI now features the new 1.5 litre engine and will develop 103.6 bhp (105 Ps) at 4400 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1500-2500 rpm. It will return an efficiency figure of 19.91 kmpl.
- Fuel tank capacity on all the models continues to be 45 litres.
- The GT TSI saves your left foot as the right continues to bury the accelerator. The 7-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox has been retained.
Design & Features:
- Airbags are standard on all versions.
- Front grille is new and features a chrome strip at the bottom.
- New double-barrel headlamps with black masking and an integrated reflector element.
- New front bumper gets a chrome lip that curves upwards and new fog-lamps.
- Fog lamps feature reflectors that turn to a 30 degree angle when you turn the indicators, will assist when parking in the dark, neat.
- Highline version will feature new 15-inch alloys.
- Revised rear bumper with integrated reflectors.
- A new shade of orange will be available.
Interiors:
- New seat upholstery
- A sportier flat-bottom steering wheel which looks and feels premium, wouldn’t look out of place in a car twice it’s price. Audio controls standard on higher versions.
- The vents, two DIN audio system and climate control system get a metallic surround
- Audio system now gets Bluetooth, USB and aux-in compatibility and memory card slots as well.
- The Red display embedded in the instrument console has changed colours to white. Bigger font makes reading easy.
- Beige and grey, two-toned dashboard.
- Fit, finish and feel is top notch.
The Volkswagen Polo successfully managed to exude class and sophistication in it’s segment. Almost everything about the car was premium, except those 3-cylinder engines. Volkswagen did rectify that with the addition of the GT TSI and the TDI engines, however, the pricing was premium. With the new 1.5 litre TDI engine, the Polo manages to benefit from the excise cut, pass the benefits to it’s customers and offer an engine that can compete with the segment leaders. It’s like that polished gentleman whose two atriums were intact, however, one of the ventricles were missing. Volkswagen has fixed that problem with it’s 4-cylinder motor, gave the man a subtle makeover and made him ready for business.
