Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Trendline

Polo 1.5 TDI Trendline Review

The facelifted version of Volkswagen Polo hatchback is introduced in several trim levels with both petrol and diesel engine options. Among them, Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Trendline is the base variant in its diesel engine model series. The company has introduced this hatchback with a lot of updates, which gives it sporty exteriors and a luxurious internal cabin. In terms of exteriors, it is fitted with a redesigned front and rear bumper, revamped headlight cluster with halogen headlamps and new front grille with a single chrome strip. At the same time, the internal cabin also has a few modifications like a slightly revised sporty flat bottomed steering wheel, a dual tone dashboard and chrome accentuated center console, which gives the cabin a decent appearance. This variant is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 88.7bhp along with 230Nm of torque output. This hatchback comes with a warranty of two years or unlimited kilometer. At the same time, the customers can also avail extended warranty of one year or 80,000 kilometers at an additional cost. Its overall dimensions are 3971x1682x1469 (length, width and height), which are quite decent. It also has a spacious boot compartment of 280 litres and a fuel tank that can store close to 45 litres of diesel in it.

Exteriors:

The frontage is designed with a slanting bonnet, which has visible character lines and a large windscreen integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers with 4-step variable speed setting. The radiator grille is surrounded by a neatly carved headlight cluster, which is powered by high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator . The body colored bumper has an enlarged air dam for cooling the engine. The side profile has body colored door handles and external rear view mirrors, which are internally adjustable. The pronounced wheel arches are equipped with a sturdy set of 14 inch steel wheels, which has full wheel covers. These steel rims are further covered with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. The rear is designed with a new body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors, a large windscreen with a high mounted brake light and an expressive boot lid that gives the hatchback a complete look. Currently, this hatchback is being offered in quite a few exterior paint options, which include Copper Orange, Candy White, Night Blue, Flash Red, Carbon Steel and Reflex Silver for the buyers to choose from.

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin is incorporated with a smooth dashboard that is made of scratch resistant plastic and equipped with features like a flat bottomed steering wheel, AC vents, a large glove box and an instrument panel with a few functions. The body colored inside door handles and silver accentuated center console gives the internal cabin a decent look. It is equipped with well cushioned seats covered with premium fabric upholstery. This Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Trendline variant is bestowed with a number of utility based features like storage compartment in front doors including bottle holders, sunglass holder in glove box, a 12V power socket in front center console, single folding rear seat backrest, a 280 litre spacious boot compartment with rear parcel shelf and a dead pedal. The illuminated instrument panel houses a digital tachometer, odometer, speedometer and an electronic tripmeter for the convenience of the driver.

Engine and Performance:

This trim is packed with a 1.5-litre, In-line, turbocharged diesel power plant, which is integrated with four cylinders and 16 valves. This DOHC based engine has the ability to displace 1498cc, while generating a maximum power of 88.7bhp at 4200rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 230Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which distributes the engine power to front wheels. It is incorporated with a direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the hatchback to generate about 20.14 Kmpl on the highways that is rather good for this segment. This hatchback can achieve a maximum speed of 165 Kmph and it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 14 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

This trim has a speed sensing electronic power steering system, which is tilt and telescopic adjustable. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.97 meters that makes handling convenient even in heavy traffic conditions. On the other hand, its braking and suspension mechanism are quite efficient, which keeps the vehicle well balanced at all times. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut type of mechanism that also has a stabilizer bar. While the rear axle is equipped with a semi independent trailing arm type of suspension system. The front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, whereas the rear ones gets conventional drum brakes as well.

Comfort Features:

Being the base variant, this Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Trendline trim is equipped with quite a few sophisticated features. Some of these include a digital clock, fuel gauge, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, ticket holder, push-to-open fuel lid, lane change indicator, front power windows and speed sensing electronic power steering . The air conditioning system comes with dust and pollen filter for purifying the cabin air. It also has radio preparation with partial pre-wiring and a roof mounted antenna for better reception of FM radio.

Safety Features:

The list of protective aspects include airbags for driver and front co-passenger, 3-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts for all occupants along with lap belt in the middle , a centrally located high mounted stop lamp, emergency exit and galvanized body with six years anti corrosion warranty. Apart from these, it also has a height adjustable driver seat and head restraints, electronic engine immobilizer with floating code, internal rear view mirror with anti glare adjustment and L-shaped rear headrest.

Pros:

1. Sporty exteriors with lots of updated features.

2. Spacious internal cabin.

Cons:

1. After sales service can be made better.

2. Lower ground clearance is a minus point.