Volkswagen India has introduced the facelifted version of its famous hatchback, Polo in the country's car market with quite a few cosmetic upgrades. The company is selling this model in several variants, out of which, Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI Comfortline is the mid range trim in its model line up. In terms of exterior modifications, its front bumper now comes with an enlarged air dam and single chrome lining, redesigned fog lamps, black out double barrel headlamps with silver accent and other aspects as well, which gives the vehicle an attractive appearance. Its internal section comes with a few modifications like a new dashboard, silver accentuated center console and premium upholstered seats. At the same time, under the hood this variant comes with the same engine specifications. It is fitted with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which has a displacement capacity of 1198cc. It can churn out a maximum power of 73.9bhp in combination with 110Nm of peak torque output. The overall length of this compact hatchback is 3971mm along with a total width of 1682mm and a decent height of 1469mm. Its large wheelbase measures about 2456mm that ensures enough leg space for all passengers. The fuel tank capacity is about 45 litres, which helps in planning longer journeys. On the other hand, the company is offering this hatchback with a warranty of 2-years or unlimited kilometers. While the buyers can also avail one year or 80,000 Kilometers (whichever is earlier) of extended warranty at an additional cost paid to the authorized dealer.
Exteriors:
The exteriors are done up with utmost care and it comes with a lot of updates, which gives the hatchback an appealing look. The front fascia is designed with a bold radiator grille, which is fitted with a single chrome strip . This grille is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center. It is surrounded by a well designed head light cluster, which is powered by dual beam headlamps and side turn indicator. The new body colored bumper is incorporated with an enlarged air dam with a single chrome lining and is flanked by a pair of round shaped fog lamps. Then the large front windscreen is made of heat insulating glass and integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. Its side profile is fitted with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors that are electrically adjustable. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a sturdy set of 15 inch steel wheels, which are further covered with full wheel covers. These steel rims are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. Then side and rear windows are made of heat insulated glass. On the other hand, the rear end is neatly designed with a bright tail light cluster, a curvy boot lid with variant badging and a body colored bumper with reflectors. The large windshield is integrated with a defogger and a high mounted brake light.
Interiors:
The dual tone internal section of this Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI Comfortline has a great interior design with high quality scratch resistant dashboard, silver accentuated center console and so on. This dashboard is equipped with a few features like AC vents, a three spoke steering wheel, an advanced instrument cluster with a lot of functions and a large glove box . The well cushioned seats are covered with premium fabric upholstery, which provides ample leg space and shoulder room for all occupants. Other utility based aspects include an ashtray in front, a spacious luggage compartment (280 litres) with rear parcel tray for easy access, single folding rear seat backrest, cup and bottle holders, a 12V power outlet in the center console, sunglass holder in the glove compartment, remote fuel lid opener and three assist grips with coat hook. The illuminated instrument panel houses a digital tachometer, lane change indicator with triple flash, an electronic tripmeter, a digital clock, low fuel warning lamp, and odometer for the convenience of the driver.
Engine and Performance:
This trim is packed with a 1.2-litre, In-line petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1198cc. This 3-cylinder based power plant is designed to deliver a good performance with decent fuel efficiency. It is skilfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box with accurate shifts and smooth handling that makes it easy to use at the right engine speed. It can churn out 73.9bhp at 5400rpm along with a peak torque output of 110Nm at 3750rpm. It is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which allows the hatchback to generate close to 16.47 Kmpl on the bigger roads, which is rather decent for this segment. This motor has an ability to propel the hatchback from 0-100 Kmph in about 13.3 seconds. At the same time, it can achieve a top speed of approximately 183 Kmph, which is quite remarkable for this segment.
Braking and Handling:
The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut that also has a stabilizer bar, while the rear axle is equipped with semi independent trailing arm type of suspension system. This variant is blessed with a very responsive electronic power steering system, which makes handling convenient. This tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.97 meters. On the other hand, its braking mechanism is further augmented by anti lock braking system. The front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, whereas the rear gets drum brakes.
Comfort Features:
This Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI Comfortline trim offers a higher level of comfort during the drive with a number of sophisticated features. Some of these aspects include an air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter, height adjustable driver seat, speed sensitive electronic power steering, rear windscreen with wash and wipe function, electrically adjustable ORVMs and all four power windows with one touch up and down function. It also has a multi-function display, which features traveling time, distance traveled, digital speed display, speed limit warning, service interval reminder, outside temperature and so on . The advanced music system comes with quite a few input functions such as CD/MP3 player, Radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port, SD card slot and four speakers.
Safety Features:
The list includes pinch guard safety for all four power windows, adjustable headrests, emergency exit, high mounted third brake light, 3-point seat belts for all passengers, day and night interior rear view mirror, an electronic engine immobilizer with floating code and dual front airbags.
Pros:
1. Good acceleration and pick up.
2. Attractive look with updated exteriors.
Cons:
1. High cost of ownership.
2. Fuel economy can be improved.
