Volkswagen India is one of the reputed and well known car makers in the country. It has a brilliant fleet of cars, out of which, Polo is most peppy and captivating hatchback series. It will a tough competition to the likes of Maruti Swift, Fiat Grande Punto, Hyundai i20 and others in its segment. Recently, the company has added a new trim in its model line up that is christened as Volkswagen Polo GT 1.5 TDI . It is being sold with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which has a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box that helps in delivering an impressive performance. It has the capacity of generating a peak power of 103.5bhp in combination with a peak torque of 250Nm. The manufacturer has given this variant a few exclusive features, which makes it look inviting. These aspects are GT badge on front radiator grille, a set of 'Estrada' alloy wheels, new tail lamp design, GT door step garnish and many other aspects for its attractive look. At present, this hatchback is available in quite a few sparkling exterior paint options, which gives it a captivating look on roads. The internal section comes with an electronic power steering wheel, advanced instrument cluster along with updated infotainment system, rear parking sensors and so on. In terms of safety, it is bestowed with some innovative features like dual front airbags, anti lock braking system, front fog lamps adaptive cruise control function and city emergency braking as well. On the other hand, it is being sold with a standard warranty of two years and unlimited Kilometers. At the same time, the customers can also avail an extended warranty at an additional cost paid to authorized dealer.
Exteriors:
This hatchback is designed with a number of styling aspects, which makes it look striking. To begin with the side profile, it has colored door handles and black colored outside rear view mirrors. These external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable and integrated with side blinker. The neatly wheel arches are fitted with a set of 15 inch 'Estrada' alloy wheels, which further enhances the look of its sides. These rims are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres that provides superior grip on any road conditions. The side and rear windows are made up of heat insulating glass. The rear end of this vehicle is designed with a chrome garnished boot lid along with variant badging, a radiant tail light cluster and a body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors. The large windshield has a defogger along with with a wash and wipe function. It has a high mounted stop lamp that adds to the safety quotient. It also has a roof mounted antenna for the better reception of FM radio. On the other hand, its frontage is designed with an aggressive radiator grille with GT badging and a single chrome slat. There is a prominent company logo engraved in the center. This grille is surrounded by a well designed black finished headlight cluster, which is integrated with dual beam lamps and side turn indicator. Just below this, it has a body colored bumper, which houses an enlarged air dam for cooling the engine. It is flanked a pair of round shaped fog lamps as well. The large windscreen is made of heat insulating glass and integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers, which has a four step variable speed setting.
Interiors:
The automaker has designed this Volkswagen Polo GT 1.5 TDI trim quite elegantly with two tone color scheme, which is complimented by ambient lighting. In terms of seating, it is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with superior 'Milan' Titanschwarz fabric upholstery. It provides ample leg space for all passengers and makes it comfortable for longer journeys. Its sporty flat bottomed steering wheel is quite responsive and makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. Its dual tone dashboard is equipped with features like AC vents, a large glove box with cooling effect and an advanced instrument panel with lots of functions. The leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob along with hand brake lever handle and piano black finish on center console gives the cabin a decent look. It has a lot of utility based features like three assist grips with coat hooks, bottle holders in the front doors , sunglass holder, rear parcel shelf, ashtray, a 12V power socket in the front center console, height adjustable front and rear seat headrests. Apart from these, it is bestowed with a multi functional steering wheel, lane change indicator with triple flash, speed sensing auto door locks and a multi-function display.
Engine and Performance:
This variant is equipped with a 1.5-litre, In-line, turbocharged diesel power plant, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It carries four cylinders and sixteen valves using DOHC based valve configuration. This diesel mill has the ability to churn out a maximum power output of 103.5bhp at 4400rpm along with a peak torque of 250Nm 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 enables the engine to zoom towards a top speed of 165 Kmph approximately and it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 14 seconds. The company has incorporated this motor with a direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the hatchback to generate about 20.14 Kmpl on the bigger roads. While it gives out 16 Kmpl approximately in the city traffic conditions.
Braking and Handling:
This high end trim has a responsive electronic power steering system, which comes with tilt adjustment function. It is quite responsive and supports a minimum turning radius of 4.97 meters. It has a reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it stable. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut that also has a stabilizer bar. While the rear axle is equipped with a semi independent trailing arm type of suspension system. On the other hand, its braking mechanism is further augmented by ABS (anti lock braking system). The front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, whereas the rear ones get drum brakes.
Comfort Features:
This Volkswagen Polo GT 1.5 TDI is a high end variant bestowed with a lot of refined features for the convenience of its occupants. It has an advanced music system that supports Bluetooth connectivity and voice command technology along with four speakers. It is equipped with CD/MP3 player, Radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port and SD card slot. Its multifunctional steering wheel is mounted with audio, call and cruise control function. The company has given this vehicle a climatronic automatic air conditioning unit, which also has dust and pollen filter for purifying the cabin air. In addition to these, it is bestowed with cruise control for maintaining a steady speed on the highways as set by the driver, reverse parking sensors, opening and closing windows with key remote, all four power windows with up and down function, remote fuel lid opener and so on. Its monochrome MFD (multi function display) includes traveling time, distance traveled, digital speed display, average speed and fuel efficiency.
Safety Features:
The list of features available in this variant are SRS airbags for driver and front co-passenger, anti pinch power windows, front and rear fog lamps, emergency exit, a centrally located high mounted stop lamp and internal rear view mirror with anti glare adjustment function. Apart from these, it also has height adjustable front and rear head restraints, rear defogger, galvanized body with 6-years anti corrosion warranty and an electronic engine immobilizer with floating code that prevents the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. It also has 3-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts along with lap belt in the middle, which enhances the safety of the passengers in case of any accidents.
Pros:
1. Impressive exteriors with lots of comfort features.
2. Good engine performance with decent acceleration and pickup.
Cons:
1. Maintenance cost is too high.
2. Lower ground clearance is a minus point.
