Introduction

Warning: This buying guide might be a bit biased, because, personally, I love the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. But, how can you blame me; it is, after all, one of the best hatchbacks one can buy in the country today. Allow me to elaborate…

Why I'd buy it

There are lots of reasons. Firstly, the Volkswagen Polo is a good-looking car. It isn’t exactly elaborate or out-there in terms of styling, and many might find it a bit conventional looking too. But, its proportions, its clear cut lines, and its stance especially with those 15-inch wheels, is not just pleasing, it’s heart-warming.

Secondly, it has great interiors. Again, there’s nothing chic about it and it’s more functional than anything else. But, the way the interiors are put together – the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal or not – these guys at Wolfsburg certainly know a thing or two about engineering. The fit – be it for the dash, the central console, the power window buttons and everything else that there is – is flawless. The operability is logical, tactile and completely satisfying. And finally, the seats – both front and back – are as comfortable and likeable as a pair of well-worn loafers.

Have I mentioned the engine yet? Well, the direct injection, turbocharged number with over 100bhp of power is the clincher. And to make it sweeter still, it is mated beautifully to a 7-speed intuitive and quick shifting dual clutch automatic. One can amble around at low speeds or rev the daylights out of this engine, and it feels completely at home doing both…and, everything in between, mind.

The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI drives superbly too. It is refined; it is fast; and it is completely enjoyable. It’s not exactly stiff or low, so its handling isn’t race-car like, but it more than does the job. Now, I don’t have extraordinary driving skills but when a car allows you to feel like you do, without ever scaring you, no matter how hard you push, over almost any sort of road, it ought be applauded.

Why I'd avoid it

Simple, because it looks horrid in this ‘uncle’ grey hue. The Polo GT TSI is a young and vibrant car and it must be bought only in red. Okay, black works too and because one of my office colleagues bought one in white, I let the politico colour pass too. But, VW should be whipped for offering the GT in any other colour, especially this grey. And for those who bought this colour, they should be sentenced to life for having terrible taste.

This apart, the Polo GT TSI is also pretty useless as a family car, especially if a family has been adopted by a dog; like mine. So, with my two boys, the missus and the Labrador, we can’t even head to the nearest sandwich-wala in the GT, forget an outstation trip. The boot is too small for the dog, the central tunnel is too high to shove him between the front and rear seats, and the shoulder room is just too tight to fit in the dog and the two kids.

The Polo GT TSI is also the epitome of poorly designed stowage spaces. Sure, it has a cooled glovebox but I can’t properly slot in my drinks there. And though the door pockets are large, accessing them, especially for something small, is tedious. The GT also has these really deep central cup holders that only work if you get yourself a towering latte. And the stowage ahead of the central cup holders is like Hotel California: you can throw in whatever you want, but you will never have it back…in time…when you need it the most. Confession: I am more of a Yo Yo Honey Singh kind of guy, so I might have just (very slightly) gotten this whole Eagles thing a bit wrong.

My favourite version

This one is easy: the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI only comes in one, fully-specced out version. However, the Polo GT can also be had with a diesel engine (the Polo GT TDI). But, the petrol, with its high-revving, smooth and vibe-free nature, is definitely more likable. Moreover, the petrol of the GT TSI – because it is a DSG equipped automatic – gets the stability program as standard, which the diesel – because it can only be had with a manual gearbox – doesn’t.

Quick facts

Price: Rs 9.9 lakh, OTR, Mumbai

Engine: 1.2L, inline 4 cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged, petrol

Gearbox: 7-speed dual clutch auto

FE: 16.4kmpl (ARAI)

0-100kmph: 11.0 seconds (est)

Photos by: Kapil Angane