With Volkswagen launching a diesel version of the Polo GT, a new challenger has risen to take on the reigning segment king, the Hyundai i20. The Hyundai has been a favourite in the market owing to its class-leading interior space and long equipment list. So, does Volkswagen's new product have enough on offer to win over customers?
Performance
The new Polo GT TDI is powered by the 1.6-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine from the Vento, rather than the usual 1.2-litre, three-cylinder diesel. It makes a strong 103.5bhp. Refinement levels are good and the engine is pretty quiet as well. Power delivery is strong and performance is punchy and smooth. It’s equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and reaches the 100kph mark from standstill in 10.51 seconds.
The i20, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 88.7bhp and 22.4kgm of pulling power, both slightly less than the Polo GT. The motor is smooth for the most part and flexible enough for both spirited driving or a relaxed cruise. It has a lighter clutch than the Polo and feels effortless to drive, especially in the city. It’s equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and reaches the 100kph mark in 12.88 seconds. It does not feel as fast as the VW.
