Abarth Punto Evo vs Volkswagen Polo GT TSI: Specification comparison

With the launch of the Abarth Punto Evo drawing near we compare the upcoming hot hatchback to its nearest rival, the Polo GT TSI. The Abarth Punto Evo will become the second of three models from the Abarth performance brand to head to India. The brand has already launched its halo model, the Abarth 595 Competizione, and the Fiat Avventura powered by Abarth is set to follow the Abarth Punto Evo. On the other hand, the Polo GT TSI has been on sale for some time now in India and has until now been the closest thing to a hot hatchback in the segment.

We take a look at how the two cars match up to each other on paper.

Engine

It is clearly evident that the Abarth Punto Evo is in a league of its own. Its 1,368cc four-cylinder T-Jet motor pumping out 145bhp and 21.57kgm of torque dwarfs the 1,197cc four-cylinder TSI motor which produces 103.26bhp and 17.84kgm of torque seen on the Polo GT TSI . Both cars have a front-wheel drive layout, with the Abarth routing power to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The Polo GT TSI on the other hand uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Stopping power for the Abarth Punto Evo is provided by disc brakes all round, while the Polo GT TSI makes do with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the back. Both cars come equipped with ABS as standard.

Out of the two, only the Polo GT is offered with a diesel engine.

Dimensions

In terms of exterior dimensions, the Abarth Punto Evo is the bigger of the two cars in every aspect. The Abarth Punto Evo is longer, wider and taller than the Polo GT TSI and also has a larger wheelbase. In terms of ground clearance, the Punto sits lower than the Polo GT at 155mm, as compared to the Volkswagen’s 165mm.

On the equipment front, the Polo GT TSI is equipped similar to the standard Polo Highline with features such as dual airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, cruise control, and a chilled glovebox to name a few. The Abarth Punto Evo gets 16-inch 'Scorpion' design alloy wheels, colour contrast inserts and body graphics. The interior is almost identical to the Punto Evo 90HP's, but gets the inclusion of metal-finished pedals, the Scorpion badge on the steering and new seat fabric with red and yellow contrast stitching. Equipment is expected to remain the same as the Punto Evo 90HP.