New 2013 Volkswagen Polo GT TDI review, test drive

Our first impressions of the new VW Polo GT TDI equipped with a powerful 1.6-litre diesel engine.

Published on Sep 30, 2013 09:30:00 PM

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New 2013 Volkswagen Polo GT TDI review, test drive

It handles more or less like the other Polo variants too. The soft set-up does, however, mean that there is a bit of roll when you corner hard and the Polo understeers strongly at the limit. However, for normal driving, there is plenty of grips from the 185 section tyres. Enthusiasts will be disappointed with the Polo’s electric steering which, though accurate, is devoid of feel and doesn’t weight up in a linear fashion. And, like the GT TSI, the GT TDI's brakes don’t have initial bite that's strong enough and you have to apply more pressure to haul it down from the speeds this big hearted hatch is capable of reaching. This little aspect is more apparent on the track but the brakes remained fade free.

Also disappointing is how the GT TDI looks identical to the bread-and-butter Polo save for some GT badges on the grille and the boot. Our test cars didn't even have stickers on the C-pillar like the GT TSI has. The interiors are identical to a Highline Polo as well.

Priced at Rs 8.08 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Polo GT TDI is about Rs 40,000 more than the diesel Hyundai i20, it's only real competition. What you do get for that money is a car that's more powerful and better built, if not as spacious or well equipped as the Hyundai.