Volkswagen Polo

There’s an all-new Volkswagen Polo in markets abroad but India is not scheduled to get it any time soon. The model on sale in India has been around for a while but frequent feature updates have kept it relevant. The standard Polo is available in petrol-manual and diesel-manual versions while ‘GT’-badged models include a more powerful diesel-manual variant as well as a turbo-petrol engine option with a dual-clutch automatic. Do note, the diesels will be withdrawn in early 2020.

There’s an all-new Volkswagen Polo in markets abroad but India is not scheduled to get it any time soon. The model on...

There’s an all-new Volkswagen Polo in markets abroad but India is not scheduled to get it any time soon. The model on sale in India has been around for a while but frequent feature updates have kept it relevant. The standard Polo is available in petrol-manual and diesel-manual versions while ‘GT’-badged models include a more powerful diesel-manual variant as well as a turbo-petrol engine option with a dual-clutch automatic. Do note, the diesels will be withdrawn in early 2020.

The Polo’s clean lines have aged very gracefully and the cabin doesn’t look dated, either. Quality is top-notch and the Polo’s strong build gives a feeling of security that you don’t get in most small cars. That said, the Polo’s cabin feels small and space at the back is very limited.
The Polo’s new 76hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine is quiet and refined for the most part but offers mediocre performance. The 90hp, 1.5-litre diesel does have a bit of low-speed lag but also offers strong punch in its comfort zone. You get even more performance from the 110hp version of the same engine on the GT TDI. The GT TSI brings together a pleasant 105hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a sporty hatchback. All Polos drive with confidence and even though their suspensions are on the firmer side, ride quality is good.

The Polo’s clean lines have aged very gracefully and the cabin doesn’t look dated, either. Quality is top-notch and t...

The Polo’s clean lines have aged very gracefully and the cabin doesn’t look dated, either. Quality is top-notch and the Polo’s strong build gives a feeling of security that you don’t get in most small cars. That said, the Polo’s cabin feels small and space at the back is very limited.
The Polo’s new 76hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine is quiet and refined for the most part but offers mediocre performance. The 90hp, 1.5-litre diesel does have a bit of low-speed lag but also offers strong punch in its comfort zone. You get even more performance from the 110hp version of the same engine on the GT TDI. The GT TSI brings together a pleasant 105hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a sporty hatchback. All Polos drive with confidence and even though their suspensions are on the firmer side, ride quality is good.

The Polo 1.0-litre petrol trim is underwhelming but is an option for buyers on a budget. The 1.5-litre diesels have their strengths but are on the pricier side, especially at the top of the range. If you don’t mind spending big money on the small Polo, it’s the GT TSI that we’d recommend. It makes for a great everyday car and also allows for some spirited driving when the opportunity arises.

The Polo 1.0-litre petrol trim is underwhelming but is an option for buyers on a budget. The 1.5-litre diesels have t...

The Polo 1.0-litre petrol trim is underwhelming but is an option for buyers on a budget. The 1.5-litre diesels have their strengths but are on the pricier side, especially at the top of the range. If you don’t mind spending big money on the small Polo, it’s the GT TSI that we’d recommend. It makes for a great everyday car and also allows for some spirited driving when the opportunity arises.