The Volkswagen Polo GT was the automobile that created the development for decent hatches in India. Regardless of being in a distinct segment phase, the Polo GT, particularly the GT TSI, was the preferred alternative amongst fanatics searching for a compact, efficiency automobile on a finances. And one of many important causes for its success was the DSG computerized gearbox. Nevertheless, for the 2020 mannequin 12 months, Volkswagen India has introduced again its pocket rocket however with some key changes. Firstly, the older 1.2-litre TSI motor was changed by the corporate’s new smaller capability 1.Zero-litre TSI engine that additionally powers the common Polo and the Vento. And secondly, the corporate has changed the much-loved, but costly DSG unit with a less expensive 6-speed computerized torque converter unit. We just lately received an opportunity to spend a while with the automobile to seek out out if it is nonetheless worthy of that GT tag.
For the 2020 mannequin 12 months, Volkswagen India has introduced again its pocket rocket with some key adjustments, however do they make it any higher?
Design and Styling
Earlier than we get into how the automobile drives, let’s get a few of the different facets out of the way in which. Now, when it comes to seems, the brand new Polo GT could be very a lot much like the 2020 VW Polo we drove just lately, nevertheless, some visible markers differentiate it from the usual hatchback. Most notably, the GT badge on the brand new honeycomb grille, black outdoors rear-view mirrors (ORVM), a brand new, larger roof-mounted spoiler, additionally handled in black, and naturally, the GT badge on the tailgate, and the ‘GT TSI’ lettering on the C-pillar.
Additionally Learn: 2020 Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Review
Just like the common Polo, the brand new VW Polo GT TSI too comes with the GTI-inspired honeycomb sample grille, however, with the addition of that iconic GT emblem
The remainder of the automobile seems equivalent to the common Polo. You proceed to get the identical dual-beam halogen headlamps, a large central airdam, and a pair of glossy foglamps. If not LEDs, at the very least set of projector headlamps would have been a welcome addition. The automobile additionally will get the identical 16-inch, 10-spoke Portago alloy wheels which can be provided with the Highline Plus variants, together with a pair of smoked taillamps.
On the rear, the 2020 Polo GT comes with an even bigger rear spoiler, and the GT TSI marking on the C-pillar, along with the 16-inch, 10-spoke Portago alloy wheels
Inside and Options
Step contained in the cabin and you may discover that aside from the brand new computerized gear lever, nothing has modified. The cabin continues to come back with identical all-black inside with matching cloth upholstery in chequered design and the identical dashboard format. Just like the common Polo, the GT TSI additionally comes with a multi-functional, flat-bottom steering wheel that may be adjusted for each tilt and attain, and it is wrapped in fake leather-based as nicely.
Apart from the addition of the brand new computerized gear lever, nothing contained in the cabin has modified, in comparison with the common Polo
You get the identical the touchscreen infotainment system as nicely, that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, together with Bluetooth, AUX-IN and USB connectivity. Additionally, whereas it does get the ‘Climatronic’ computerized air-con system, the brand new GT misses out on the entrance centre arm relaxation and rear AC vents, each of which, weirdly sufficient, are provided with the Highline Plus variant, which is cheaper.
Whereas the rear seat area within the 2020 Volkswagen Polo GT TSI continues to be minimal, it additionally would not get rear AC vents
Security Options
The 2020 Volkswagen Polo GT TSI additionally comes with an honest quantity of security options like – twin entrance airbags, ABS with EBD, anti-pinch energy home windows, rear parking sensors and auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, all of which have been carried over from the Highline Plus trim. Nevertheless, this one too would not include a rear parking digicam, which is an enormous miss contemplating even automobiles in a phase bellow provide it, at the very least as an possibility. Having mentioned that, it does include Digital Stability Management and Hill Maintain Management.
The 2020 Polo GT TSI would not get a rear parking digicam, however it presents rear parking sensors, together with Digital Stability Management and Hill Maintain Management
Engine and Transmission
As we talked about earlier than, the brand new Polo GT comes with the carmaker’s new three-cylinder 1.Zero-litre TSI petrol engine that replaces the older four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI motor. It is the identical engine that powers the common Polo and Vento sedan. The 999 cc turbocharged petrol engine presents a most output of 108 bhp, which is four bhp greater than what the older Polo GT TSI, plus it’s provided between the identical 5000 to 5500 rpm band as earlier than. The torque output, however, stays unchanged at 175 Nm, nevertheless, as a result of it is a three-pot motor, the torque kicks in at 1750 rpm and keep up until 4000 rpm, as an alternative of the older GT’s 1500 to 4100 rpm band, however you do not actually discover the distinction. Sure, you continue to really feel a little bit of turbo lag within the decrease revs, however as quickly as you cross the 2000 rpm mark, the turbo kicks in and the engine reveals its true colors. Additionally, the compact dimension of the Polo GT TSI makes it a wonderful metropolis automobile, but the highly effective engine ensures that it may do freeway runs with equal ease.
Additionally Learn: 2020 Volkswagen Vento 1.0 TSI Review
The brand new, small displacement 1.Zero-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine is tuned to make 108 bhp and 175 Nm, and it is a hoot to drive within the Polo GT
The larger change right here, after all, is the brand new 6-speed computerized torque converter unit. Now, when Volkswagen first introduced its resolution to exchange the DSG unit with a torque converter, we had been actually not thrilled, as a result of it felt like a serious step-down. Nevertheless, now after driving it, I’ve to say, I’m pretty shocked by its efficiency. Sure, it isn’t as exact and interesting because the DSG unit, however under no circumstances does it really feel like a downgrade of any kinds, in reality, the shifts are fast, it is responsive and positively fairly enjoyable to drive. That mentioned, there’s a tad delay when it downshifts, however that has been achieved to preserve gasoline, however that does not actually take away the enjoyable from driving. Nicely in case you are questioning, the brand new Polo GT TSI presents an ARAI licensed gasoline effectivity of 16.47 kmpl, which is simply marginally decrease than the older GT’s 17 kmpl determine.
The 6-speed computerized torque converter has a Sport mode that makes the shift extra aggressive and that makes the automobile a bit extra responsive and faster
Nevertheless, if you wish to make it a bit extra partaking, all you have to do is shift it to sport mode and voila! You will discover that the shifts turn out to be extra aggressive and the general the automobile feels a bit extra responsive and faster. Nevertheless, you will additionally really feel the jerks contained in the cabin when the shifts occur, as a result of it lacks the refinement that got here with the dual-clutch know-how of the older DSG unit. Whereas it’s important to dwell with that, it’s actually not a dealbreaker by any measure. Though, if you would like the controls in your fingers, then Volkswagen additionally presents a guide mode with Tiptronic operate, nevertheless, you longer get paddle shifter, and that is actually a bummer.
The Polo GT TSI, with the 6-speed autobox may not be as exact because the one with the DSG unit, however it’s nonetheless fast, responsive and enjoyable to drive
Trip and Dealing with
On the subject of experience and dealing with, the brand new Polo GT TSI has actually nonetheless received the magic. Sure, the suspension is kind of stiff, which implies you do really feel a few of the undulations on the highway, however until you go over an enormous pothole or one thing, you get used to it in a short time. The automobile’s dealing with prowess, however, remains to be unbeatable. Be it on straight roads or corners, the Polo GT handles like a appeal and would not waver in any respect. The steering, basically, has been set a bit on the heavier facet, and it additional weighs up properly whereas taking a nook, imparting extra confidence, even at greater speeds.
Verdict
Zero Feedback
The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is true now the one scorching hatch that’s nonetheless on sale on this phase, as each its rivals – Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS and Fiat Abarth Punto are discontinued. At ₹ 9.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is sort of at par with the older GT variant, and nearly ₹ 47,000 costlier than the common Highline Plus computerized trim of the brand new Polo. However for that premium, you get a bit extra partaking and a performance-oriented automobile that can actually attraction to the driving force in you. Sure, it misses out on some creature comforts which have turn out to be frequent on this phase however, one doesn’t purchase the Polo GT for its premium options, one buys it for its sturdy construct, thrilling efficiency, and pleasant driving manners. And that, the 2020 Polo GT TSI presents in a lot.
For the newest auto news and reviews, observe carandbike.com on Twitter, Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Source by [author_name]
