We drove the new Volkswagen Polo 1.5
TDI recently. Here is how it comes across as a better offering as compared to
its earlier 1.2 avatar
I instantly had a big love with the
Volkswagen Polo’s build quality, superb ride and handling when I drove it in
the first time. Its fit-and-finish was excellent too. It became the new
benchmark in the hatchback segment because it offered so much more than any
other hatchback on sale in India. However, it had a few disadvantages, which
somewhat hampered its public perception. One of them was its 1.2-litre diesel
engine. It was a good motor if you were looking for high fuel efficiency, but
it was a very noisy unit and the power output did not do justice to the weight
of the car. But that was in the past. Now the company has addressed this issue
and come up with this new Polo. It's equipped with a 1.5-litre engine and
cosmetic changes on the outside as well as inside. These changes, according to
me, would allow the new Polo to set a new benchmark in the diesel hatchback
segment. We recently drove it and were left with a highly positive impression.
The
Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI is a visual standout from every angle, inside and out
Now, when I say 'new Polo', I don't really
mean that it is all new. What VW have done is given it some much-needed
cosmetic changes, more like a nip-and-tuck job to keep the excitement quotient
alive. But the biggest change has taken place under the bonnet. More on that
later. First let me point out the subtle differences. To begin with, the Polo
now looks shinier than before and that is because VW have realised the fact
that we Indians love shiny things. Hence those shiny bits of chrome up front.
Gone is the old, bland looking bumper and in its place comes a reworked one
that features new fog-lamps and a shiny strip of chrome running from one lamp
to the other. Headlamps have changed, too, and now there are twin lamps,
although the housing remains the same. VW have kept things simple at the back,
for much of it resembles the old variant. However, the bumper gets a few tweaks
and the tail-lamp bulbs and reflectors have been re-arranged.
Improved
interior looks smart and the flat-bottom steering wheel makes you want to go
faster
Overall, the simple changes in the exterior
have made the Polo a fresh-looking car. I also love the fact that VW did not go
all crazy with the design bit because that would have been pointless and the
Polo would have lost its identity in the process.
Unlike
in many other cars, the Polo’s glovebox is huge and actually useable
Unlike other car-makers who just retain the
same old interiors in their upgraded cars, VW have actually injected some more
excitement in the new Polo's cabin. It still feels premium and upmarket compared
to its peers, and there are a few things that simply elevate the feeling of
being in a good car. The familiar dashboard now features a centre console that
is adorned by the music system. The entire console is further accentuated by
beautifully finished silver paint. Adding a bit of zing and sportiness to the
dashboard are the brushed aluminium trimmings that surround bits like the
air-con vents, music system and A/C controls. The thing I love the most is the
new three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with superbly finished gloss
inserts. Many would say that this is not a sports car to have a wheel like
that, but I would say that it looks good and makes me happy and that is all
that matters. Comfort-wise the seats are good just as before and offer ample support,
but one thing that VW have not corrected is the rear knee-room. You still
struggle to find suitable space for your knees and if you are six-foot -plus, I
would recommend the front seats. Quality again is exceptional, fit-and-finish
is immaculate and overall it feels a pretty solidly built cabin that would last
longer than your mobile phone.
