VW Polo GT TDI – For The Oil-burner Enthusiast

VW’s second hot hatch – this time with a diesel heart – hits the market, but does it have the dash to match the cash? We find out in a first drive!

Hatchbacks aim at a tricky balance between passenger room, boot space, weight, performance, and price. This segment was the flavor of the Indian market before sub-4m sedans and SUVs became popular, and still cannot be ignored.

VW Polo GT TDI

Volkswagen (VW) recently added to their successful Polo line-up with the launch of the Polo GT TDI powered by the four-cylinder 1.6 liter CRDi diesel engine from the Vento sedan. I was at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) – India’s only Formula One track – for a first drive!

Design and Interiors

On the outside, the GT TDI is distinguished by classy touches include the attractive 15” “Estrada” alloy wheels, black-finish halogen headlamps, and “GT”-badging on the chrome grille and the rear bumper.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake lever, and gear knob give a dash of luxury to the GT

Inside, the two-tone ‘Milan’ Titanschwarz fabric upholstery looks great and makes for comfy seating. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake lever, and gear knob give a dash of luxury and add to the feel-good factor. Other highlights include a “GT”-badged chrome strip along the door sill, chrome door handles, and aluminum pedals.

Comfort and Safety

The front seats of the GT TDI are comfortable but could have been more sporty and better bolstered, in line with the sporty intent of the car. Comfort is further enhanced by the ‘Climatronic’ automatic air conditioning and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

The front seats of the GT TDI are comfortable but could have been more sporty and better bolstered

Safety has not been stinted on, with ABS and dual frontal airbags. All four power windows feature a pinch guard system, and the front and rear fog lights are a boon during low visibility conditions.

Engine and Transmission

Motive force for the GT TDI is supplied by the same 1.6-litre CRDi engine as the Vento sedan. Maximum power is 105 PS at 4,400 RPM and maximum torque is 250 Nm at 1,500-2,500 RPM, with transmission duties being served by a five-speed manual gearbox. Sadly though, there is no DSG as in the GT TSI, which would have further enhanced the driving experience.

On the Move

Step on the throttle and the GT TDI feels unlike most cars bearing a TDI tag – because there is no turbo lag! On the carpet-smooth surface of the BIC, it rocketed to 165 km/h before I ran out of space on the straights. Gear-shifting is a smooth process, further aided by the extremely useful gear change indicator that tells you when to shift up/down in accordance with engine speed and braking.

The car is an enthusiast’s delight as under steer comes easy round the bends at high speeds

The car is an enthusiast’s delight as under steer comes easy round the bends at high speeds, but confidence need not be dented as the ABS is hard at work. Suspension is a little soft for circuit use, but should hold it in good stead when tackling pockmarked city roads, which we unfortunately could not test the car on this time.

And Finally . . .

The Polo GT TDI is a great package, but pricey at $131,161 (ex-showroom, New Delhi), thanks to the car not being able to get the Excise benefit owing to its engine capacity. Put up the cash, though, and you are assured of a sporty driving experience, a smooth ride, and reassuringly lower fuel expenses. Drive on!