Volkswagen Polo Review: Das Best
VW Polo Hatchback Red Car
The automotive industry was bleeding oil the past year and a half. With job cuts and huge losses, the scene was grim and unfortunate. Since then, the rise out of the doldrums has been steadfast and surefooted. The current economic climate is slowly gaining its lost sunshine. With economies gaining pace, the auto sector is steering through potholes of problems thanks to the suspension system called stimulus.
As if a way to commemorate the power of resilience over recession, the designers at Volkswagen designed the Polo. While this may not be the idea behind the design, the car exudes an aura of solidity and resurgence, much like its older sibling, the Golf.
(Click on the Pictures to view Larger Images)
The Polo looks Scirocco-ish, serious and sober. Although it doesn’t exactly get the hair on the back of your neck to stand up, it has a scent of nonchalant cool. Like the reserved cowboy sipping his drink in a bar full of loud baddies.
Through the gleaming chrome bar on the grille and a shiny VW logo, the Polo subtly yells ‘bring it on’. Stylish, yet subtle.
With muscular wheel arches and a flattish appearance, the Polo’s stance is euro-chic. The rear is a rather plain-jane and lazy. Undoubtedly, the designers ran out of ideas with the tail-lamps, which retain the irritatingly cutesy features of previous Polos. Surely then, stepping out of the Polo you won’t be seen as a Page 3 personality and that to me is a compliment. Thumbs-up styling then, albeit I wish they had continued to design the car when they got to the rear.
2010 Volkswagen Polo Dual Tone Dashboard
The doors make a reassuring, chunky thud when they shut. Inside, a two-tone beige/black interior greets me with German practicality. Simple, organised, and a little bland really. Anyone who’s driven a VW will feel acquainted with the ‘get-down-to-business’ dash facing him. What VW has done here though, has brought quality to the masses. Through some corporate Greek called platform sharing VW have managed to bring top notch build quality within grasp. The components reek of quality over style.
The driving position is low, giving you a feeling of control. The Polo sponsors ample leg room and a glove box that is quite large, as is the boot. All is well.
Get going and that is where all of VW’s pizzazz lie. A quick throttle response from the 1.2-litre, 75 bhp, 3-pot petrol mill. The 110 torques i perfect for stop-go traffic, but there’s more. Floor the pedal and the sweet sounding engine compels you to keep at it. Swift gear shifts give the Polo a very minty performance. The good thing is that you get all those horses working for you at 5000 odd rpm which is nice when you are in the mood for some Nurburgring-ing.
With claimed fuel consumptions of 13 kpl in city and an impressive 22 kpl on the motorway, it’s reasonably cheap to run too. The engine is one of the most refined ones I have ever come across. It can toddle around city and hasten up on the highway as easily. A gem of a mill here.
Volkswagen Polo Car Dashboard
Handling is poised and familiar with a front wheeled drive car and ride is pleasant.
Before I give you my verdict, lets hit the rewind button and redux a bit.
Though the name (Polo) doesn’t exactly yell history, it is one of the oldest running production cars ever. With the first run happening sometime around 1975, the Polo was and continues to be the able younger brother to its hot-hatch sibling, the Golf.
Regular readers of ICB may remember a post that said that the Polo was voted as the European Car of the Year(CoTY) 2010. This is VW’s first COTY win in 18 long years. Adulation doesn’t come better. And the car on sale in our VW showrooms car is not some de-tuned, hunkered down version of the Polo. It is the same car that was accoladed. VW doesn’t seem to be harping on about this so why are we? Well, if you ever saw the present range of superminis doing the rounds in Europe you will know why. The sheer competition that the Polo faces is huge. To name a few, notwithstanding friendly fire from fellow countrymen like the Mini, it takes shots even from its cousin, the Seat Ibiza. Both good cars.
I digress. What the Polo has me in love with it. Really. If you want a car that you can want to grow old with, this is it. Going by VW’s standards, it will last the distance.
Yes, quality comes at a price but the Polo has me thinking otherwise. The mid-range Polo has a price tag of around INR 4.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Bangalore) but in return it will manage to put a smile on your face. What I don’t like? the rear styling, wish there was an aorta of the front in it.
2010 Volkswagen Polo Car Boot Space
I am yet to the drive the hot version (1.6 petrol) and honestly I cannot wait. It is the same car that will hit the tracks for the Polo Cup championship. Also, the diesel remains to be driven, once it is launched that is. The output figure of the diesel will definitely play on my mind, its diesel-ness not withstanding.
The Polo will do well as VW’s ambassador to the hearts of the Indian junta. A warm, fuzzy place populated mostly by cricket, Bollywood and Mar-Zukis.
Volkswagen Polo India Road Test Drive: Photo Gallery
Excellent quality and finish. Good car at honest price.
P.S.: The clever VW boot handle/lock is taken straight out of the Passat.
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58 Responses to “Volkswagen Polo Review: Das Best”
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Good post!
thanks!
did you say that mileage is 22km on highway. I was told it gives 14 on highway
Hi Harish, Sorry my bad, its 15-16 kpl on highways. Thanks for pointing it out!
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi Shourya,
I have posted few questions on ur Figo article, when compared which 1 is better. A Swift, A Polo or a Figo???? Please buddy help me out
I have heard that Polo gives not more than 10 kpl in city roads. If so, it’s going to be a tough task for Polo to survive. If it gives 13, i prefer going for Polo instead of figo and swift.
Also, Does any one know about its maintenance cost? I am eagerly waiting for this info ..
Also, I need maintenance info in comparison with figo and swift.
Thanks
Suresh
Hi Suresh,
SInce the Polo is launched very recently, users may be feeling the pinch of economy till the engine gets run-in. It’s common knowledge that the engine drinks fuel at the beginning only to even out creases in the end. Knowing VW, the parts may be slightly on the wallet-pinching side but at least you wont have to worry about quality issues. You cant go wrong with the Polo.
Cheers,
Shourya
Dad booked our ‘first car’ – THE POLO in April 1st week…Expecting delivery by June 1st week! Great car to drive..Test drive experience was way ahead of i20 and Figo!
“average 6 bookings every single day” – dealers
Hi Friends,
Can you tell me about Fiat Punto. Is Punto a good car?
Hi Ritesh, The Punto is a nice car. What’s your budget and what are you looking for in your car? Maybe we can help you decide?
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi Shourya,
I have Fiat Punto 1.2 Active but i am not Satisfied with this car, its interior is very bad & on a.c it doesn’t runs fast can you help me how can I improve its interior & performance.
Plz help
I agree completely about its interiors. Compared to the very beautiful exterior, the inside is a huge letdown. It’s like a supermodel with a manly voice. Well lucky for you there are plenty of things you can do. First, give me a budget and what you’re looking for. According to me you should keep it simple yet elegant, just the way the punto looks.
Cheers,
Shourya
I can spend not more than Rs. 20,000 & Yes i would like to keep it simple. My location is Lucknow U.P
Alright that’s a fairly nice budget. I guess you have only upholstery in mind?
Ritesh,
For the limited budget you have you can look at a free flow header-muffler combination and a freer flowing CAI intake system. Both of these put together should cost you close to the whereabouts of INR 25K. With these mods done right, you are looking at a 10% boost in maximum power and torque and improved driveability across the rev range.
Cheers,
Jay
Hey Jay, I doubt he wants a power upgrade. I think he’s mostly looking for a interior do-up. Right?
HI
Give me some tips for improve its interior also.
Hi Frends,
Which is better car among i20, VW Polo & Fiat Punto
Hey Wasif,
i20 – A good small very sprightly car but looks like the cross between a jelly and Kim Jong Ill
VW Polo – Good looking car, slightly low on power and grunt because of lack of cylinders but the best overall package.
Fiat Punto – The most beautiful car to hit India. Period.
depends on what you are looking for mate. You are spoilt for choice in this segment
Cheers,
Shourya
head to Stanley if Lucknow has a dealership. They guarantee a good job.
Hi Abhay, So sorry we completely overlooked your comment! Congratulations on the new car Abhay! drive safe!
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi all,
Planning to buy polo, but worried about mileage.
Heard that polo’s average is around 9 kmph in city drive. Can anyone who has bought the car tell us what its true average.
Ashish
Hi Ashish,
I haven’t bought the car so this might seem like an unsolicited comment. The Polo is a new car. New cars tend to give low economy till the break in period. Fret not. this car is a winner.
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi All,
Could you pls let me know, what is the seating capacity, cos i heard its only four.
5, easy.
Hi,
Was looking to purchase a car, but torn between a number of options… requirement is for a fairly small car but not very small as well.. had in mind I20, Swift or Polo. Looking at various factors like maintanence, spare parts and mileage. Which one do you suggest? Buget around 7 lakhs..
Will you be able to compare, contrast between Polo and Fabia. I’ve noticed that the clutch is in an odd postion, and is giving some discomfort while driving in the city. Also, the music player given in the Highline is bad. Moreover, engine sound of the petrol has not impressed me either. They have been several reveiws that spoke about supsension, they say it’s below par. I was not told about the service costs etc. Will you be help me make a choice betweent the two?
Thanks,
Ram
Choice better Polo and Fabia. Help me make a choice.
Hi Ram,
Before anything. The Fabia and the Polo, though different in branding, are headed by VW. Secondly, do let us know your requirements.
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi Shourya
Planning to buy polo comfert line Petrol. What you think it is a right choice. My average travelling in a year is 10000 K.M. Please tell about average & A.C. effectiveness.
Rakesh
Hi Rakesh,
We’re talking less than 1000km a month travelling on an average. Let us know your budget and requirements for a more precise finger-pointing.
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi Shourya
My budget is around 5,00,000/-.Regarding requirements… should be good looking and low maintenence cost. Maruti Swift & i20 is not in my list.
Rakesh
Hi, the figo titanium has lots on offer (diesel) but looks are not good… Polo, I like everything except the pricing .. On the other hand there is the micra to be launched .. That is goin to be the best equipped car of the lot … Diesel micra may take a bit long , it’s ok for me to wait if its good … Can you choose me the right car
hai……..
i m planing to buy a car which car is better for
me figo polo or micra monthly running 500-700 km
bugget 4-5 lac.
Hi Rakesh, apologies for the delayed reply, here are my 2 cents..
great design – punto, good looks, great build – polo, good looks, good build – figo (if you can live without the rear e-windows), ‘mish-mash looks’, bad ride, bad build – beat. Take your pick.
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi Ashish,
Check out my response to Rakesh.
Thanks,
Shourya
polo is very good looking good built comparing price feaututre are not enough
I agree Shridhar, but quality comes at a price albeit it might be slightly higher in this case. The best car in its class nevertheless.
i20 is a competitor of its class, a bigger one, no doubt about it
Thinking of a new car in the 4-5 lacs range. Options under consideration;
Swift Vxi Petrol
Polo Comfortline 1.2 Petrol
Fiat Punto
Nissan Micra
Hyundai i20
Ford Figo Zxi
Please suggest given the options above. Looking essentially at reliability, low maintainence & driving comfort. Tend to use the car for getaways to the hills and a lot and so the above requirements.
Thanks
Hi Sudhir,
Spoilt for choice? The Punto is gorgeous but slow to start. The Micra is a chick’s car. The Swift is good, ticks all your boxes. The Polo is radical, ticks your boxes, has great quality, my pick. The i20, is great, but might be slightly more than your projected budget. The Ford Figo Titanium – works best if Ford can fix it’s service a bit, go for it.
My pick – the Polo.
Cheers,
Shourya
hi friends,
i want to buy polo, but i am worried about the maintenance cost as compared to other cars.
do any expert knows how much it is?
so far, none of the Polo’s have broken. If you like the car, buy it.
Hello,
I wish to say right at the onset that I have already booked the Polo comfortline petrol this week. However, the car is not without issues.
1. The petrol engine is fairly noisy and a tad underpowered
2. Rear space is a premium, especially the head-room. Also, 5 people in the back is going to be a bit of a challenge, given that the assembly in the front( that hosts the cubby holes etc) extends right till the back
3. No rear power window buttons for the driver
If you compare this with the i20 magna which comes in at about 5.65 on road price, the polo comfortline pales away in the VFM section. The i20 has got a sweet engine, plentry of rear space. Climate control and an integrated music system, has rear power window controls for the driver as well…and many more features…
But i love the way the Polo looks so was ready to overlook all the things that i just pointed out. Mind you I still have 4 months to change my mind and cancel my booking
Did the author swallow Jeremy Clarkson. He’s only coughing out his words.
booked polo 1.6, delivery in 4 months. Its a pity the demo car is not yet available, cant wait to step on 105bhp….
Drove almost 500 kms yesterday from pondi to bangalore via chennai. Here are some points:
1) Good car for city drive, but not too good for the highways. When you touch 120, you can feel the speed and had a feeling that the car was not under my control. (With my getz diesel, i can drive at 140 without feeling the speed and I have complete control of the vehicle)
2) You have the wiper control on your right and indicator control on the left. So it becomes impossible to do a dim-dip or use an indicator and change the gears at the same time on highways during an emergency. Having indicator, dim-dip, and gear on the same side is in my opinion, “plain stupid”.
3) It is not possible to lift driver side wiper to wipe the glass without using a lever inside.
4) Leg room in the rear is way too less.
5) In the driver side, the glass does not roll down completely. Makes life very difficult when you have to park in a cramped place.
All in all it is disappointing. Apart from the brand name there is nothing to rave about..
i wants to buy polo but iam confused about its average. please tell me about avarage.
i am also cofused between poll and micra which
best in average and future and perfomanance
from. Nareh patel
Hi All,
Does anyone knows about Micra Diesel launching date in India? Any idea what is the mileage of Diesel Micra?
Thanks
Zahid
i have decided to select polo can someone help me . . . . . wat about the mileage and maintenence cost
I own a VW Polo 1.2 (Trendline) – im driving it for almost a month & following is the feedback.
- No compromise with the Quality with other hatchbacks(Amazing quality)
- Power wise – Satisfied (Can compare with a swift petrol)
- Mileage – ( Lesser in city – awesome in highways) too early to rate on mileage
- Look wise – ( Best in indian hatchbacks)
- Service wise – ( No issues to report)
Let me know if any info required
Rakesh – Bangalore
What about the maintainence cost if Polo??
The service stations are quite far from my house, whereas Maruti showroom is quite near to my house.
I have an option between Swift, Micra and Polo.
@Karthik : Is it a petrol or a diesel Polo that you drove on the highway? Your observation seems contrarian to opinions expressed by other Polo owners ( from forums on the net) where they say high speed stability is terrific, and you don’t feel the speed. Would appreciate if you put more light on this aspect
@Rakesh : Rakesh, have you taken it out onto the highways? Would love to know how it handles there in terms of performance and ability to negoatiate tight corners and hairpin bends.
I happened to drive a friends SWIFT on the ghat section to Mahableshwar recently, and I was surprised on how much the car had to struggle at some stages. The low-end torque is quite dismal, forcing me to come down to 1st gear at times. My ZEN which I had driven on the same section performed better.
@Karthik : Also you mention that the driver side glass does not go down completely, but that I believe is only on the passenger side in the rear (both side)
@Seema : Do you have a set of parameters against which to evaluate all those cars? Would help us help you with the desicion making
If maintenance is your sole concern, then nothing to beat Maruthi. However having said that Polo service intervals are quite long. Its either 1k kms or 1 year whichever comes first. So thats a good thing. From my search on the web, the annual service (normal) cost would be around 6k.
However, what is a bit bothering is that if you for any after-market fitments like a stereo or any other electronic gizmo then the 2 year WARRANTY on the car becomes null and void. Now that is indeed a bit worrying. You either give up on your warranty (not a wise decision) or buy the stuff that VW has to offer at a higher price
There was a typo error:
Its either 15 kms or 1 year whichever comes first
I don’t think I can type that well today. Its
15k Kms/15000 kms
@Mahesh: well..i need a small car for city driving, dont think would be using it for highways..i am, rather was, pretty tempted to buy a Polo, but i can only buy the base model, which comes without a stereo, i presume, and since i cant put a new one in it, without getting the insurance void, i have crossed that out.
I went for a test drive of Micra, pretty good car, and asked a random stranger too who was driving it on the streets, and he seemed pretty happy with it.He said the cars giving an avg of 14 kms in Delhi traffic. Now the choice is between Micra and Swift now. Which ones better??