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Volkswagen Polo GT TSI Long Term Review

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI Long Term Review
The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is a lovable premium hatchback

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI Long Term Review

Long Term Test No. 110

Car Tested: Volkswagen Polo GT TSI
Kms Done: 2120 kms
Test Started at: 6309 kms
Test Concluded at: 8429 kms
Mileage: 7.2 km/l, 10 km/l (best), 6.3 km/l (worst)
Fuel Consumed: 295-litres
Fuel Cost: Rs. 22,369/-
Rs. per km: Rs. 10.55/-

The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI impresses with its minimalist yet agile nature

One of the biggest arguments in our office has always been about the Polo GT. We have driven the GT TDI extensively and are very impressed with the entire package. It is quite quick and good fun to drive. On the other hand, the GT TSI is more practical owing to its dual-clutch autobox and still tons of fun but something which we just can’t agree on is which one is better between the GTs. While Faisal and Aariz think the GT TDI is the Polo to have, I strongly believe it is the GT TSI, the ideal hot hatch. Parth is the only person neutral here, because if it was up to him, he would pick one each.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30044629770/[/flickr]

The design is old now but still looks pleasant

The only way to settle this once and for all was to use the GT TSI as our daily drive and figure out for ourselves. We asked the good guys at Volkswagen and they happily sent us one swanky red Polo GT TSI. Externally as well as internally, there is little difference between the GT twins, the major one being the autobox in the TSI while the TDI gets a manual stick. Manual is surely the way to go from an enthusiast’s perspective but I strongly believe practically is also a factor to consider.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30341186175/[/flickr]

The interiors are neatly laid out with a simple design

If you live in a metro city, traffic woes would be a daily thing for you. Most of us have become immune to the suffering and here is why I think the GT TSI makes more sense for me. VW’s 7-speed DSG transmission on the GT TSI needs no introduction. It is quick and at the same time renders the convenience of an automatic which essentially means you can go to office on weekdays and have fun in the same car over the weekend. So commuting to work was easy, especially in stop-go traffic. Working the clutch in stop-go traffic can be quite an exhausting exercise in manual cars and the TDI has a decently heavy one.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30044629560/[/flickr]

The GT TSI comes with a quick-shifting DSG transmission

The Polo GT TSI offers a tempting blend of performance and ease of use

The reason one buys a Polo GT is for performance and surely both of them don’t disappoint but the GT TSI shines owing to its gearbox. In fact, the GT TSI clearly has the most advanced transmission in its segment. Testimony to the fact is our Polo GT TSI versus Fiat Punto Abarth drag race. Yes, the Polo GT did finish second to 100 km/hr but the difference was under a second which isn’t too much. At around 140 km/hr, the Polo GT TSI was neck and neck and was clearly ahead at the 170 km/hr mark. The DSG ensures the shifts are quick and lag free. This 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is effortless to drive and delivers a very pleasing aural note at higher revs.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30044627800/[/flickr]

The GT TSI loves drinking fuel if you drive it aggressively

It is quite difficult to drive the Polo GT TSI slowly as you are always tempted to push it around. The steering offers decent feedback at high speeds. We ended up finishing our brake pads in a short span of time, mainly owing to the driving style which was hard on the brakes. A performance car needs to be driven like one, right? What really deserves a mention is the solid build quality. The car feels well planted at high speeds and we didn’t experience any rattles or squeaks from any part of the vehicle. The GT TSI was returning around 7.2 km/l on an average. If you can resist the temptation and drive with a light foot, the fuel economy can go to nearly 10 km/l. This is lesser than what the GT TDI delivers but since diesel prices got deregulated by the Government, the difference between petrol and diesel fuel is only narrowing.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30044627440/[/flickr]

The Polo’s TSI engine is one of the most advanced in this price range

Some arguments can never be settled and this is one of them. While half of my core team still prefers the GT TDI, the other half, me included would pick the GT TSI. There is something which we do agree on and that is either of the Polo GTs is an easy pick if you are looking to buy a performance hatchback. The Polo GT TSI scores high on safety and performance and can easily double up as your daily office car with performance on tap when needed. The only sour point being the lack of cabin space but if that’s ok with you, the GT TSI makes it a strong case as a practical hot hatch which offers the convenience of an automatic while delivering some mouth-watering performance.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30044628480/[/flickr]

Volkswagen’s service network isn’t as good as Maruti and Hyundai

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI Service Costs

1. Service Schedule – 15,000 kms and 1 year (whichever is earlier)
2. Cost of Spares –

* Engine Oil Per Service – Rs. 3400/-
* Brake Oil – Rs. 280/- (250 ml)
* Oil Filter – Rs. 677/-
* Fuel Filter – Rs. 1852/-
* Brake Pads (Front) – Rs. 1862/-
* Front Bumper (without painting) – Rs. 4101/-
* Rear Bumper (without painting) – Rs. 4646/-
* Headlamp Assembly (Each) – Rs. 12,749/-
* Tail Lamp Assembly (Each) – Rs. 1616/-

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30341186745/[/flickr]

The Polo is a sorted package, wish it had more space

What’s Cool

* The styling is timeless, looks lovely
* Interiors are well-packaged, sorted ergonomics
* The engine and gearbox combo offers awesome performance
* Ride and handling characteristics are well-balanced

What’s Not So Cool

* Lack of space at the rear

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/30341185425/[/flickr]

The GT TDI is also a good bet for someone who wants additional efficiency

Testers’ Note:

“As much as people love the GT TSI, there is absolutely no reason to buy it over the GT TDI, other than the automatic gearbox, which begs the question, with the Ameo available with a diesel automatic, why would you not want to have your cake and eat it too? That said, the Polo GT TSI is far superior to the Maruti Baleno RS in the driving experience and maybe I am too old school but a manual gearbox with this engine would make me reconsider my love for the oil burner.” – Faisal Khan, Editor, MotorBeam.
“The Volkswagen Polo is my favourite hatchback and I love it because it looks beautiful, drives well and the build quality is just brilliant. The cabin is definitely lacking on space but I don’t really mind that. The GT TSI is the perfect hatchback for cities like Mumbai because the DSG makes it convenient to drive and the performance on offer is also impressive.” – Parth Gohil, Senior Road Tester, MotorBeam.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/29711381504/[/flickr]

The Polo GT TSI competes with the Baleno RS and Abarth Punto

Further Reading

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI vs Honda Jazz CVT vs Ford Figo DCT
Volkswagen Polo GT TDI Long Term Review
Volkswagen Polo Long Term Review – Initial Report
Volkswagen Polo Review
Volkswagen Polo vs Hyundai Elite i20 vs Maruti Swift vs Fiat Punto Evo

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