The Volkswagen Polo has been around since 2010 and has since been receiving some minor update or the other over the years, just to keep it fresh and attractive. There have been eight engines offered through time, and the recent 2020 model came with a 1.0-litre TSI engine. This engine is packed with technology and promises to deliver a perfect balance of performance and frugality. The Polo Red and White Edition has been launched with an aim to lure customers during the festive season, at a price of ₹ 9.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The special edition model is based on the top-of-the-line model.
Keep it simple
The styling cues on the Volkswagen cars remain more-or-less the same with its conservative lines, slender headlights and large wheels. It is undoubtedly cute and has a very clean look. There are no LED headlights and tail lights. This variant gets decals and ‘Red & White’ badging. It comes in Candy White, Flash Red and Sunset Red, a blacked out roof, door mirrors and spoiler. The dashboard is rather simplistic and sports a 6.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that works well. Space and comfort remains the same too. However, for tall passengers, the rear does feel cramped. But the build quality, as always, is class-leading.
Peppy performer
The Polo is powered by a 1.0-litre engine that makes 108.5bhp and 175Nm of torque. The motor feels peppy thanks to the enhanced performance and reduction in weight. Even the 6-speed manual contributes to its performance. The gearbox shifts smoothly and the precise shifts adds to the driving experience. The turbo kicks in at around 2000rpm, and the mid-range is where it is at its best. It’s great to use in urban conditions as well. Being a three-cylinder engine, refinement isn’t great, but we aren’t complaining. Thanks to its taut chassis and suspension, the car feels very confidence. The steering has some weight to it, and while ride quality isn’t exceptional, the car does absorb bumps well. This car scores on the dynamics front.
Features
The car gets equipment like leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, automatic air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, fog lamps, ABS, ESC and hill-start assist, dual front airbags and rear parking sensors.
Should you buy one?
Some of the Polo’s flaws do remain, it isn’t the most spacious car in its segment and doesn’t come with a tempting features list. The cabin looks solid but is a bit dated too, but we’re sure many of you still love its rather simplistic design. Where it truly stands apart, is in the build quality, handling and performance department. The new 3-cylinder engine is different from its predecessor, but thanks to the manual gearbox, it is more energetic than before. It is also very stable at high speeds and is priced very well. Also, grab the latest info on the new cars, only at autoX.
