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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/-
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
The GT TDI is also a good bet for someone who wants additional efficiency
Testers’ Note:
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