Volkswagen Polo GT TSI

I bought this car after selling off Honda Amaze. Reason for this was build quality and ride quality. We are found of doing highway trips and this car always clicked our mind. So I did my research and got stuck between GT and normal version.

Why I chose GT?

One fine day while driving from Patna to Jamnagar at night we saw a polo GT effortless cruising at 120-130. So now we were sure we will get a GT. Which GT was a question as manual diesel and petrol DSG was available options. I started with research and after reading lots of reviews I decided to go with DSG.

Sales Experience

I contacted the dealer and he told no DSG polo is available for test drive. But I had read too much about DSG and it's issues and improvements etc. So I decided to go ahead with it as I do super long trips and automatic ticked  the right box. Booked the car and got it in two weeks time.

Modifications & first experience

It's a flash red color. Did some modifications like roof wrap, spoiler and armrest. As soon as I got the car I knew what exactly to expect and loved the way car handled at high speeds. I was thrilled to be almost close to the high end cars on highways that too being safe.

Long Trip Experience

I decided to take car on a super long trip. We did Gujarat - Delhi - Spiti trip in June 2018. Car just flew on highways and handled the highways quite well. On hills it was equally good. However I had to be careful due to ground clearance. So this trip ended without glitch. After that we did many trips and went to spiti again in 2022. This time completed the Kaza Manali route as well. Without a single damage. On the setbacks I faced, I had to get the clutch changed at 32k km. Well it's dq200. I got it for free due warranty. 

Well few pros and cons of the car are as follows:-

Build Quality

Inside and out its super awesome. From plastics to accessories to alloys to body. It's super. No rattling noise even after so many off-roading miles. At the inside the quality of plastics hasn't deproved even a bit.

Even after hitting potholes alloys never developed any crack etc. and body has not developed any sounds as well.

Ride Quality

Well, I don't need to say anything because anyone in car world can vouch for the ride and drive quality of this car. It handles the high speeds with so much of ease. And the car stays planted even while cornering. Wide 195 profile gives confidence.

Engine and Gearbox

Engine is 1.2 litre TSI. It's awesome with minimal vibrations and amazing power. 103bhp is more than enough for this car. The gearbox even though notorious is superb. The shifts are not even felt. It's quick and when it downshifts, it can launch you like a catapult. On long drives it helps a lot. I have done a 16hrs & & 20hrs trip on this car. I was tired but happy that I could do it. This combo makes the car a super hot hatch. 

Engine is reliable and gives cruise ability to the car at lesser rpm and noise levels. Torque is healthy enough to take you through all motorable road of India.

Paint quality

A good polish and wax session and car becomes as good as new. Hasn't faded even a bit. I love the colour of my car.

Infotainment and Music quality

Well, I have heard many issues from people having MG Tata etc. I haven't faced even a single issue at all. It's works flawless and hasn't given any issue. Music quality is also good.

Electrics & Sensors

The electrical environment of this car is also good. All the wiring etc are of good quality. Car has steering angle sensors, speed sensor, accelerator pedal sensor, engine speed sensor, temp sensor. All work in tandem to make car safer and better. It has anti pinch and one touch up down windows on all doors. Remote opening of windows are also available since ages. Car adapts to environment quite well in terms of temperature density etc. 

The fuel consumption, distance to empty and tank indicator is also accurate. I am praising all this because none of them have failed even once and have been working amazing. German engineering is in all these things which many can't feel or see. 

There are many hidden but amazing features which are for keeping occupant safe. ABS & ESP works like charm. It helped me in uphill loose gravel climbs and in high speeds. The dsg computer also works well. And it also adapts to your driving mood and style.

Brakes

They feel underperforming for this car. Gets heated and effectiveness reduces. All discs would have been a better option. Or a better quality one. I have changed rotor & pads thrice. One at 19k then at 37k and third time at 60k. Locally made brake pads and discs are the culprit.

Suspension

Well it's subjective what you want. The car is meant for fun driving and it has a stiff setup. So it's good on highways and curves but on rough roads it will have some issues. But I love it overall. 

However I have managed the Kaza Manali trip and even though it was stiff setup, it actually helped to mask off the low ground clearance.

Space

I can't call it a family carrier owing to boot and rear seat space. It's good for family size of up to three and more than that will need more space.

Service cost

It's high but I am fine with it as I can drive 15k km before each service.

DQ200

It needs lots of care like shifting to manual in traffic, uphill etc. No over stressing the clutch. I got the clutch changed once. It's a wear and tear part and obviously it will need replacement. I was under warranty and saved my money.

ABS Sensors

I didn't have to change any but people have complained that ABS sensor die quickly. I never faced  any issue in this regard. I followed simple rule of not getting it washed at random places. No pressure underbody wash, no engine bay wash.

I can go on and on for its praises. But I know I would never get a car with such a quality in this price point. I know this car is now no more available on sale but it's more like an informative review. Thanks for reading guys.