The Volkswagen Polo GT is one of India’s most popular and loved hatchbacks, offering a blend of performance, style, and comfort. The Polo GT has been in the market for 12 years and has recently been discontinued by Volkswagen, making way for new models like the Virtus and the Taigun. This article will examine the features, specs, variants, and legacy of the Polo GT and why it commands such respect among car enthusiasts.
Polo GT Features:
The Polo GT is powered by a revolutionary TSI engine that perfectly balances power and consumption, delivering 110PS of power and 175Nm of torque. The TSI engine uses a combination of direct injection and turbocharging to produce more power from less fuel, resulting in lower emissions and better performance. It also has a dual-clutch gearbox that allows faster and smoother shifting, enhancing the driving experience.
GT comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission that offers a seamless gearshift, letting you easily blaze down the road. The automatic transmission has a Tiptronic mode that lets you manually change gears using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, giving you more control and fun. It also has a Sport mode that adjusts the engine response and gear changes to suit your driving style, making the GT more agile and responsive.
The Polo GT has a striking design, with a honeycomb grille, dual-beam headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, GTI-inspired seat covers, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. The honeycomb grille gives the Polo GT a sporty and aggressive look, while the dual-beam headlamps provide better visibility and safety. The 16-inch alloy wheels add to the style and stability, while the GTI-inspired seat covers and the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel create a premium and comfortable interior.
These are some of the features that make the Polo GT a unique and desirable hatchback in India.
Technical specifications of the Polo GT:
Dimensions: The Polo GT has a length of 3971mm, a width of 1682mm, a height of 1469mm, and a wheelbase of 2469mm. These dimensions make the Polo GT a compact, easy-to-drive hatchback suitable for urban traffic and parking. It also has a ground clearance of 165mm, which is adequate for most Indian roads.
Fuel efficiency: The Polo GT has a fuel tank capacity of 45 liters and a boot space of 280 liters. The fuel efficiency of the Polo GT depends on the variant and the driving mode. The Polo GT TSI has a mileage of 16.47 kmpl, while the Polo GT TDI has a mileage of 19.91 kmpl. The Sport mode reduces the fuel efficiency by about 10% but increases the performance and thrill.
Safety features: The Polo GT has dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, speed-sensing door locks, and engine immobilizer as standard safety features. These features ensure that the Polo GT is well-equipped to handle emergencies and protect the occupants. It also has an electronic stability program (ESP) and hill-hold control (HHC) as optional features, further enhancing the car’s stability and control.
Price: The Polo GT has a last recorded price of Rs. 10.24 lakh (ex-showroom). This price makes the Polo GT one of India’s most affordable performance hatchbacks, offering great value for money. It also has low maintenance costs and high resale value, making it a smart investment for car lovers.
Maintainance Tips:
To maintain your Polo GT, you should follow some basic tips and dos/don’ts, such as:
Follow the recommended service schedule and use only genuine parts and fluids. The service interval for the Polo GT is 15K km or one year, whichever comes first. You can check the service cost and details on the Volkswagen website or at your nearest authorized service center.
Check the condition of the brake pads, discs, tyres, wipers, lights, and fluids regularly and replace them if needed. Its brake pads manage to wear out faster than normal due to the car’s high performance. You can inspect them or take your car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
Keep your car clean and protect it from dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other contaminants. You can use a car cover, wax, polish, and other products to preserve the paint and shine of your car. You can also opt for interior and dry cleaning at the service center or a professional car spa.
Avoid driving your car in extreme conditions, such as hot, cold, wet, or dusty environments. These can affect the performance and efficiency of your car and cause damage to the engine, transmission, suspension, and other components. You should also avoid overloading your car or towing heavy objects with it.
Drive your car smoothly and responsibly, avoiding sudden acceleration, braking, cornering, or gear changes. This will help you save fuel, reduce emissions, and extend the life of your car. You should also follow the traffic rules and regulations and respect other road users.
These are some ways you can maintain your Polo GT and enjoy its features for a long time. For more information, refer to the owner’s manual or the Volkswagen India website.
Price:
The Polo GT is a performance-oriented variant of the Volkswagen Polo hatchback, discontinued in India in 2023. The last recorded price of the Polo GT was Rs. 10.24 lakh (ex-showroom) for the GT TSI model, which had a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Polo GT also had a GT TDI model, which had a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, and was priced at Rs. 9.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The GT was available in five colours: Carbon Steel, Reflex Silver, Sunset Red, Flash Red, and Candy White.
The Polo GT was one of India’s most affordable performance hatchbacks, offering great value for money and a thrilling driving experience. However, Volkswagen discontinued the Polo GT as part of its strategy to focus on new models like the Virtus and the Taigun. The Virtus is a sedan based on the MQB A0 IN platform, which is expected to replace the Vento and the Polo in India. The Taigun is a compact SUV based on the same platform, which is expected to compete with Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
If you want to buy a Polo GT in India now, you can only look for used or pre-owned cars online or at Volkswagen dealerships. You can also check out the Polo GTI, a more powerful and premium version of the Polo GT, priced at Rs. 25.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane). The Polo GTI has a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 189 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The Polo GTI is a three-door hatchback that can go 0 to 100 in just 7.2 seconds.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between Polo GT and Polo?
A: The Polo GT is a performance-oriented variant of the Polo, with a more powerful engine, a better transmission, and a sportier design. It also has some exclusive features unavailable in the regular Polo, such as the honeycomb grille, the 16-inch alloy wheels, and the GTI-inspired seat covers.
Q: Why did Volkswagen discontinue the Polo GT in India?
A: Volkswagen discontinued the Polo GT in India in 2023 as part of its strategy to focus on new models like the Virtus and the Taigun. The Virtus is a sedan based on the MQB A0 IN platform, which is expected to replace the Vento and the Polo in India. The Taigun is a compact SUV based on the same platform, which is expected to compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Q: How can I buy a Polo GT in India now?
A: Since the Polo GT is no longer in production, you can only buy a used or pre-owned Polo GT in India. Look for online platforms that sell second-hand cars, such as CarDekho, CarTrade, or OLX. You can also visit your nearest Volkswagen dealership and ask for their certified pre-owned program, which offers quality-checked and warranty-backed cars.
Q: How can I modify or customize my Polo GT?
A: Depending on your budget and preference, there are many ways to modify or customize your Polo GT. You can change the exterior parts, such as the bumpers, spoilers, lights, or exhausts. You can also upgrade the interior parts, such as the seats, steering wheel, or infotainment system. You can also enhance the performance of your Polo GT by installing aftermarket parts, such as air filters, turbochargers, or suspension kits.
Conclusion:
The Polo GT has been an enthusiast’s car for 12 years, offering an exhilarating driving experience and German engineering in a compact package. The Polo GT has won many awards and accolades, including the Car of the Year by NDTV Car & Bike Awards in 2010 and 2014 and the Best Driver’s Car by Autocar India in 2013. It has also inspired many modifications and customizations by car lovers, who have added performance parts, aesthetic elements, and personal touches to their cars. However, all good things must end, and the Polo GT is no exception. Volkswagen discontinued the Polo GT in India in 2022. However, they may not be able to match the charm and thrill of the Polo GT, which has left a lasting impression on the Indian car market.