Volkswagen Polo GT
The GT TSI petrol retains the same engine and DSG gearbox combo as its predecessor but the diesel gets a smaller heart. The 1.6-litre diesel is no more; it has been replaced by the new 1.5-litre diesel from the regular Polo with one difference. It makes the same power as the 1.6 TDI in the old diesel GT. Now making 105bhp (the TSI’s power output is the same as well), you’d expect the car to be quick. While the pace isn’t blistering, the power delivery in both cars is very linear and there is plenty of torque across the rev range. Expect similar performance as the old GTs – the sprint to 100kmph in less than ten seconds and top speed close to 200kmph. The TSI loves to be revved, is a bit hesitant to downshift unless the transmission is in ‘sport’ mode and is one of the smoothest engines in its class. The new diesel has linear power delivery – that exciting spike that the old engine had is missing, but it still is free-revving by diesel standards. It is also very quiet by diesel standards. Around town, both engines have enough torque on tap without the need for frequent downshifts, which should result in good economy.
The handling is pretty much the same as the regular Polo with its revised suspension. You get a reasonably well balanced chassis, decent grip and a sure-footed stance. The steering is still light and devoid of feel though but the ride is quite supple.
What else? The interiors of both cars are similar to what’s on the facelifted Polo – the cabin is all-black in these cars and the silverfinished centre console is now glossy black. You get that lovely squared-off steering wheel, a hugely adjustable driving position, dual airbags, Bluetooth, USB and aux connectivity, climate control and rear parking sensors as standard.
Are these worth it? Well, considering there’s nothing else that can give you the same kick for the money, they are. For close to ` 10 lakh onroad, you get a well-built, smartly understated pocket rocket that’s good fun to drive. Now please VW, make them look like proper GTs.
The GT TSI and TDI hot (okay, warm) hatches get the
facelifted Polo nose and interior tweaks