Satisfied Customer

Exterior The car is extremely well built, with a timeless and understated design. It isn't brash, in your face like the Hyundais and Suzukis, nor is it a brute like the toyotas or mahindras. For its segment, I find the look to be the least crying-for-attention. A grown up car, in other words. 

Pain quality is top notch, although the clear coat could have been stronger, as it seems to be developing micro scratches from just daily delhi dust. Mine being a dark "Carbon Steel" colour, these insignificant scratches are very easily visible. An investment on a pain protection coat is almost mandatory.

The fit and finish of panels, and plastic parts is par for the course, for a european brand. It doesn't seem to be a budget car at all. In fact, the quality of sheet metal used is much better and thicker than any of the indian/japanese/korean brands.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Seats are comfortable; there is enough legspace, and headroom, for average Indian sizes. For reference, I am 5'11. 

The imitation leather PU seats are a hassle, though. In the delhi heat, the seats seem to be a surefire way of getting a toasty backside. 

There aren't too many features, but those that are work well. The touchscreen HU is basic. Steering mounted controls and SM MID controls work well. A couple of more information screens including an instantaneous fuel efficiency display would have been very welcome. Also, it's high time VW upgraded the basic MID they have been including in the Polo and Vento to at least the MAXIDOT display. 

There is adequate storage in the front, but the rear seats get only one cupholder behind the center console, and no bottle holders in the rear doors at all. That should also be rectified. 

Also, the rear parcel tray is useless for storage, due to the angle at which it is mounted. 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine performance is adequate. It is not a scorcher, and it doesn't really pin you to the seat like the previous generation 1.6L diesel manuals. However, it offers a very easy driving experience, and has sufficient torque for overtaking in a pinch.

Fuel economies achieved so far are 14 kmpl city (delhi traffic, mostly crawling speeds), and 23kmpl, highway (Avg speed 60, max 130, done over a 500 km route)

The gearbox is a dream to drive. The only issues are that 

1. It is the notorious DQ200, dry clutch. 

2. It upshifts at less than 2000 rpm in 'D' mode. 

I have observed that the power band of this engine/GB combination lies between 1700-2900 RPM. However, the way the mechatronics are programmed, the engine wants to keep itself as close to idle as possible. This doesn't really allow the turbo to extract maximum efficiency, and knowing there is power, but being unable to access it instantly is a bit frustrating. 

The DSG is designed to learn how you drive, and perhaps over a few thousand kilometers, it may adjust to my style. 

Ride Quality & Handling Superb!. It cocoons you inside, is planted on the road, and does exactly what you want it to do.

The steering is a bit lifeless, being an electrical unit, but is weighed well.  It is probably the best handling sedan under 20L (Jetta and octavia both setting you back by more than 20 for the automatic variants)

Final Words A very well balanced car for the price. Could do with a bit more hype and marketing.

Areas of improvement  

 1. ORVMs can be closed from the driver's side door control. However, they should also have had an auto closing mechanism upon locking the car.

2. Puddle lamps would be nice.

3. Fabric seats. These PU art. leather seats are a horrifying experience in (North) Indian conditions. A couple of hours out in the sun, and the car is blazing hot inside. Fabric seats are easier to get into and drive away.

Ride quality, Driving comfort, Cost, Timeless styling, Build qualityLack of low end torque, tendency of DSG to upshift at 1900 RPM