Volkswagen Polo [2012-2014] User Reviews

Exterior

 The car is very good looking from the outside. I bought a 1.2 Highline (P) reflex silver fully loaded. Looks amazing with the fog lights on in the night.Rear parking sensors really helps in parking through tight corners. Dark headlamps add to the overall beauty.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 VW has recently upgreaded the car with loads of features. Upgraded music system with Bluetooth connectivity with SUB and AUX input, lovely 2 tone dashboard with good plastic quality.Very sober digital display, very powerful AC, Steering mounted audio control. Good boot space. Comfortable car for 4 people. Amazing suspension which gives a very comfortable ride.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

This being a 3 cylinder engine its a bit noisy. This is mainly noticeable with the AC on. Without the AC, the engine is quite silent. Well the engine can't be compared with that of a four cylinder engine ( swift, i20, liva, punto, sail) which gives better pickup and less gear changes with smoother revving in lower gears Decent pickup in 1st & 2nd gear and very smooth gearbox. Easy gearshifts in Bumper to bumper traffic. I've driven 4500 km so far with both city and highway. The car returnes an amazing average of 17 kmpl with AC on highway and gives me around 13 kmpl in city with AC.

Ride Quality & Handling

 Good suspension with amazing steering control which makes it easy to maneuver throught tight corners in city drive and sharp corners on highways.

Final Words

 Got my car in June 2013 from B U Bhandari. Its the best VW dealer in Pune. The sales person were very good and helped me with the purchase right from my enquiry by offering a test drive of the desired varient till driving out off their showroom. They also called me after my purchase to check how was the driving experience and if any issues or concerns with the car. I havemy car checkup at 7500 kms. B U Bhandari is a reputed car dealer in pune as they also have the sole Mercedes dealership in Pune. They surely know how to deal with their customers with complete customer satisfaction. Haveheard good reviews about their servicing and hope to experience the same.

Areas of improvement  

 VW should consider launching a 1.2 L 4 cylinder engine which can take on the swift, i20's etc. Surely it's selling like hot cake after Swift and is slowly capturing the market. People are getting to feel the actual German engineering. Service is good in metros but I guess they need to capture tier 2 cities and spread their service network. German cars are always known to have higher ownership cost as compared to Japanese or Korean cars but it dosent compromise on safety and quality.

 

Good road presence at high speed, Good style, amazing steering control, great suspension,Little noisy 3 cylinder engine

Exterior Good looking small (specially from side view) which surprisingly looks like luxury car from side view, good quality strong exterior built.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Average plastic quality with all the modern features available in the comfortline. sitting space i found bit cramped up specially in back seat when front seaters are sitting comfortably. 5th person sitting at back in the middle  is a myth( because theres a wall standing at the middle in the floor.wall most probably caused due to low height of  car and most oftenly cars are used as 2  in western coutries as compared to india where whole family travels in a small car too with a single car present in the family. verdict is - back seat leg space is very low and car can be called as 4 seater rather than 5 seater( but how many times in a year 5 people are gonna seat for a long drive that matters-probably never ). AND HAVE YOU SEEN THE BOOT SPACE!!!

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox I took a test drive only - engine felt very good with power- car pooled 4 people with accelator from standstill. fuel economy cannt comment but what I have raed and studied you will get arround 16-20km/ltr which will obviously increase with proper handling and gear and clutch coordination and speed maintainance at 60-70km/hr. gear box felt great and shifting of reverse was nice touch (something new-obviously sum1 will get adjusted with 3 days of driving). verdict- nice engiene with good performance. Cant comment upon 3 cylinder engiene which people are complaining of but i think that when common man is complaining of something and there are 4 cylinder engienes evrywhere, volkswagen engineers must have considered that better than a layman.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality was excilent. our test drive driver made us sit in the back side and took us through a rough patch with potholes and speed breakers. drive was comfortable with4 people sitting though i think gorund clearance is bit low . handling of car was excellent i can feel the effortless control of steering.verdict is -good riding quality and handling with average ground clearance. Afterall its a hatch back not a SUV.

Final Words Nice car, can be recommended presently with additional updated features in the comfortline-usb and aux input in music player, rear defoger and wipers,remote contolled boot space door. Dont go for trendline(as such warranty will be void when you will add some music system or anything else. comfortline  is the best. Finally its a Volkswagen yaaaaaaar.

Areas of improvement Back seat leg space , call it a 4 seater rather than 5 bcs of wall in the floor, 3 cylinder engiene I cannt comment, ABS should be present in comfortline also. Actually ABS should be mandatory for for all cars which will decrease road traffic accidents specially in India where streets are filled with, idiots driving cars , scooters , buses as machine guns and small kids playing on the highways who are oftenly  responsibillity of Govt rather than their parents 😄.

Riding comfort ,boot space, side lookCramped sitting space and ground clearance

Exterior I guess it is one of the best we have in hatchbacks today, it really gives that AUDI look sideways, I am posted outside India so can tell its really European looking from sideways. Which is kind of a killer! 😉

Built quality is really good, you can feel the weight of the doors by the famous "thud".

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Since I own a highline, I am very happy with the features provided. The Blutooth works like a charm, be it playing music though your smartphone or calling/receiving calls. The steering mounted controls gives a premium feel while driving. ACC is also a pretty decent addition and rear parking sensors are already very common.

Space: I guess its on cramped side, I am nearly 5'10, and while turing/cornering, my hand on steering is obstructed by my knee, which is quite irritating and that too when I am driving in relatively cruiser posture. For back passenger it is OK, 2 persons would be quite at home, but 3 at back is kind of -unimaginary-. Seats are OK, neither too soft, nor too hard like swift.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Very very good, one really gets a feel of premium German engineering feast. Engine is very smooth and sometimes while on idle, I have to touch the steering to make sure its ON and running !!!. Initially I had a feel of it being underpowered ( which actually it is a tad bit ! ) but once just for fun after running it 120+ kmph for sometime on a holiday ... it has really started showing me its true colors :)

Fuel Economy: I really didn't have much issue with it and havn't really observed but I guess it gives around 12.5L in the city with a/c which I ocassionally observe while toggling the displays during traffic!

Ride Quality & Handling Now comes the part: It's just too good ! and I am not blabbering but if you are not sure in which car you are in, you might mistake it by the legendary Honda City which was always my dream car .. my first choice, if it was not due to space constraints at home, my friend once drove it and his exact words were .. " Dude ... Its like playing a video game !! "

Steering: Very smooth, but not crappy smooth like i20 ( I did numerous test rides with Figo, i20 and others!)

Isolates bump in a very good way without compromising in handling and control.

Final Words I am prety happy with the car, its upon the reader to decide the imp factors, but I wanted a car for driver's paradise so I am relishing it. Still a bachalor so would suggest bigger families to think through.

Areas of improvement Given being trained as an automotive enigineer, I had some idea about engine, ride, quality and control, aerodynamics and asthetics. This one would be the second best, the best would be Fiat Punto- for sure .. but due to after sales headaches I was "forced" to stay away form it. 3-engine cylinder was also a point of concern but seriouly - how could the vibrations be this low ???? Very happy with the choice made.

Could increase wheel base a bit ( still keeping less than 4 m for taxation purposes ) but near about that ( like ecosport - 3997mm !), that would lighten up the biggest concern on rear leg room a bit. otherwise in the given price range, its pretty awesome! The best first car 😎😄

Looks (side), Steering and Ride QualitySpace (Leg Room), Middle bump through the floor

Exterior

I have the reflex siver Polo and its paint quality, fittings and looks are definitely impressive. Headlights, fog lights and tail lights are neat and effective. One thing I didn't understand is why the reverse light is on one side only! I got the reverse obstacle warning system fitted and it's a real help for parking.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

The interiors are very thoughtfully designed, and you don't need to fumble and search for the usual things while driving. The seats are much more comfortable for long drives than the Maruti, Hyundai and Tata cars I have used. The boot is easily accessible and spacious, and can easily be adapted to carry lots of luggage. Going through the instruction manual, one discovers many innovative features in this car. The A/C and ventilation / de-fogging systems are quite efficient too. The music system is easy to operate, and sounds good.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

The 1.2L diesel engine, being turbo-charged, does exhibit some lag at speeds above 100km/h, but a liitle anticipation with the accelerator helps to get power at the right time. The sound and vibration in the cabin is hardly noticeable. The fuel efficiency is really good with 15 kpl in heavy traffic, and 22 kpl on the highway if you drive at around 90-100 km/h. For even better mileage you can try 60-70 km/h. On the good highways you might get irritated by other cars passing you at 140km/h plus!

 

Ride Quality & Handling

The ride quality is definitely good, with less bumps even on bad roads. The electronic controlled power steering is very responsive and comfortable at all speeds. Cornering and braking performance is really good.

 

Final Words

This car is good value for its price, and recommended for anyone who has to drive a lot, in or out of the city. 

Areas of improvement  

 Storage space in the front and rear doors, and road clearance (be careful on extra large speed breakers!)

 

Good syle, fuel economy and smooth rideSlow in acceleration at high speeds

Exterior

 You take a look at it and you will know man or woman you will fall for it. The painting is A class, do a wax coat once in 6 mths if you drive regularly and you will have a sparkling car always. 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 VW quality is the best. The sturdiness of the plastics, the styling are all fantastic. I suggest for exterior and interior you go see the car yourself, cause to each his own, i love it. 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 We go on long drives and keep travelling across states sometimes, so i can vouch for engine performance, i have driven this in different terrains , differnet weather conditions , during rains, in foggy conditions, on top of hills and in horrible indian roads and heavy summer sun, in all conditions i have felt comfortable. 

Noise less engine is what i call this, trust me you cant make out if its a D or a P engine. 

I feel that i would have loved to got for a 1.6 now , unfortunately 1.6 was not available then. 

Fuel Economy - Driving conditions 

9-12km/l     -  in city bumper to bumper traffic , mostly 1 -2-3 gears 

13km - 16 km/l -  mix traffic and free road s avg speed 30 km / hr ( 2 - 4 gears  mix ) 

17 - 20 km/l -  on highways with AC on 

20 - 22.6km/l -  on highways , long distance with AC on - off depending on need !! ( these are true figures since i maintain a record of fuel consumption always.  

I have tried the gears on other cars , VW has a super short and smooth gear shift, once you get used to it , you can actually race in city roads. 

Ride Quality & Handling

 Well this is something that you can write only after you drive the car for a while. I purchased my polo highline Diesel this Jan 13, and we go for regular long drives , we have taken this car across maharashtra on different terrains, and everywhere i have been proud to own a polo cause the sturdiness this car gives on highways is fantastic, the ABS is just perfect and helps you during high speed drivings. I have touched 140 km/hr without any issues, i dont believe in pusing your car unesseraily. 120-130 km/hr is a easy drive on highways and you will not even feel it. 

The cabin is sound proof and its difficult to make out sometimes if the engine is on or off. Very low viberations even though its a Diesel car.

Steering is very smooth and the tilt and telscopic feature helps during different drives. city driving is very easy with a polo as the RPM on lower gears is fantastic. I have been able to start my car from 0km/hr in 2nd gear !! So clutch is enough to help you in city traffic, engine is well tuned.  

Since i drive i can say that the front seats are very comfortable , be sure to put good seat covers so that the egronomics of the seat are maintained. 

The stereo is also great ! 

Final Words

 I have said so much....well VW Polo is definetly not a low cost car, i would say if you can afford it go for it. I had actually finalized for a SWIFT but then i realized that the highline and ZDi come at athe same cost ... so lets try out and trust me it has worked in my favour for the last one year and hoping many more years. 

Areas of improvement  

 Lack fo rear leg room and for tall people like me to get in and get out is slightly uncomfortable due to the low roof styling to get the sporty feel, even sitting inside if you are a tall person there are chances that your head may almost touch the roof unless you make some seat adjustments. Rear bottol holders could be added to the side doors. 

 

 

Great Style, Super Ergonomics, fuel economy, driveability, smooth steering,good ac,sturdy,suspensiorear legroom, after sales service,slightly heavy clutch

My jottings on the new VW POLO GT TSI

(Bought on 29th July 2013)

When I bought my first VW, the decision was based entirely on buying a city car with performance and economy. GT TSI is not exactly an economic car to buy (at a stiff price tag of Rs. 9.5 lacs on road in Pune), but the value it gives an owner far outweighs the price you pay.

My first driving impression was nothing short of extraordinary. The car feels taught and handles quite firmly. The steering is quite precise but is a bit too light to touch. It does not transmit the feel of the road with fidelity and in a way lets down the vehicle with an alleged sporty design.

Handling: The car has a modest body roll in a fast corner. and. I found the behavior of the suspension a bit jittery when thrown fast in a corner and there is a feeling of the back sweeping out particularly on a rough road. Curving fast on a corner the car holds the line pretty tight. On the whole the handling of the car is pretty descent and inspiring. Ride quality is very descent for a car of such a short wheelbase, but there is nothing more to say about it.

As for acceleration, the car behaves pretty ordinary in the D drive mode. However with a judicious use of the throttle pedal, you can exploit a performance which is better than the ordinary. Although this depends on the selection of the gear by the car’s brain, you can use the pedal logically to allow the car select the lower gear. This can come up by some practice but naturally, the throttle response cannot be as good as you would expect in the S mode.

In the S mode, however, the car turns into a beast. The tachometer promptly springs to a higher rev range and the power begins to unleash promptly. It is an extremely useful slot for overtaking even in the city traffic. But you feel like going back to the D mode after the job is over. The most striking experience is felt, however, in the Manual Mode of the gear settings. This gives the brisk acceleration and adds real kick to the driving experience. This is particularly agile in the first three gears and adds a lot of fun in driving even in the city traffic.

Having said all that, there are some areas where the Polo TSI could have done better.

The downside of this car.

1. VW have chosen to give its customers a city car with the sporting experience. However it is disappointing to see no sporting character in the exterior design. It looks no different than the ordinary Polo. This is utterly disappointing.

2. The steering is too light and lacks the FEEL you expect in a car of such performance and power.

3. The same criticism applies to the brakes. It is a pity that the rear brakes are conventional drums.

4. VW maintain the same tyre width and profile as for an ordinary Polo. Do they expect an ordinary Polo experience on highway driving and on fast curves for their customers?

5. VW also boast about the fuel economy of the TSI. Although I have not estimated the fuel consumption on my vehicle, I suspect the fuel consumption is much higher than claimed, particularly when the car is driven in the way it is designed for.

But all said and done, this is a highly capable car. Although it does not ooze its sporty character from exterior, there is a real gem under the skin and is potentially the sportiest hatchback on the Indian roads to date.

Dr. Shirish Yande,

11 November 2013

Performance, refinement , HandlingBland exteriors, steering without feedback, economy

dear friends

my father used to have ambassador and willys jeep.when i first started driving i started with maruti 800 japanese model it was awsome for me to drive 800 after driving ambassador.then in 1996 we bought esteem that was too good still i kept that one .then we bought ikon it was good to try an american car then sold it and bought accent didnot like sold it then took a tata safari dicor in 2006 awsome suv i fell in love with safari kept this one too.brother bought optra in 2008 nice car but cant rely on chevy in india.

bought polo tdi 2014 from deccan mody group hyderabad.man believe me this was the best car i ever drove.too good in road handling u can make a sharp curves even on 140 kmph.if u are driving enthutiastic then u shoul buy this one otherwise there are many more cars with more features in the market for same price.

think before no one can beat german and italian cars.choice is u rs. 

dont drink and drive ,plz dont answer mobile phones while driving.drive safe 

goodluck😄

excellent looks,great quality,good handling and road gripspace ,bit bumpy,low ground clearance

Exterior

 very good and well placed.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 very good and has good comfort too.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 very good, consistant in fuel economy. I like the engine and its performance.

Ride Quality & Handling

 good

Final Words

This car is good. Also good in performance. But spoil your car by giving it to servicing at the VW servicing unit. This happened twice to me. In both the occasions the servicing was faulty and I had to revisit the service center for repairing it again. Pathetic servicing. No test ride even. When we complain we get soothing phone calls from the service unit. But no accountability. The inspection is attrocious. Last VW car that I buy again. The showroom persons wear blazers and suits, but such eligance is not seen in their work. Sorry to say like but I mean it. 

Areas of improvement  

Maintain good proper well inspected service centers. The engineers should be qualified and should have the accountability to the work they do. 

 

good performancepathetic service

Exterior :

This car is extreamly well styled, the paint quality is superior than other hatchs, good aerodynamism, sturdy looks 

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) :

Excellent for people sitting in the front seats, quite difficult to accomodate tall people 6feet up. Great egronomics for the driver.  Back seat is comfortable but crampy if driver is tall. Interior styling and features are of excellent quality, quite robust. 

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox :

My polo is more than a year old with one servicing done. The engine performance has been excellent throughout. I have driven non stop to about 250-300 kms without any issue. Great fuel eco, if used without AC in a drive gives 22km/l with Ac on highway gives 18km/l.  City drives in mumbai yield on 12 km/l , but that is driving at 1st and 2nd gears only.  

Gearbox is smooth with short throw gear which gives you the sport car feel, very useful in highway drives to pick up and boost ahead.

 

Ride Quality & Handling :

Superior ride quality and handling, the suspensions are excellent and the steering shifts to electrical adjust at high speeds. The steering position can be altered as per driver convinience. Service at 15000 or 1 year which ever is earlier. 

 

Final Words

 In all a great car to drive in city and out of city. It is slightly priced on the higher side but it justifies the price you pay. 

Areas of improvement  

 Service is once a year but quite expensive. Need to relook at the service costs ! Ceiling height is a issue for tall people.  

 

Great styling, very sturdy at high speeds, superior quality of fittings,good mileage, ample bootNot for 6feet and taller people, low height