Re: Volkswagen Polo Road Test Review
Test Drove the 1.6 Petrol Polo and here are my first impressions and please be warned that I am a rookie and I speak straight from my heart :
Positives :
1. Firstly what a handsome looking car the Polo is, its just got that premium car feel that no other hatchback in India has got ( maybe the Fabia can match the Polo ). Looks wise, I always considered the White Punto to be the best looker but the Punto is a SHE. The Polo is definitely a HE.
2. This car just feels so planted. It gives immense confidence to drive fast. The acceleration is just so linear, you won't know when you have reached 90 kmph ( I was driving in core Bangalore, so one can imagine ). What I mean is there is not a single jerk, no drama, you are not pushed back to your seat when you put your foot down, parents sitting behind had no clue I was doing 90 ( this is a great car if you want to drive fast and your parents not scolding you for doing so, as they'll never know ;) )
3. Ride quality is sedan like, probably better than many sedans out there. Wow. The drivers seat is obviously the best in this car. My mom sitting behind me who had complained earlier that the Honda Jazz was very bumpy was lost in comfort. When I got down the car and looked at my mom, she was smiling. I knew for sure I'd buy this car.
4. Paint quality is mind blowing. Had seen the Jazz and the City earlier and they were no where near to the paint quality of the VWer Polo.
5. In gear acceleration is just amazing. What this does help in is in city driving. No need to shift down a gear as it would be necessary in the 1.2 Polo.
6. Oh!! How did I forget the gear box.? What a joy!! Its just wonderful and practical because of the short throws.
7. The sound of the petrol engine was just music to my ears. I switched off the radio after a while and wow, the exhaust note and the engine grunt is sweeeet.!!! I thought I was beethoven composing a symphony with my driving.
8. The build quality is superior. I am guessing every Indian will be blown away by the quality of this car usually seen in the very expensive cars like Audis and BMWs. The doors are just superb to open and close.
9. Nice ergonomic practical boot for a hatch.
10. Good AC.
Negatives :
-> Rear bench space. Was just adequate for my short parents (about 5'4'' tall) and tall me was struggling (5'11'' tall).
-> No AUX or USB port or Steering mounted controls or Electrically adjustable ORVMs even in the Highline variant.
-> Beige flooring. I felt it should have been black or dark grey.
Overall :
As I was entering the dealership back from the test drive, I knew I was driving one out for real the next time. It managed to keep a smile on my face through out the test drive. The car just glides on roads ( I was imagining a row boat just gliding on a calm lake while driving ). Its a no non-sense, offering wonderful driving pleasure both on highways ( I guess ) and in city, classy, elegant and handsome car. What more can one ask for.
This car is perfect for :
>> For long and short drives for a family of 4 of which two people are on the shorter side < 5' 6''
>> For driving alone or with your Girl-Friend or with your newly married spouse. ( I will opt for the driving alone option, what a pleasure!! and also ensures your GF or wife is not pissed with you as you won't be paying any attention to them for sure )
>> Perfect every day car for the above two categories.
The car is not good for :
-- 5 fully grown adults.
-- 4 above average tall people.
-- people who are worried about giving up 1-2 kmpl on mileage(fuel efficiency).
In the end, I would say driving 10 kmpl with AC on,the Polo 1.6 is hundred times more fun than driving 12-13 kmpl on any other hatch.