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29th January 2017, 12:22 | #1 |
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| In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI There is a thread in the "What car?" section that discusses decisions regarding hatchbacks in comparison to compact SUVs. I didn't think, my query fits in there, since according to the Indian definition, the S-Cross being 4.3 metres in length does not fall into the compact category. However, Mods, kindly merge my post with any existing thread if you think the topic does not deserve an independent thread. Currently, we have two petrol cars: a 4 year old Honda City, driven by me, that recently got new tyres (Continental MC5 195/60/R15), and a 9 year old Hyundai Getz Prime (currently on third set of tyres: Yoko A-drives), chauffeur-driven, used by my wife. We want to replace the Getz with a new car. The new car will be driven by me, and the older car will be driven by the chauffeur. Our budget has a flexible max of 11 Lakhs on road in Kolkata. Both of us work. The cars are used primarily for office commutes in dense to very dense city traffic. In addition, there may be evening trips for social occasions and occasional weekend trips on the highway. The Kolkata roads, in case you are not familiar, are rough, there is perpetual construction work, and even the manholes are not level with the road - and we take pride in putting a satellite around Mars. Our total drives are approximately 1000 - 1200 kms per month, distributed approximately equally between the two cars. However, we like to keep two cars, at least as long as both of us are working. And the kilometres do not justify a diesel car. Our problem is, we do not have any specific requirement for the new car, except that it has to be a relatively niche product, solidly built, dynamically very stable, with all possible safety features available within the budget quoted above. Ideally, we would like to keep the car for at least 8 years. My Honda still drives like new, actually better than a new, and there is no reason why we cannot keep it for another 4 - 5 years. We expect the same from our new car. We also expect the new car to have features on par at this price point, but we are not sold on features alone. Build quality and driving dynamics along with safety are the most desirable qualities for us. A petrol automatic would be nice, if available within our budget, given that this would be the 13th car in my life and I am not getting any younger. Keeping the above in mind, we set out test-driving three cars: S-Cross 1.3, Vitara Brezza ZDI+, and Ecosport Petrol Titanium Automatic. The S-cross came out as the winner from this lot by a long mile. The test drive on the S-Cross was amazingly good, even on the stock tyres. My son who drives a Camry in the US was visiting us, and he also drove the S-Cross and strongly recommended it. We could not test drive the Ecosport, since a test-drive vehicle was not available with the dealer. We sat in it and did not like the cramped inside, especially the passenger's proximity to the driver. The Brezza drove well, but looked and felt cheap at that price, especially in comparison to the S-Cross. Everything's nice with S-Cross except that it runs on diesel and noise is not well-controlled inside the cabin, at least that was the case with the test vehicle. There is talk about a petrol version to be released in the future. However, two things have put me off regarding the petrol S-Cross: the speculated M15 engine does not excite anyone (it would stand no chance against even the 1.3 VGT which was a pleasure to drive, with minimal lag), and secondly, it seems to me that S-Cross is presently not a priority for Maruti, and hence it would take some time for the petrol to appear in the Indian market, that too perhaps without a boosterjet. Well, the bottomline is: we are not allergic to diesel, and if it turns out that our best choice at the moment just happens to be a diesel car, we would just go ahead with the deal, even if our driving does not need diesel. Then all of a sudden, the idea of the Polo GT TSI came to mind. Apart from being solidly built, it has two technological marvels in that car: the TSI turbo petrol engine with direct injection, and the double clutch DSG 7+1 speed automatic transmission. On the negative side, the rear room comfort is much much less, in comparison with the S-Cross. But then, the argument of my wife is, having a smaller car in densely populated Kolkata really helps at most times. Since we already have a mid-sized car with a large boot, we can very well have the second car smaller. In any case, in our standard scenario, we do not usually have too many people to carry in our cars. In comparison with the S-Cross, the GT TSI comes with disc brakes only on the front, and for that price does not have navigation and rear parking cameras as standard, although I am told the screen can be used with my cell phone for navigation, and it has rear parking sensors. The test-drive with the Polo GT TSI went really well. The car felt well planted with adequate braking. The engine response was very good and the transmission really beautiful. The NVH level inside the cabin was very satisfactory and the front doors closed with a thud, if that says anything. The ex-showroom price of the cars in Kolkata are: 9.86 Lakhs for the S-Cross 1.3 Zeta, and 9.36 Lakhs for the Polo GT TSI - a difference of mere 50 thousand. The on-road prices are within our budget, especially keeping in mind that we enjoy the maximum NCB on the insurances of both cars. One major complaint about both cars. Neither come with Xenon/LED projector headlamps (the alpha trim of the S-Cross does, but at a premium and much above our budget). I have read somewhere that VW is thinking of introducing these headlamps on a future Highline+ trim on the Polos and Ventos, but I am not sure when. I am thankful to many many Team-BHP threads for having come this far in our selection for the new car. Kindly share your thoughts, especially in this situation when I have managed to put two very different cars together for a comparative evaluation. I need to hear from you if I am doing something very stupid. Last edited by asitkde : 29th January 2017 at 12:37. |
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29th January 2017, 12:29 | #2 |
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Infractions: 0/1 (4) | re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI I have just one suggestion. Please consider the S Cross 1.6 Alpha. You will never regret it. It is a truly excellent car. I went today to test the Ignis at NEXA and took some time renewing my acquaintance with the S Cross 1.6 as well while I was there. Sincerely, if I didn't own the Yeti already, the S Cross 1.6 Alpha is most definitely my car of choice. I prefer it to the Creta for sure. The S Cross 1.6 Alpha is delightful with its fierce acceleration, planted feel, European Premium feel and overall quality. And with the price drop, it is priced very decently now too! Its a keeper and will be a sought after enthusiasts car, some years down the line. Being a Maruti you won't even have to worry about resale! And the best thing is that it can happily serve you for the next 5-6-7 years without a problem. And if I were you, and considering the POLO, then I would just drop the Polo and go straight to NEXA and buy the S Cross. But within the S Cross variants, there is NO other one that is as worthwhile as the 1.6 Alpha. Even if you have to stretch the budget a bit. The 1.3, by contrast is a gutless beast. So, for what it is worth, Ive said my say. A couple of others on TBHP have also raised this query time and again, and my answer has steadfastly been the same as above, always! Last edited by shankar.balan : 29th January 2017 at 12:32. |
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29th January 2017, 13:52 | #3 | |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Quote:
1. Ford Figo 1.5 D Titanium+ This car recently won the Overdrive test of the hot hatches. It is significantly cheaper than both the cars you are mentioning, and if you believe the Ford promises, should cost significantly less in maintenance too in comparison to Polo GT. In addition it also has 6 airbags and brilliant driving manners http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...-quickest.html 2. Baleno RS 1.0 Baleno with the 1.0 engine has received rave reviews, as a car that is a hoot to drive. It supposed to be launched in month of February. I suggest you keep tabs on the progress from your Nexa advisor. The bookings should open very soon. This will be available in Alpha trim which is already feature loaded. Expect Maruti to throw in a couple of things to differentiate it further from the 1.2 variant. http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-new...ch-403095.aspx | |
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29th January 2017, 13:57 | #4 |
Senior - BHPian | re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Primary question is what matters to you more - the convenience of the Dual Clutch AT in the Polo or the extra space in the S-Cross. Pick the one that is more important to you. Compared to the GT TSi, the 1.3 S-Cross feels horribly underpowered. But that is just me. |
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29th January 2017, 14:10 | #5 | |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Quote:
My pick is S-Cross, irrespective of the variant or engine options because of its proven engine, ease of Maintainance, backed by Maruti's reliability. | |
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29th January 2017, 14:13 | #6 |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Some more consideration to confuse you... 1. Ameo - Priced at par with SCross Zeta; has boot space near to SCross; same power as Polo GT TSI; has slightly better P2W ratio than even SCross 1.6; Diesel Ameo has torque figures better than SCross 1.3. Cons - VW sub par service 2. Ford Aspire/Figo - Economical to maintain than Maruti, especially SCross; Aspire has more boot space than SCross; awesome P2W ratio & torque per tonne compared to SCross 1.3 & fits easily under 10L (forget 11L); claimed FE of Aspire matches to that of SCross 1.3; Cons - missing Cruise control, if that's your priority All said what you get with SCross is country's BEST network & unmatched service |
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29th January 2017, 16:12 | #7 | |||||
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Thanks a lot for the replies, so far. Quote:
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Kindly, keep the comments flowing. I want to feel the pulse of the bhpians. I shall reply as honestly as I can, and through all this will come to a decision. Last edited by asitkde : 29th January 2017 at 16:16. | |||||
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29th January 2017, 17:44 | #8 |
BHPian | re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI If I may, I would like to advise you to take a look at Fiat Urban Cross Tjet. It's Abarth Powered 140 BHP petrol engine is a proved and legendary. With its minimal turbo lag, would be a delight to drive both in city and in highways. Please have a test drive (If it's not available for Test Drive, you may test drive either Abarth Punto or Linea Tjet for the idea). It could be fantastic car for your needs and coule be an excellent one in your garage in the years to come. Last edited by Wildy : 29th January 2017 at 17:49. |
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29th January 2017, 17:54 | #9 | |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Going by the road conditions you mentioned, I think you're better off with a crossover than a hatchback or a sedan. Quote:
The best S Cross is any variant 1.6 diesel though, although the 1.3 is good enough for Indian conditions. (read- not underpowered) If you want an AT, pick the City or Ciaz AT as I'm sure about the reliability of the Polo GT TSI. | |
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29th January 2017, 20:46 | #10 | |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Quote:
If you skip Fiat & considering your low running usage, Petrol is more sensible in terms of cost (thinking through brain), then there're only 2 choices I can think of, Ecosport Boost+ or Baleno from Nexa. Sub 4 meter car means reduction in tax + give a boot space (which still is considered less than 4 meter in terms of wheel base), net result is a new segment between a hatch & sedan, the compact sedan. Almost everyone has this segment starting from Swift D'zire, Xcent, Aspire, Amaze & latest to joing this gang is Ameo. | |
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29th January 2017, 22:23 | #11 | |||||
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Quote:
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I shall give the City or Ciaz AT a pass, because there is already a Honda City at home, and therefore I am not really looking at a sedan at this point of time. Quote:
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The low weight of the Baleno worries me, as I have said in one of my earlier posts, although my wife simply loves the look of the Baleno. Are you completely ignoring the Polo GT TSI among the petrol hatches? Quote:
Last edited by asitkde : 29th January 2017 at 22:29. | |||||
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29th January 2017, 22:34 | #12 | |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Share the same feeling as you do with Fiat & Ecosport Quote:
Aspire is slightly powered more than GT TSI & hence suggested Aspire over Polo. Plus, Polo is super highly outdated or rather a refresh is highly anticipated soon both on engine & the car itself. VW cannot keep giving the same for years now | |
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30th January 2017, 10:11 | #13 | |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Quote:
I'm sorry I am just pulling your leg All the best with your next car. | |
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30th January 2017, 10:25 | #14 |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI Wait for Baleno RS. Best looking of the lot (amazing presence as well thanks to those DRLs). It's small, light and powerful with that Maruti peace of mind. Polo TSI is a good car but it's all about that engine and transmission (which if you're a manual lover won't matter to you). Other than that, driving dynamics don't impress me much. Light steering and soft suspension in a car with sporty pretensions don't help much. Though if I was you, I would've gone for that S-Cross 1.6. One amazing car that! You already have an amazing petrol car (City), how about you try something different and explosive this time? |
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30th January 2017, 10:47 | #15 |
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| re: In a strange quandary: S-Cross Zeta 1.3 vs Polo GT TSI So, currently you have a sedan (Honda City) and a hatchback (Hyundai Getz) in your house. Whether you swap your Getz for Polo GT-TSi or S-Cross, the configuration will remain the same. You will continue to have a sedan and a hatchback. Yes, the S-Cross is a large hatchback with higher ground clearance. The Polo GT-TSi is a fantastic car, BUT, couple of things to keep in mind before writing a cheque to VW: 1. After sales service is hit-or-miss, and could be a headache. Lots of well publicised stories of A.S.S. horrors, and an equal number of not-so-publicised stories of good service exist. 2. While the DSG gearbox is known to fail in hot/humid/stop-go traffic conditions, failures on the Polo are rare. There are ways to minimise chances of gearbox failure, make sure anyone who drives the car follows it. 3. If the road conditions are a major factor, then having a Polo & City in the family is not such a good idea, as both have equal dislike for potholed roads. 4. If long trips consist of just wife and you, Polo will be a good car for it. Any more people, then you will have to use the City. All things considered, the S-Cross 1.3 Zeta appears to be the one to go for. On the other hand, there are other alternatives from Ford, Fiat, VW, and Maruti that people have suggested. Check those out. Another one I will throw into the ring will be the Tata Zest (if you can stomach a compact sedan). Well built, decent ground clearance and has a suspension capable of tackling bad roads. Or, have you thought about the Honda Jazz? |
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