ok so today I finally borrowed a friend's camera and headed out for the photo shoot i promised... but lets start off with my half a week ownership review after driving about 200km so far.
Engine and Gearbox
Engine continues to amaze for a car at this price point... i first thought perhaps i was biased toward it since its my car now, but i drove a Corolla Automatic last night, and i can tell you, that DSG Gearbox and the TSI engine is wayyyyy ahead of the competition so far. it still revs really smoothly, and doesnt feel strained at all. In normal "Drive" mode, the gearbox ensure the engine stays stress free, shifting up at as little as 1500-2000RPM, and shifting without you even noticing (thank you dual clutch!)... I've very often found myself in 7th gear at speeds of 60-70kmph, which is really cool.
Shift it to sports mode or Manual Tip-Tronic, and its like the wolf hiding beneath the sheepskin jumps out! Ive uploaded a video with acceleration times for that, and it just shoots! Revs really strong all the way to the redline, and I hit 145kmph in 4th gear.
Oh, im also getting an average of 9.6-9.8kmpl
Ride and Stability
Been driving around with front tire at 32psi and rear at 30psi, and so far its been really good. I been driving a friend's Polo GT extensively, and there is next to no difference. Like all VWs, it goes into the bigger holes with a very noticeable and often audible 'thud', but it stays stable. Of course, suspension isnt as soft as my old city, but then again, its not meant to be.
High speed stability though is perfect. Car stays perfect at speeds of 160kmph (havent gone faster) and remains steady as a rock. Ive read people say the tires arent good enough, but i havent felt anything lacking so far, maybe it will show up later.
The steering is really light, and driving with one hand alone even at higher speeds isnt an issue. It doesnt wobble/shake at high speeds like my old city, and has a very reassuring feedback to inputs.
Throttle response is perfect for the city, its really light and easy on the foot, and it doesnt accelerate in a rush. Nice and smooth.
Sports mode changes this of course, and when you stomp on it, it responds accordingly
feedback on the brakes has been brilliant, and the ABS works on gravel surfaces too! We were to take a video of braking 100-0kmph but didnt manage to get a free enough road and doing it on public highways is just dangerous and stupid, but rest assured, it has the braking power to stop real quick.
Interiors
Front Seats:
great support, especially in the lumbar region. The hand-rest above the handbrake adds massively to comfort while driving in traffic, and it has a cool compartment inside it too for storage.
there are cubby holes on all four doors, which are big enough to accomodate bottles and other things and really useful.
the glove box is surprisingly huge, and it has a really thoughtful depression on the bottom where your car papers fit in really perfectly.
I personally loved the Media Player/Radio. It comes with Aux, USB, SD Card as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Ive tried all except the SD card and they word perfectly. USB even charges devices when connected. Bluetooth has a memory of 5 devices so you dont have to pair everytime. You just turn on bluetooth and your good to go.
Steering mounted controls for Vol and Track Change as well as Call Recieving. I made and recieved quite a few calls, and the person on the other end couldnt tell i was using a handsfree!
The HUD shows a bunch of highly useful information. it shows you average FE, as well as real time FE. It shows Distance to Empty, Outside temperature, average speed, real time speed, trip and odo meters.
It also has this lovely feature where you can program a particular speed, and once you cross that speed, it starts beeping. Its intended, i believe, to let you be made aware you crossed a speed you promised your mom/wife you wouldnt cross
Rear Seats:
Rear seats have ample of leg space (biggest noticeable difference between this and the Polo GT). The rear ac vents are a blessing, and the drop down arm rest is broad enough for both passengers to use together. Back support is more on the upright position, but not enough to make you uncomfortable. Three seatbelts, and the ability to adjust the front seats back rest tilt using a clever lever make this a really pleasant rear seat to be in.
One thing i dont like though is that the windows dont come all the way down. A few more inches wouldve been great, but VW has a few reinforcements in the door that prevent it from coming down any further.
Exterior
We originally wanted a black, but finally chose a blue as it gave a more "family" look, and that colour grows on you everyday. Finish is top class, and all moving parts (doors, bonnet, boot) feel real solid.
Under the hood is a visual treat for all car lovers, as that engine with the turbo just looks b-e-a-u-tiful.
the boot is pretty big, and I made my brother lie down in there to show you guys.
Conclusion
So far, ive loved it. After driving a manual for the last 5 years, this is pure bliss. The smoothness and refinement has left me deeply satisfied.
Ive taken a bunch of pictures for inspection by the team-bhp family. Do share your experiences.
I hope the pictures do justice.
Enjoy
PS- ok it says i can only upload 30 pics in one post, so will put the rest on the next post... also, having a little difficulty with the video uploading, but will do it asap