re: Volkswagen Polo 1.2 GT TSI | Ownership Review | Mein Deutsches Auto | 6 years & 31,000 km up Driving experience:
The engine is a 1.2 litre four cylinder turbo petrol good for 105 horses and 175 Nm of torque. In the city:
The GT TSI feels very easy to drive in daily city commute. It is pretty quick to move from a standstill and gets to normal driving speeds in no time at all. The 7 speed DSG has precise and smooth shifts. It actually adapts to your driving style. Since I am a sedate driver, the gearbox reaches D7 at speeds of 50kph. Overtaking is a breeze; just mash the accelerator and the gearbox goes down a couple of gears shooting you forward. NVH levels are good for the TSI motor and you really don't hear the engine at any given time. On the other hand, it gives a nice growl in flat out acceleration, especially in Sport mode. Its a good feeling watching the analogue needle climb up the rev range.
What I don't like however is the jerks felt when the gearbox down shifts from D3 to D2 or from D2 to D1 at low speeds. Its rather irritating. Apart from that I religiously pu the car in N even at short intervals at traffic signals. On the highway:
As far as highway driving is concerned, I have only taken the car for multiple Mumbai-Pune trips. It feels very stable and planted at high speeds and inspires a lot of confidence. The power is more than enough to overtake trucks and other slower vehicles on the highway. There is no lack of momentum even on inclines. Handling is decent with minimal body roll and I like the weight of the steering even though its an EPS unit.
The Polo GT comes with ABS and stopping power ia good. Even sudden braking doesn't spring up any surprises.
Ride quality is decently comfortable, but the stiff suspension does tend to let thuds be felt inside the cabin if you go over deep undulations on the road at a moderate speed. Modifications:
None as such. The only upgrade I did was upsizing the tyres immediately after delivery. My car came with JK Tyre 185s so I upgraded to 195s Yokohama S-Drives. Other than that just a red stripe on the grille and custom 'Nurburgring' decals. Also replaced the stock TSI badge with one that has the letter I in red. Got rid of the GT TSI stickers on the C pillar after delivery as well.
The 'Ring' decal and the TSI badge:
Apart from that, nothing. I like keeping my cars stock. I'm tempted to change the alloys, but for that I will have to upsize the tyres again. Doesn't make sense for a car run 31000 km only. Service & maintenance : - The car has been getting its yearly services done at the VW Downtown service center at Sewri, Mumbai.
- I have been pretty satisfied with the service experience overall. I make it a point to drive my car to the service center myself, get the service done with me standing next to it and then driving home.
- The SAs have tried to add necessary bits to the job card during every service to inflate the bill, only to have it deleted by me.
- Average service cost has come to around 11-12k every time.
- VW is pretty slow in getting warranty replacements approved. I have had 2 ABS sensors replaced in the past 6 years. While the dealer wanted to take his own sweet time to get it approved, I made it a point to sit on their heads pronto. I mean for parts like ABS sensors which are known to fail in all cars, why so much time for approvals?
- Some parts are ridiculously expensive. For eg: The power mirror adjust knob is very flimsy and it broke. The tiny knob cost me Rs. 5000 to replace.
The notorious power window adjust knob: Summary:
Overall its been a fun ownership of this little car which is a pocket rocket. I love it for its simplicity and the fact that it doesn't come with too much tech. The best part is that even after I drive a high end car for a few days and come back to my GT, it doesn't feel like Ive come back to a smaller car. It has lived up to be a worthy replacement to my Honda City, a car l loved very dearly.
The full extended warranty gets over by the end of March. Will be looking to do some VCDS tweaks and a couple of other things post that.
The Polo GT currently shares space with a 2012 Honda Civic V AT in my garage.
Thank you for reading. 
Last edited by Dippy : 30th March 2023 at 12:30.
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