VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update

Apatel · 3rd October 2011, 12:45

My first car!!!

I am in awe of the POLO (the car without a hole)
Tomorrow is one month since I took delivery

How and why I got to the POLO:

Alternatives considered :After spending quite a lot of time on TeamBHP and reviews from friends owning the said cars:

“Petrol versus Diesel” decision was a No brainer owing to my monthly/annual usage (max 7000kms pa and downwards)
On which pertrol to go for?? – it shifted between Suzuki Ritz to Ford Figo to Hyundai i10 to Hyundai i20 to Volkswagen Polo

Decided against Ritz – only for the looks

Decided against Figo – low road clearance and felt it was underpowered

The i10 and i20 are awesome bets and even today I respect these two meticulously made Korean cars.

I just loved the POLO – simple yet stylish – decent FE – in spite of scary after sales service reviews; I decided it had to be my first car putting confidence in German Engineering

DEALER: VW Downtown, Magrath Road, Bangalore
The sales guy was fairly ok but VW dealership needs to set their standards a little high

I wouldn’t say he knew what he was saying all the time
A box of chocolates, a snap with the new car and off I was.

On road price: 563000 (Bangalore)
Including insurance and road tax
Mud flaps and rubber floor mats were supplied as part of the deal
Discounts:
[FONT=Symbol]· [/FONT]Free AMC,
[FONT=Symbol]· [/FONT]Free parcel tray!!! (imagine this – VW polo trendline doesn’t come with a parcel tray at the rear)
I must say VW finance did a good job with a loan of 2.2 lakhs @ 3.5 % over 36 months [FONT=Wingdings][FONT=Wingdings]

[/FONT][/FONT]

Interiors

Steering is awesome-smooth. The telescopic, variable position adjustment option is good but I don't see much use for me.
Seats are a gem.

For cleaning the windshield, care needs to be taken to ensure wiper system is actuated to top position before lifting up. (else it could damage hood edge paint and the wiper system itself)

No seat height adjustment feature which is fine by me.

Doors are rock solid. Ingress and egress is decent.

Parcel tray fits beautifully and the boot space is awesome

Front hood release lever is carefully placed (fool proof design)
I must say the Instrument Panel has a fairly conservative design. Meets all necessities and looks decent if not too stylish. Plastic quality is superior. The mid variant has textile covered arm rests but the plastic finish in the trendline isn’t bad either.

My usage pattern
I am a weekend user. (50-60 kms of city driving basically stop and go Bangalore traffic) I don’t like to commute daily in it as the traffic scenario on my office route is next to hell! I took the car out on a couple of long drives so far. (trip1 -450kms and trip2 -160 kms)

I have clocked 800+ kms (its only 20 days since I got delivery)

Engine
It’s basically a 3 cylinder petrol engine (1.2 litre). At initial gears (1 and 2) and low speeds (<30) the car sounds like a diesel engine (accompanied with shudder/vibration!

) which I have to live with but not sure most people would be okay about!!

Engine performance & driveability

In city: Driving in the city on bumper to bumper traffic is something I have really grown to not enjoying, especially in the POLO! (I am sure i10 or an i20 would be better…. Based on my test drives)
On Highway: I had heard that the POLO is very stable at high speeds. The best I reached was 100kmph and I admit it is the best I have experienced in a car so far in India. It basically floats and honestly I couldn’t believe I was driving in at 90-100kmph.

Fuel efficiency : City and Highway
On one of the long drives to Mysore and beyond it gave 450 kms @ 15kmpl (100kms of it was city driving)
I will update future performance in time

Suspension & ride quality
Excellent

Handling, on-road behaviour and grip levels
Excellent even at high speeds. Although one can get a feeling as if they are floating, it is pretty easy to control in sudden situations
Gearshift / transmission quality, smoothness etc.
Excellent
The reverse gear layout on the stick shift is a winner. Good practical thinking by VW

Braking
I am getting used to the highly sensitive brake

Again the clutch, I feel is high...so will go ahead and get a pile up a few mats there once I will get the 3D Kagu mats this month.

arup.misra · 3rd October 2011, 14:44

Apatel, congratulations

mate you've picked one of the best hatchbacks available. With German engineering and build quality like a tank she sure will serve you for many years.

Very nicely written crisp review. Add some interior snaps as well to make it wholesome.

GearOn · 3rd October 2011, 14:52

Congratulations. Have the same car and variant since a year and it has been performing superbly without any niggles. Suspension is just fantastic and it just glides over potholes.

Wish you many many happy motoring miles together.

Apatel · 3rd October 2011, 15:26

Thanks for your post. I will get some more pics (all the ones i have are beyond 1meg!)
I must say: Team BHP played a major role in me making my decision to buy POLO. Thanks to Poloman,Avon, Chetan BG and lots of others

volkman10 · 3rd October 2011, 15:27

Congratulations

you've picked one of the best looking hatchbacks currently available. Nice review and to the point.

I myself am awaiting the Polo1.6 booked sometime back , expectedto take delivery this week.

Cheers!

ashis89 · 3rd October 2011, 15:34

Congratulation for your new Polo. The car looks best(stunning) in Red IMO. Enjoy many happy miles in your car and drive safe. Best wishes.

PS

lease post some more pics of your car.

Apatel · 3rd October 2011, 19:34

Just got 3D mats (KAGU) - Paid 2250 INR without bill
BTW I also had the "Kool tint" on the windows (Charcoal 20) paid 4200 INR
From the dealer: Just the Stainless Steel door sil with POLO written on it and a car cover.

I must say the VW dealers are pretty hell bent on making money from accessories.
I am still pondering about where to get the music system from.
(Dealer or outside) I am sure if the VW offered kenwood is good value for money!!

My budget is 10k (max of 15k) Doesn’t matter if its 1 DIN or 2 DIN. (Pioneer and Kenwood are what I hear/read of mostly with hardly any drawbacks)
My needs for a Head Unit are that , it should:
Play MP3, Play DivX, Play music from my USB drive, Play music from my iPod, Safety feature (slide or invert), Play music from SD card (optional if price is a deterrent).

Suggestions from other Polo owners, Advice from specialists like Blueraven and others are sincerely appreciated.

CRtorquefan · 4th October 2011, 16:34

Congratulations alot apatel on buying the New Polo.
Hats off to the fit & finishing level of Polo, even in the base variant it looks gorgeous, unlike others.

Do update us regularly with its FE & Ownership details(if any, although you're having the AMC of it).
Have a happy mile munching ahead.

puchoo · 4th October 2011, 17:11

Many many congratulations! She's top notch and i am sure you will have lots of fun with her. Looks lovely in red!

vw19d · 5th October 2011, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apatel

BTW I also had the "Kool tint" on the windows (Charcoal 20) paid 4200 INR

Congrats on that sexy hatch Apatel. Hope you have many safe miles with her.

Post some more pics of the "Kool tint". My Pepper Grey TDI is 4 months old & yet to get suncontrol/ tint done. So, will be interesting to know about it.

Apatel · 7th October 2011, 12:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by vw19d

Congrats on that sexy hatch Apatel. Hope you have many safe miles with her.

Post some more pics of the "Kool tint". My Pepper Grey TDI is 4 months old & yet to get suncontrol/ tint done. So, will be interesting to know about it.

Thanks vw19d.
There are several imported tints. Kootint is one among them i believe.
I have charcoal HPX 20. however there are other options as well. Look up their site if you have time Koll Tint + The Clear Heat Control Film
I got it from a store called pitstop @Bangalore. BTW just fyi i've put the description of the tints i got below.
Charcoal HPX 20
Technical Specification
Visible Light Transmittance 20%
Visible Light Reflected 8%
Total Solar Transmittance 28%
Total Solar Reflectance 9%
Total Solar Absorbance 63%
Shading Coefficient 0.52%
Total Solar Energy Rejected 64%

Apatel · 7th October 2011, 13:13

Mirror finish -But not quite! I mean you can still see through from close by.
The heat rejection part works fine.

Omega Man · 7th October 2011, 21:59

Hi Apatel

, Congratulations on being a proud owner of the Flash Red, Hot Hatch. Wish you lots of smiles & miles ahead.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apatel

Just got 3D mats (KAGU) - Paid 2250 INR without bill

Whom did you buy the KAGU Mats from? I was quoted close to 5k for KAGU Mats for Polo. Please share dealer info, thanks in advance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apatel

My needs for a Head Unit are that , it should:
Play MP3, Play DivX, Play music from my USB drive, Play music from my iPod, Safety feature (slide or invert), Play music from SD card (optional if price is a deterrent).
Suggestions from other Polo owners, Advice from specialists like Blueraven and others are sincerely appreciated.

I play my iPod wirelessly on FM thru the Polo's original music system. It plays extremely well and with good quality. No cables or bulky attachments too.

Apatel · 7th October 2011, 22:22

@ vw19d sorry about the bad picture. Am in the midst of my trip and stopped over at Mysore. Will get back and post a few good pics. All the ones I have are beyond 1 MB :(

Omega Man, I got the mats from this store in Bangalore which specializes importing KAGU mats (and alloy wheels).
The owner is a really chilled out old man

.

Omega Man · 7th October 2011, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apatel

Omega Man, I got the mats from this store in Bangalore which specializes importing KAGU mats (and alloy wheels).
The owner is a really chilled out old man

.

Thank you for your prompt response, Apatel,
Can I have the name & contact details of this store in Bangalore, thanks in advance.

3rd October 2011, 12:45	#1
Apatel BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 32 Thanked: 5 Times	VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update My first car!!! I am in awe of the POLO (the car without a hole) Tomorrow is one month since I took delivery How and why I got to the POLO: Alternatives considered :After spending quite a lot of time on TeamBHP and reviews from friends owning the said cars: “Petrol versus Diesel” decision was a No brainer owing to my monthly/annual usage (max 7000kms pa and downwards) On which pertrol to go for?? – it shifted between Suzuki Ritz to Ford Figo to Hyundai i10 to Hyundai i20 to Volkswagen Polo Decided against Ritz – only for the looks Decided against Figo – low road clearance and felt it was underpowered The i10 and i20 are awesome bets and even today I respect these two meticulously made Korean cars. I just loved the POLO – simple yet stylish – decent FE – in spite of scary after sales service reviews; I decided it had to be my first car putting confidence in German Engineering DEALER: VW Downtown, Magrath Road, Bangalore The sales guy was fairly ok but VW dealership needs to set their standards a little high I wouldn’t say he knew what he was saying all the time A box of chocolates, a snap with the new car and off I was. On road price: 563000 (Bangalore) Including insurance and road tax Mud flaps and rubber floor mats were supplied as part of the deal Discounts: [FONT=Symbol]· [/FONT]Free AMC, [FONT=Symbol]· [/FONT]Free parcel tray!!! (imagine this – VW polo trendline doesn’t come with a parcel tray at the rear) I must say VW finance did a good job with a loan of 2.2 lakhs @ 3.5 % over 36 months [FONT=Wingdings][FONT=Wingdings][/FONT][/FONT] Interiors Steering is awesome-smooth. The telescopic, variable position adjustment option is good but I don't see much use for me. Seats are a gem. For cleaning the windshield, care needs to be taken to ensure wiper system is actuated to top position before lifting up. (else it could damage hood edge paint and the wiper system itself) No seat height adjustment feature which is fine by me. Doors are rock solid. Ingress and egress is decent. Parcel tray fits beautifully and the boot space is awesome Front hood release lever is carefully placed (fool proof design) I must say the Instrument Panel has a fairly conservative design. Meets all necessities and looks decent if not too stylish. Plastic quality is superior. The mid variant has textile covered arm rests but the plastic finish in the trendline isn’t bad either. My usage pattern I am a weekend user. (50-60 kms of city driving basically stop and go Bangalore traffic) I don’t like to commute daily in it as the traffic scenario on my office route is next to hell! I took the car out on a couple of long drives so far. (trip1 -450kms and trip2 -160 kms) I have clocked 800+ kms (its only 20 days since I got delivery) Engine It’s basically a 3 cylinder petrol engine (1.2 litre). At initial gears (1 and 2) and low speeds (<30) the car sounds like a diesel engine (accompanied with shudder/vibration!) which I have to live with but not sure most people would be okay about!! Engine performance & driveability In city: Driving in the city on bumper to bumper traffic is something I have really grown to not enjoying, especially in the POLO! (I am sure i10 or an i20 would be better…. Based on my test drives) On Highway: I had heard that the POLO is very stable at high speeds. The best I reached was 100kmph and I admit it is the best I have experienced in a car so far in India. It basically floats and honestly I couldn’t believe I was driving in at 90-100kmph. Fuel efficiency : City and Highway On one of the long drives to Mysore and beyond it gave 450 kms @ 15kmpl (100kms of it was city driving) I will update future performance in time Suspension & ride quality Excellent Handling, on-road behaviour and grip levels Excellent even at high speeds. Although one can get a feeling as if they are floating, it is pretty easy to control in sudden situations Gearshift / transmission quality, smoothness etc. Excellent The reverse gear layout on the stick shift is a winner. Good practical thinking by VW Braking I am getting used to the highly sensitive brake Again the clutch, I feel is high...so will go ahead and get a pile up a few mats there once I will get the 3D Kagu mats this month. Attached Thumbnails
	(3) Thanks

3rd October 2011, 14:44	#2
arup.misra BHPian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Mumbai Posts: 651 Thanked: 303 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Apatel, congratulations mate you've picked one of the best hatchbacks available. With German engineering and build quality like a tank she sure will serve you for many years. Very nicely written crisp review. Add some interior snaps as well to make it wholesome.
	() Thanks

3rd October 2011, 14:52	#3
GearOn BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 33 Thanked: 4 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Congratulations. Have the same car and variant since a year and it has been performing superbly without any niggles. Suspension is just fantastic and it just glides over potholes. Wish you many many happy motoring miles together.
	() Thanks

3rd October 2011, 15:26	#4
Apatel BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 32 Thanked: 5 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Thanks for your post. I will get some more pics (all the ones i have are beyond 1meg!) I must say: Team BHP played a major role in me making my decision to buy POLO. Thanks to Poloman,Avon, Chetan BG and lots of others
	() Thanks

3rd October 2011, 15:27	#5
volkman10 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: -- Posts: 23,430 Thanked: 67,870 Times View My Garage	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Congratulations you've picked one of the best looking hatchbacks currently available. Nice review and to the point. I myself am awaiting the Polo1.6 booked sometime back , expectedto take delivery this week. Cheers!
	() Thanks

3rd October 2011, 15:34	#6
ashis89 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 3,469 Thanked: 11,006 Times View My Garage	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Congratulation for your new Polo. The car looks best(stunning) in Red IMO. Enjoy many happy miles in your car and drive safe. Best wishes. PSlease post some more pics of your car.
	() Thanks

3rd October 2011, 19:34	#7
Apatel BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 32 Thanked: 5 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Just got 3D mats (KAGU) - Paid 2250 INR without bill BTW I also had the "Kool tint" on the windows (Charcoal 20) paid 4200 INR From the dealer: Just the Stainless Steel door sil with POLO written on it and a car cover. I must say the VW dealers are pretty hell bent on making money from accessories. I am still pondering about where to get the music system from. (Dealer or outside) I am sure if the VW offered kenwood is good value for money!! My budget is 10k (max of 15k) Doesn’t matter if its 1 DIN or 2 DIN. (Pioneer and Kenwood are what I hear/read of mostly with hardly any drawbacks) My needs for a Head Unit are that , it should: Play MP3, Play DivX, Play music from my USB drive, Play music from my iPod, Safety feature (slide or invert), Play music from SD card (optional if price is a deterrent). Suggestions from other Polo owners, Advice from specialists like Blueraven and others are sincerely appreciated.
	() Thanks

4th October 2011, 16:34	#8
CRtorquefan BHPian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Chandigarh Posts: 534 Thanked: 208 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Congratulations alot apatel on buying the New Polo. Hats off to the fit & finishing level of Polo, even in the base variant it looks gorgeous, unlike others. Do update us regularly with its FE & Ownership details(if any, although you're having the AMC of it). Have a happy mile munching ahead.
	() Thanks

4th October 2011, 17:11	#9
puchoo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Delhi / Shimla Posts: 1,451 Thanked: 773 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Many many congratulations! She's top notch and i am sure you will have lots of fun with her. Looks lovely in red!
	() Thanks

7th October 2011, 13:13	#12
Apatel BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 32 Thanked: 5 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update Mirror finish -But not quite! I mean you can still see through from close by. The heat rejection part works fine. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

7th October 2011, 22:22	#14
Apatel BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 32 Thanked: 5 Times	re: VW POLO 1.2 EDIT : 2 months and 2000kms update @ vw19d sorry about the bad picture. Am in the midst of my trip and stopped over at Mysore. Will get back and post a few good pics. All the ones I have are beyond 1 MB :( Omega Man, I got the mats from this store in Bangalore which specializes importing KAGU mats (and alloy wheels). The owner is a really chilled out old man .
	() Thanks