Enthusiasts' pick: VW Polo GT TSI AT or Hyundai i20 Turbo DCT

The i20 has seen two-generation changes in between and the Polo has been kept flogging on with the same PQ25 platform.

BHPian sidindica recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

As we see, these 2 hatches are the ones available which are fast as well as fun.

Prices (non discounted, ex-showroom, taken from the websites):

Polo AT

• Highline plus AT: 9,60,000
• GT TSI AT: 9,99,000

i20 Turbo GDI DCT

• Asta: 10,68,100
• Asta dual tone: 10,83,100
• Asta O: 11,19,100
• Asta O DT: 11,34,100

Now, both these cars are evenly matched (or close to evenly matched) in performance and Hyundai's new i20 also has the dynamics to match the performance. The i20 has seen two-generation changes in between and the Polo has been kept flogging on with the same PQ25 platform.

I20 has space, features, service network and resale advantage in its kitty and the Polo plays in its tuning potential.

In today's times, should an enthusiast pick up the i20? or the evergreen GT TSI continues to be a torchbearer?

PS: Only we are comparing fast automatic hatchbacks, no manuals here.

Here's what BHPian tanbeamer had to say on the matter:

Truth be told, the Polo has become too old and desperately needs a new generation. It is no longer the premium hatchback that people aspired to own back in the day. Since I cannot vote here, the i20 Turbo DCT is going to be the pick for me.

Not to mention, the i20 Turbo has better space optimization as well. So its one up over the polo here as well.

My opinion might change if VW India manages to bring the MQB based Polo to India soon. But for now, the Korean hatch it is for me.

Here's what BHPian AMG Power had to say on the matter:

I don’t know what you mean when you say evenly matched as the Polo GT TSI is a whopping 1.5 seconds faster to 100 kmph than Hyundai’s 1.0 GDI 7 DCT.

The PQ25 platform is it’s single largest strength. Every successor platform made by VW, especially the notorious MQ***, is a compromise and feels that way. Drive the 1.8 TSI Octavia - the Polo is more stable. So if you’re looking for a competent platform, grab this while you can. The new ones will not be as good as this ever again.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Hyundai has drastically improved its suspension tuning. The new i20 has sorted road manners, while I would actually call cars like the new Creta 1.4 turbo-petrol to be "fun to drive" on the open road. Who would've thought??? That being said:

- As amazing as Hyundai's turbo-petrol is, VW's motor is a little more insane, revv-happier and redline-friendly.

- The Polo's behaviour still has a maturity that the i20 doesn't have. Try a mid-corner bump at 90 kmph in both cars. I voted for the Polo.

- If you want a fun-to-drive Hyundai hatchback, consider the Grand i10 Turbo instead. Man, now that's a pocket rocket! Distinctly tighter & more chuckable than the i20. Heck, the Aura too! I came back from a highway drive in the Aura 1.0 Turbo and had a wide plastered on my face for the rest of the day.

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