192 PS Volkswagen Polo GTI to hit Indian roads soon

[Jijo_Malayil]

The first real hot hatch in India was the Polo in its GT avatar from Volkswagen. If you ever felt that the 105PS motor was not hot enough for you, take this. Volkswagen is all set to launch the Polo GTI variant, producing roughly about 192PS of power. It was caught testing multiple times on the Indian roads.

The upcoming VW Polo GTI will be powered by the 1.8 litre TSI petrol engine, probably in the same 192PS and 320Nm tune as compared to the 1.2 litre unit which churns out 105PS of max power at 5,000rpm and 175Nm peak torque at 1,500rpm.

Image courtesy: IndianCarsBikes.in

It was expected of Volkswagen to bring the Golf GT to India but that is not happening any time soon in the near future as the price proposition did not appear to work out well for the Indian market. In comes the Polo GTI which will offer suitable buyers with an attractive price tag.

7-speed DSG unit when mated with the well oiled engine, propels this hot hatch to 100kmph from standstill in just 6.7 seconds! This suprisingly small car can hit speeds upto 236kmph without breaking a sweat. Manual variant with 6-speed gearbox could be offered in India, but it is highly unlikely.

Volkswagen India is expected to price the GTI close the Rs. 17 lakh mark, even if the model is partly assembled at the local facility in Chakan, near Pune.

While one might be led to believe that it similar to the current Polo in design, the red stripe that extends from lower half of front grille to the headlamp clusters seems to set it apart. The newely designed bumper provides it with an edge.

Image courtesy: Team BHP


While one might be led to believe that it similar to the current Polo in design, the red stripe that extends from lower half of front grille to the headlamp clusters seems to set it apart. The newly designed bumper provides it with an edge.

Twin chrome plated exhaust, subtle black cladding and roof lip spoiler are carefully crafted to give the car a sleeper look and also distinguishes it from the Polo GT TSI. Expect the interior to be a step above the Polo GT TSI with subtle red detailing around the AC vents, central console, door panels and seat upholstery can be expected with the GTI.

Image coutesy: Team BHP

Prices are expected to hover around the Rs 17 lakh mark. The launch dates now hang in limbo as the recent Volkswagen emissions scandal has forced them to halt all new models.

[NikilSJ]

JijoMalayil Wasn't the Palio 1.6 GTX the first hot hatch in India. The Polo GTI does look tempting but the price tag is a bit hard to swallow especially for what is basically a small hatch.

[Jijo_Malayil]

The launch has been put on hold due to the recent Volkswagen emissions controversy.

[I Live For Speed]

LOL hahahahahahaha JijoMalayil . But back to topic, Re 17L for a hot 190 HP has put me in a dilemma, I mean it all will depend on how special the car feels.

If they follow the GT formula and keep it vanilla on the inside and outside, HELL NO!

I can see that it has a twin tip set up but it has to be more than that. Like a Fiesta 1.6 S if you will, you can tell that it's not a normal Fiesta just by looking at it but you can't quite put your finger on it.

On the inside, I would want a sporty feel to it, that VW flat bottom steering wheels looks nice already but I would want it sportier , maybe want a red mark on it like 918? or race pedals? or both!, you know what I mean? ONLY then I think it's worth the money, that too barely.

The problem is I can get a pre-loved BMW 330i or 325i for the 12-13L range and still have change for repairs if any are needed. Now where do I start :
1) It's RWD
2) That straight six engine <3, it sounds amazing and goes like stink!
3) Did I mention RWD?
4) The 3 series is a great handling car!!
5) The sedan practicality
6) Snob value
7)Angel eyes

What will I miss out on compared to the GTI?
1) The lower maintenance costs
2) No zero dep insurance
3) You can never be too sure of the history of the car

What do you think CorsaVeloce

[CorsaVeloce]

I Live For Speed, the history of the car not that hard to get. Most of these premium sedans come with a comprehensive history which can be accessed from any service centre.
Speedzilla shall elaborate on this.

As for the GTI, its going to be expensive initially as they are not producing it here, and based on the response, they would consider localizing. Although, the goodies inside would be compromised if that happens.

[Speedzilla]

CorsaVeloce @I Live For Speed

I was in a similar situation as you. If this car was launched at the 12-13 lakh price point I would take it over a used 3 series just because of the ownership costs involved in a 6 cyl bimmer.

But recently I was looking for a replacement for my Jazz and had a budget of about 10 lakhs to work with. Went and drove the GT Tsi which is slower and considerably cheaper than a GTI. But for around the same price I picked up a used 2010 330i with a full comprehensive service history from BMW preowned.
Only regret being, two rear tires on the 330i (which you can assume wear pretty quickly :P) are about 50k and that should get you a full set on a GTI easy. But all said and done 330i > Polo with any engine in it.

At a 17 lakh price point it is all about the used car market unfortunately and only diehard fans of the VW AG will go for this car.