Volkswagen Cross Polo Vs Competition- Will it make any difference?

Volkswagen has launched its much anticipated muscular version of the smart looking Polo, Volkswagen Cross Polo on 22nd August, 2013 in the Indian auto market. With the launch of Volkswagen Cross Polo, another version is added to the Polo line up which sits above the top of the line diesel Highline variant. Cross Polo already sells in Europe and its introduction in India presents very faint chance to German carmaker to up its sales.

This is because the similarly tuned-up Skoda Fabia Scout didn’t had many takers when it was launched in April last year. We hope Cross Polo proves us wrong. At this juncture when the competition in rugged crossovers is intense and is speculated to further fuel up, launch of Cross Polo could be a dubious decision by the car maker.

The all new Volkswagen Cross Polo had to cross some of the toughest barriers in the name of Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Nissan Terrano. However, looking at the price tag of Polo and its engine capability the chances are that it will be an uphill task for the small Polo.

It was earlier speculated that Cross Polo will be offered in 1.6 litre engine and with a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate to give it an off roader look but that didn’t happened. Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport both have bookings lined up and their popularity is only shooting high. Let’s compare all three on the basis of following factors:

Exterior Body Style

The newly introduced Volkswagen Cross Polo bears all black distinctive cladding surrounding Polo from all sides. The stylish ‘Cross Grille’ and Front bumper add a masculine touch to the brilliant Polo. Embracing robust and sporty looks are Cross Polo Badging, Stylish Silver Roof Rails, New Cross Rear Bumper and Five Spoke Alloy Wheels. Rest of the smartness of Polo hatchback is kept intact.

Talking about Renault Duster exteriors, the vehicle was the first love of most of the Indian car enthusiasts. That was because of its brilliant styling which included Wider Chromed Radiator Grille, Pronounced Wheel Arches and Sporty Roof Rails. One of the finest packages of compact crossover and sedan, Renault Duster forces onlookers to have a look at its robust stature.

On the other hand, the lately launched Ford EcoSport has done what it was expected to do. It has taken the market by storm, even slowing down sales of Renault Duster thanks to its Super Compact Dimensions, Flamboyant Stance and 200mm of Ground Clearance. Furthermore, Broad front grille with chrome lining, Flare Fenders and Uniquely designed Alloy Wheels all accentuate the true rugged styling of this American beauty.

Interior Setup

Volkswagen engineers have ensured that it continues to give the comfort that it is famous for even in the Cross Polo avatar. The inclusion of ‘Livon’ Titanium Black Upholstery presents a serious style statement to the Polo. High quality scratch resistant plastic interiors and chrome garnished interior trims speak for the blend of ruggedness with luxury.

Contrarily, Renault Duster boasts of smooth edged dashboard, Logan borrowed chrome garnished dials placed in the center of the dashboard, all black theme upholstery and faux wood work enthrall the beauty of this compact crossover. Despite being compact, it offers sufficient head, leg and shoulder room to easily seat 5 occupants including the driver.

Fabulous Ford EcoSport caters its passengers with big space and optimum comfort. The dimensions of the compact SUV are such that seating three persons abreast in the rear seats is never a problem. There is adequate head, shoulder, knee and leg room for both rows. Ford EcoSport stuns you with its brilliant interior setup and features like hill launch assist and authoritative view of the road.

Engine, Specifications & Performance

The German automaker has launched Volkswagen Cross Polo only in one variant which is powered by 1.2 litre diesel motor. This is the same engine performing duties under the outgoing Highline diesel variant of Polo. This 1199cc TDI engine produces top power of 73.9 bhp at 4200 rpm along with generating peak torque of 180 Nm at 2000 rpm. Mated to five speed manual gearbox, this motor is able to attain top speed of 164 kmph and covers 0-100 kmph run in mere 14.4 seconds.

Renault Duster, however, is offered in 1.6 litre petrol, 1.5 litre diesel and 1.5 liter 110 PS diesel engines. The 1.6 litre petrol one churns max power of 104 Ps at 5840 rpm and max torque of 145 Nm at 3750 rpm while the 1.5 litre diesel one produces top power of 85 Ps at 3750 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 1900 rpm. The third 1.5 litre diesel motor is tuned to excrete maximum output of 110 Ps at 3900 rpm and thumping torque of 248 Nm at 2250 rpm. The first two engines are mated to five speed manual transmission whereas the third is linked to six speed manual one. It takes 11.8 seconds to breach the 100 kmph with 164 kmph of speed limit.

EcoSport is also available in three engine choices viz. 1.5 litre petrol, 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol and 1.5 litre diesel motors. The 1.5 litre powertrain is capable of belting out maximum power of 112 Ps at 6300 rpm and ultimate torque of 140 Nm at 4400 rpm while the 1.5 litre diesel one offers top power of 91 Ps at 3750 rpm and max torque of 204 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm. The former gets option of both five speed manual and six speed automatic transmission whereas the latter is only available with five speed manual transmission. The highly acclaimed 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine churns out top power of 125 Ps at 6000 rpm and generates peak torque of 170 Nm at 1400- 4500 rpm. This one is linked to five speed manual gearbox.

Price

Volkswagen Cross Polo is up for grabs at a price of Rs 7.75 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi).

Renault Duster, on the other hand falls in the price bracket of Rs 7.99 lakh – Rs 12.18 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi).

Comparatively, Ford EcoSport is slated in the price slot of Rs 5.59 lakh – Rs 9.00 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi).

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