Polo 2013-2015 1.2 MPI Highline Review
The 2014 Volkswagen Polo has finally arrived in the Indian automobile market. This refurbished hatchback comes in three trim levels with both petrol and diesel engine options. Among its trims, Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI Highline is the top end petrol variant that is powered by a 1.2-litre engine. This mill has the ability to produce a maximum power of 74bhp and develops a peak torque output of 110Nm. This version has undergone a major overhaul in terms of both exteriors and interiors. To start with its outsides, it gets a slightly tweaked headlight cluster, new radiator grille and a refined bumper. Apart from this, its ORVM caps, rear bumper and tail lights are also updated. Coming to its insides, this vehicle comes with a flat-bottomed steering wheel with three spokes and a modified dashboard. This top end variant has crucial safety aspects like ABS, dual front airbags, 3-point ELR seat belts and an engine immobilizer with floating code. Currently, it is available with five exterior paint options including Copper Orange, Candy White, Night Blue, Reflex Silver, Carbon Steel and Flash Red for the buyers to choose from.
Exteriors:
To start with the front profile, this vehicle gets a brand new bumper that is quite large and is incorporated with a wide air dam. In the center, its radiator grille is now fitted with three horizontally positioned slats. Its headlight cluster cluster is further equipped with halogen lamps and turn indicators. The overall look of its front is accentuated by the stylish 'VW' logo affixed onto the grille. The window sill and B pillars are in black while the external door handles are in body color . This top end variant is blessed with a set of stylish 15-inch “TOSA” alloy wheels. These rims are further covered with a set of 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The company has also equipped all the variants with a full size spare wheel, which has been affixed into the boot compartment along with other tools for changing a flat tyre. The rear end gets a refurbished bumper that houses an extended licence plate area and a pair of reflectors. Apart from this, its taillight cluster is also updated and equipped with high intensity brake lights, courtesy lamps and turn indicators.
Interiors:
This Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI Highline trim comes with refreshed interiors as it gets an improved color scheme and added styling aspects. Its dashboard and central console has been redesigned. Its interiors are done up with beige and black color scheme and is further accentuated by chrome inserts. It has a new flat-bottomed, multi-functional steering wheel that has a leather cover on it . The front seats have height adjustable head rests while the rear seats have L-shaped head restraints. These seats are further covered with premium fabric upholstery. The leg and head room inside the cabin has been improved, thanks to the increased wheelbase of 2469mm and and height of 1469mm. On the other hand, it has a decent 280 litre boot volume, which can be increased further by folding the rear seat backrest. Other utility aspects includes 12V power sockets, cup holders, door pockets, glove box unit, bottle holders and sun visors.
Engine and Performance:
This top end variant is fitted with a 1.2-litre MPI petrol engine that has a displacement capacity of 1198cc. This In-line motor has 3-cylinders and 12-valves based on a DOHC valve configuration. It is further incorporated with multi-point fuel injection system that helps it to unleash 74bhp of maximum power at 5400rpm and a peak torque output of 110Nm at 3750rpm. This motor is paired with a five speed manual transmission gearbox that helps it to produce a decent mileage of 16.47 Kmpl. This hatchback can breach 100 Kmph speed mark in just 14.2 seconds and can attain a top speed of 165 Kmph.
Braking and Handling:
Its front axle is fitted with McPherson strut in combination with stabilizer bar. At the same time, its rear axle is equipped with semi-independent trailing arm, which keeps the vehicle well-balanced. Its front wheels have been paired with a set of ventilated disc brakes, whereas its rear wheels are coupled with conventional drum brakes. Additionally, it is also incorporated with an anti lock braking system, which augments the braking mechanism. On the other hand, this hatchback is integrated with a speed sensitive electronic power steering that supports a turning radius of 4.9-meters.
Comfort Features:
This Volkswagen Polo 1.2 MPI Highline is the top end variant and it is equipped with advanced comfort features. The list of aspects include a Climatronic automatic AC unit with dust and pollen filter, driver's seat height adjuster, power steering with tilt adjustment and central locking system. It also has an instrument cluster that features a digital clock, fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer, trip meter and odometer. This trim is also equipped with electrically adjustable outside mirrors, all four power windows with one touch operation, lane change indicator, front sun visors, speed sensing auto door locks and a remote key with opening and closing of windows. In addition to these, this trim has rear parking sensors, rear defogger and a multi-functional display. This Highline trim is integrated with an advanced music system with USB, AUX-In and SD card slot along with Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones.
Safety Features:
The company has always taken utmost care of protective functions in all of their vehicles. The list of crucial safety aspects included in this trim are dual front airbags, ABS, anti pinch protection for power windows, fog lamps and emergency exit facility. Apart from these, it has height adjustable head restraints, an inside rear view mirror with anti-glare adjustable, high mount stop lamps and 3-point ELR seat belts. Furthermore, this trim is integrated with an advanced engine immobilization device with floating code that safeguards the vehicle from theft.
Pros:
1. Interior design and leg room has been improved.
2. Comfort features are at par with other competitors.
Cons:
1. Fuel economy is not as good other other contenders.
2. Price range can be made more competitive.
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