2018 Volkswagen Polo GT TDI: Long Term Fleet Introduction

This author’s daily commutes are set to get more exciting, thanks to the arrival of the Volkswagen Polo GT TDI in the long term car fleet

Say hello to our newest long term car, the Volkswagen Polo GT TDI. The Polo might be a decade old but it still holds its own in the sea of newer premium hatchbacks. Be it the build quality or the engine and gearbox performance, the Polo is still an alluring buy. The car you see on these pages is the go-faster version of the standard TDI. You get 20 more horses and some additional cosmetic changes and feature addition to help it stand out from the standard car.

The Polo is a familiar sight on our roads but it looks elegant thanks to its low sporty stance even today. The well defined two-box design, the minimalist curves and creases have aged really well. The large 16-inch multi spoke alloys that are finished in grey go well with the overall design. 

Although the exterior design has aged well, the same can't be said once you step inside. The dash has clean lines but it has started to show its age now compared to the more modern competition. The driving position though is spot-on. The height adjustable seat and the height-and-reach adjustable steering wheel make finding the ideal driving position a breeze. 

Where the front seats are comfy, the same can’t be said of the rear. I am six foot tall and both knee-room and headroom are in short supply, it will, of course, be better for someone shorter. The rear bench itself is well shaped with good thigh support, it would have been recommendable if there was more space though. 

My first impression of the touchscreen infotainment system is extremely positive. It is a quick responding unit and phone mirroring features like Android Auto works seamlessly. Although you get a good amount of features on the GT TDI like cruise control, auto dimming IRVM, one-touch up-and-down function for all four power windows you do miss out on some other important equipment. Considering this car costs more than Rs 11 lakh on-road, you don’t get features like a reversing camera, LED or Projector headlamps and LED DRLs which have otherwise become a standard affair.

I took the car for a brief spin and initially it felt a bit underwhelming. For starters, the clutch is on the heavier side, the steering too takes a bit of effort to twirl and the engine feels sedate below 2000rpm. 

But as soon as you start going a bit faster, the GT TDI comes into its own. It feels planted, the steering is direct and once you pass 2000rpm on the tacho needle, the Polo GT TDI explodes forward.

In the coming three months, I will be using the Polo GT TDI for my daily commutes and will take it on the occasional weekend trip.

Date acquired: May 2019

Total km till date: 6587km

Fuel efficiency: NA

Cheers: Punchy diesel engine, snappy touchscreen system, build quality

Sneers: Cramped rear seat, some key features are missing

Words: Ameya Dandekar