The best driving experience among premium hatchbacks is still provided by the Volkswagen Polo, which is the pinnacle of German engineering. Due to its great service throughout the years, the POLO series, one of Volkswagen's most successful product lines, has long dominated the Indian market.

How’s the design?

With 7 dazzling colours and ergonomic designs, the Polo’s design has stood the test of time and has been well-liked by everyone. The car is wide, having close resembles the Audi A1. The Polo’s compact design makes it very sophisticated to look at that houses the classic Volkswagen head and tail lights. The rear-view bumpers are stunning but the front bumper lack masculine features.

How does it perform?

In an effort to keep the VW Polo hatchback current over the course of more than a decade, Volkswagen has continuously improved it. In addition to the previous 76hp, 1.0 MPI naturally aspirated combustion engine, the latest innovation is a revolutionary 110hp, 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine that comes in manual and automatic versions. But the diesel engine has been slowly phased out, as has been the case with all VW automobiles. Moreover, the 999cc direct-injection TSI petrol, winner of the International Engine of the Year accolade, is both technologically advanced and expertly developed to skilfully manage the competing demands of both performance and fuel efficiency.

How’s the mileage?

Volkswagen Polo comes in a whopping 19 variants at different price points and features. But as the diesel engine is slowly being phased out the line-up is still strong with 15 variants in the petrol engine variants.

How’s the driving experience?

Volkswagen is known for producing high-quality automobiles, and the Polo has many characteristics with its slightly larger and more fancy siblings, especially the Volkswagen GOLF. It's a good vehicle for novice drivers and learners because of its straightforward design, easy-to-use controls, and durable, yet lightweight construction. Although it may not be as enjoyable to drive as a Ford Fiesta, the Polo's sturdiness will give you confidence on winding terrain. Although it is an option, the sports suspension is largely superfluous and the Polo GTi is a better choice. The typical Polo does not have a sporting vibe about it as the Volkswagen’s Golf does. The affordable pricing of the car offers the best performance compared to other cars in the segment.

How is its off-road capability?

The ground clearance of the Polo is low at 168 mm which is not suited for off-road riding. The low clearance makes the car take a beating in uneven terrain but is perfectly suited for city roads with minor bumps and potholes. Even if the car has 4X4 wheel drive which gives the car amazing manoeuvrability the car falls short when taken off the road on bumpy dirt tracks.

What’s the interior like?

The seat base is wide and broad in Polo, and although a little more shoulder support should have been included which is missing, overall seat comfort is really good. The steering can be adjusted for reach and makes for a comfortable riding experience. With only a few significant additions, the interior of the Polo appears to have been preserved. the simple centre display and the transparent instrument panel with its white-on-black lettering. The leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering column is another tactile stimulation to die for. Although the 6.5-inch touchscreen isn't very big, it has great visual quality and touch functionality. The technology is actually fairly easy to use, and Apple CarPlay is particularly compatible with it.

Tech and infotainment

Over the year’s polo have been criticized for having less functional features compared to the other cars in the segment. With the newest launch, the Volkswagen polo has been transformed and includes comparable features at the same price point. The display is great on the dashboard which combines both digital and analogue displays. The rear-view camera for parking assist is among the new inclusions in the Tech department.

Safety Equipment

Safety measures in the POLO include Driver attention detection, electronic stability assist, Emergency auto breaks, frontal airbags for the driver and the passenger, and side curtain airbags for the backseat as well as the front seats. The new model also features a rear camera which was absent in the previous models as it was criticized by the users. Polo scored 14.1 out of a possible 16 points in the frontal impact test, as well as lateral and 3.7 among 4 points in the rear impact test. indicating that its overall safety was of good to sufficient according to industry standards.

Which variant to buy?

The polo GT TSI hits the sweet spot when it comes to price to power and is one of the best features loaded variants. Under 10 lakhs this car has all the updated and quality features that exemplify German craftsmanship. But for an economical option, the Trendline Petrol BS IV is the best but has a few fewer features compared to the GT TSI.

Which cars compete in this segment?

In the Indian market, POLO is in competition with Skoda Fabia, Ford Figo, Jazz, I20, Altroz and Renault Clio. The other rival cars give close competition to the Volkswagen Polo and could have been perhaps better but with the new Polo Volkswagen is expected to take over and dominate the luxury hatchback market in India.

Verdict (Value for money)

Although the Polo's interior and external designs are simple and timeless, and its overall design is still of a better standard than perhaps recently released automobiles in the segment, the Polo is now beginning to show its vintage nature as it has come a long way. It has more to do with the absence of several contemporary amenities and the interior's modest size when compared to comparable vehicles presently available in the market making it a good but outdated purchase. The value for money is still one of the best in the market with the base model starting at just Rs 4.93 lakhs.