Volkswagen India will launch the 105PS 1.2–litre TSI engined Polo on April 29. Called the Polo GT, it will replace the now defunct Polo 1.6 as the performance centric Polo version. For the first time in India, a petrol hatchback will get turbocharging and direction injection as well as a 7-speed dual clutch (DSG) box. Sadly, even though this auto ‘box gets a manual overdrive function, there are no paddle shifters. There will also be no manual gearbox on offer at all.
As for the changes to the exteriors, there will be badging all round boasting of TSI tech and this being the GT model. It will be on the bootlid and the front grille. The badging apart, the car remains unchanged. Inside too, the changes will be minimal. Expect sporty white stitching on the seats, handbrake and gear knob, and aluminium covers for the foot pedals.
Importantly, the TSI will not be replacing the existing three-cylinder 75PS 1.2-litre petrol engine. It will, in fact, be positioned at the top of the price pyramid in the Polo range. We expect prices to be at par with the outgoing Polo 1.6 considering that the TSI engine’s cubic capacity falls within the safe side of excise limits for small cars. Volkswagen has also opened bookings of the Polo 1.2 TSI which is being offered in three colours – red, black and white.
