Volkswagen Polo 1.6 launched; priced Rs 6.16 lakhs

The VW Polo 1.6 liter petrol offers 105PS at 5250 RPM.

German carmaker Volkswagen has launched a new variant of its Polo model today. The new Polo features a powerful 1.6-litre petrol engine that churns out 105 PS @ 5250 rpm of peak power and 153Nm @ 3750 rpm of peak torque.

This rev-friendly engine, which also powers the Volkswagen Vento, is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and is claimed to return a mileage of 15.96 kmpl. Priced at Rs. 6.16 lakhs, ex-showroom, New Delhi, bookings for the new Polo have already started, however, deliveries will take a while.

Quick look at the Volkswagen Polo 1.6

Power: 105 PS(103 BHP)

Torque: 153 Nm torque

Mileage: 15.96 kmpl

Price: Rs 6.15 lakh

Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India, told the media that the new 1.6-litre petrol Polo is more powerful and fun to drive and yet retains all the features of the 1.2-litre Polo.

The new Polo features chrome strip in front grille, body-coloured outside door handles and ORVMs, green wedge at top section of wind shield, galvanized body with six years anti-corrosion warranty and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The interior of this car comes with chrome-coated gear shift knobs and internal door handles, chrome interior trims, 1-litre bottle-sized storage compartments and rear seats with 60-40 split folding as well as superior “livon” fabrics.

Safety and Technology

Safety features include disc brakes on the front wheels, two airbags for front-row occupants, ABS and electronic anti-theft immobilizer.

The instrument has a Multifunction Information Display (MID) that includes radio with CD-MP3 player and four speakers. It has a Door Opening Warning feature, height adjustable driving seat, adjustable power steering, front and rear fog lamps, rear defogger, rear wiper, and power locks with remote transmitters, including two keys with remote opening and closing of windows.

Volkswagen has wisely pitched this powerful petrol hatch at a competitive price. Of course, sourcing the same 1.6-litre engine that’s there on the Vento helps Volkswagen keep costs low.

While, there were speculations earlier about Volkswagen rolling out the Polo with the powerful 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine, the launch of the new petrol variant has ruled out that possibility. So, for now, the 90-hp Fiat Punto continues to be the most powerful diesel hatch on Indian roads.

The new Polo 1.6-litre petrol has an edge over all other hatchbacks available in India, with respect to power and performance. The only other 1.6-litre petrol hatchback in the market is the Fiat Palio Stile Sport. While the Palio Stile is powered by a 1,596-cc petrol engine, it churns out only 100 PS @ 5500 rpm of peak power and 137 Nm @ 4250 rpm of peak torque, which pales in comparison to the 105 PS generated by the Polo’s engine.