Polo GT gets a hushed upgrade

Adding some freshness to its performance hatchback ahead of the festive season, Volkswagen India has silently introduced new features on the Polo GT TSI and TDI models for the 2015 model year. The features have been listed on the company’s Indian website and an official launch can be expected anytime next month.

The performance bred Polo GT now gets electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, glovebox cooling and cruise control as part of the standard equipment list. The new set of features on the Polo GT have been carried over from the 2015 Volkswagen Vento facelift launched earlier this year and will also attract a marginal price hike.

So expect to pay a premium of around Rs. 10,000-15,000/- for the new Polo GT. It is still is unclear if the standard Polo versions will also get any changes. Apart from the sales sentiment during the festive season, the Polo GT will soon see competition coming from the Fiat Abarth Punto Evo.

Available only in a petrol avatar, the Italian hatch with 145 PS of power will certainly be stealing away the German hatchback’s thunder. With Fiat hinting towards a sub Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom) pricing on the Abarth Punto Evo, it is only going to get difficult for Volkswagen to make its presence felt in the segment. Meanwhile, dealers are yet to be updated on the new Polo GT and are waiting for a notification from the company.

Doing a quick recap on the hatchback’s performance credentials, a 1.2-litre TSI petrol produces 105 PS, paired to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, whereas a 1.5-litre TDI diesel churns out 105 PS and is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. While the Polo GT may no more be the hottest hatch in town, Volkswagen has also been testing the Polo GTI in the country with 190 HP.