2020 Volkswagen Polo GT Engine & Performance

The 1.0 TSI petrol that powers the Polo GT is one of the fantastic engines out there today. The motor makes 110 hp that’s 5 more than earlier while the torque remains the same at 175 Nm. The engine is surprisingly refined for a three pot and hardly any vibrations are felt in the cabin. And it is quick. The turbo surge after 1400 rpm will leave you grinning from ear to ear, and any thoughts on how this motor will perform when compared to the 1.2 are just thrown out of the window. Shifts from the 6 speed torque convertor are smooth and quite seamless and while I thought I would miss the DSG, I didn’t. The downshift from 3rd to 2nd was kind of jerky, and more so in Sport mode. Here is where the DSG in my car feels a little better. The car also creeps forward quite urgently when you slot it into D. This will take getting used to and one has to be careful in bumper to bumper traffic and even when reversing. That said the gearbox is very responsive to throttle inputs. Just tap the throttle and the car is quick to get a move on.

2020 Volkswagen Polo GT Ride & Handling

Volkswagen has worked on the suspension of the updated Polo. It feels less stiffer than what it is on my car, and ride quality is much better. It goes over bad roads and undulations in a more compliant way and things are more comfortable in the cabin. That said, it is still fun throwing it into corners and the hatchback feel very planted at all times. And all that power makes it all the more exciting. The steering responds well and feedback is good. It feels very planted at high speeds on the highway as well and you can drive along all day without feeling tired.

2020 Volkswagen Polo GT Verdict

The Polo is not the car for you if you want a lot of space and a features list that’s longer than a restaurant menu. It misses out on some equipment that is the norm in premium hatchbacks today. But if you are fan of top notch build quality and love the driving experience more than creature comforts, the Polo still sits right up there as one of the most fun to drive cars. Only thing is the 1.0 TSI/ automatic combo is not exclusive to the GT variant alone like it used to be earlier. This is because the Highline Plus too gets the same powertrain option. So if you want to get the Polo GT, give the Highline Plus a dekho as well. It will do everything the GT does at a more value for money price.

2020 Volkswagen Polo GT photo gallery: