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Story Bunny Punia
Photography Sanjay Raikar
Hype is often good for a new product. But when a yet to be launched car goes through media frenzy and sensational promotion for months, it often happens that the end product fails to meet the high expectations. There have been great examples of this in the past. But seldom does a manufacturer come out with an automobile that not only impresses you, but also sets a benchmark across almost all parameters. Case in point, the most awaited car for 2010 - the Volkswagen Polo.
It is a car that has been around for more than 35 years. Launched first in 1975, there have been five separate generations of this VW over the years, the current one being the Polo Mark V. The Indian version looks almost the same as the one sold abroad with minute changes here and there. This car flaunts its front end proudly with the big VW logo sitting between the two horizontal slots. The honeycomb grille type air-intake dam integrated into the bumper appears sporty, but what looks even better is the little chin job, or the skirts as many call them, spread across the bottom of the bumper. The side profile is quite clean with a prominent crease running along the length of the car. The top end model, the Highline, comes with gorgeous looking 15-inch alloy wheels that surely add to the overall visual appeal. At the rear, the VW logo again takes centre stage with the tail lamps stacked away at either side. Though the Polo measures just under the 4 meter mark, which was essential for the tax benefits for small cars, it has a massive presence on the road especially in this red colour.
Step into the car, close the door and the reassuring big car thud impresses you. Ergonomics feel top notch. For the couple of hundred kilometers we drove the car, everything seemed to be put together nicely and within easy reach of the driver. The cabin has a taut feeling and the quality of plastics establishes new standards in this segment in the country. The two-tone fascia doesn’t really have any futuristic lines but is very practical, designed without any clutter around. The switchgear and stalks work well and the typical loud VW horn is a much needed relief for Indian traffic. There is ample leg as well as knee room up front. In fact, the Polo manages to beat many big hatchbacks when it comes to space for the front passengers. The headroom isn’t class leading, but even for a six-footer like me, there were no issues. At the rear, things are again basic yet practical. Seat cushioning is perfect and with my colleague Adhish sitting up front, I still had about two inches between my knees and the back of the front seat. Shoulder room at 1240mm is on par with spacious hatches. VW has really managed to give the Polo a very airy feel on the inside with the usage of light colours for the roof as well as the seats.
