Volkswagen Polo 1.6 GT TDI Launch Rumored

High performance hatchbacks are exciting to drive and are the perfect cars to drive in the city as well as for long drives during the weekend. However, owing to the relatively high price tag they are not the most preferred cars in India. As a result, automakers avoid introducing hot hatches here. But with the exception of VW we could say.

The German automaker came out with the Polo GT TSI in May this year to much cheering from the enthusiasts crowd. The 1.2 liter, 105 PS, 175 Nm torque delivering petrol car is among the hottest hatchbacks available in India and is popular despite what the sales numbers suggest.

To make the niche crowd happier still VW is rumored to come out with a diesel version of the GT badged Polo soon. This one will have an even more powerful 1.6 liter turbo diesel engine that already powers VW Group sedans such as the VW Vento and Skoda Rapid.

Performance wise the 1.6 liter TDI engine delivers 105 HP and 250 Nm torque in the Vento. Fuel economy from the engine would improve relative to the Vento since the Polo weights considerably less. Transmission can be expected to be a five speed manual. The 7 speed double clutch automatic transmission from the Polo 1.2 TSI is unlikely.

Now, lets talk about the uncomfortable matter of pricing. Priced at INR 8 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Polo 1.2 TSI is already a premium hatchback, catering to a small group of people who are specifically looking for a powerful hatchback. The Polo GT TDI would turn out to be even more expensive due to its 1.6 liter diesel engine (a sub-4 meter car with a diesel engine larger than 1.5 is taxed as a large car).

Thus, we would expect VW to place Polo 1.6 GT TDI at the end of the Polo spectrum. It will be the top end variant, with all the, safety features and creature comforts that come with a fully equipped Polo 1.2 GT TSI, offered as standard. If VW is fine offering the car there will also be a happy bunch of takers no matter the price.