Volkswagen Polo GT TSI : "The Red Pearl"


Thread Starter #1
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Oct 27, 2013
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October 11th 2013 - The day the flashy red machine was delivered and Ramani Cars in Coimbatore did a great job and made it an awesome occasion.

Filled the gas tank to its full capacity and started the ride.

7 speed automatic DSG gear box and the 1.2 TSI engine - The DSG comes with D mode, S mode and triptronic manual mode apart from having the R (reverse), N (Neutral) and P (Parking).

For the initial couple of times I felt that the throttle response was little late by half a second in the D mode but understood the mechanics of the gearbox response by reading the internet. what next, went for some short rides and got used of the foot movement that is required to feel the power output in the way I wanted. I noticed that the gears reached 7 when the speedo showed only 60 KM/hour; which means, the DSG was programmed to shift to the maximum gear possible to be fuel efficient. This is the story of the D mode. The dual clutch works butter smooth with no glitches when the gear change happens. When the car revs down to a stop, you can feel how quick the gears shift down which helps you in the breaking as well.

The S (sports) mode - For motoring enthusiasts who does not want to fiddle with the gear knob but is expecting that awesome push, be it in the traffic or in the high way overtakes. Absolutely breathtaking with a little bit of drunkenness when it comes to fuel efficiency. The engine revs up to the maximum in each gear makes sure that you are in front of everyone. While breaking and cornering, the gear shifts down quickly and responds to the throttle faster making you feel like "THE IRON MAN".

The Triptronics mode (Manual + / -) - This is specifically designed for racing enthusiasts who wants that low end torque to play the role while overtaking, cornering and when going for the zig zag rides. The engine comes to the control of the driver and obeys his rules. Second -to- Third -to- fourth gears sends an adrenaline rush into the 1.2 Turbo Stratified Inject (TSI) engine until the tacho needle reaches the red area i.e, ultimate low end torque that puts the car in the 3 digit speed in seconds. Of course, one needs a bit of "getting used to" part in using the manual mode. The term "GT" is justified.. [clap] Good Job by volkswagen

In all the 3 cases the steering response stays the same and never felt any wobbling, which shows the sturdiness of the car.

The 7 speed DSG was perfectly coupled with the 1.2 TSI engine throwing 105 PS and is directly felt when you drive in the S and triptronic mode.

Exterior Design and Shape - No big changes when compared to the other Polo models. However the GT Tsi comes with its own spoiler in the rear. Tail lights perfectly match the body and settle within. While the back side of the car is a little curvy at its bumper, the front side of the car is ergonomically designed with sharp features to tear-off the air while speeding. The twin strike chrome finish bonnet grill with the GT logo is the differentiator. The headlights are smoked with black inside and that makes the car to have an aggressive eye look. Doors are heavy to save the driver and passengers from injury. The black antenna makes the car look like a remote car on an Arial view. A shark fin antenna by default would have made the car look more aggressive.

Coming to the bottom, it is provisioned with ample lift from the ground which makes the ground clearance higher. Not once, the car had a hit ,even from the tallest of the speed breakers. The wheel base is not the longest among the hatches and is long enough to make the ride smooth. Now, the silencer muffler tip is not visible and is curved towards down side. What would have made the car impressive from the backside to make it look like a real GT is, a chrome coated dual holed muffler tip for the silencer like the Golf GTI. Unfortunately, for one to mod the silencer tip, the rear bumper also needs to be changed :(. Though the 15" alloys add value to the looks, it would have been super cool if the alloys are made in black (not pure black) with a matt finish and a red line on the border of the wheel. I'm still looking around for such a custom-made alloy wheel.

Interiors, comfort and infotainment - Overall build quality of the interiors is world class unlike other hatches with hard plastics. The driver’s console is fully loaded with all the necessary information (mileage indicator, fuel indicator, Trip meter etc.,). The steering wheel comes with a leather wrap, telescopic up down and front back options and steering controls to control the audio and voice call options. It would have been really awesome, if the polo had cruise control and paddle shifters, sadly we miss it. The infotainment system comes with a cd player, radio with various input options like 3.5mm Aux in, Bluetooth, USB and memory car option. The Bluetooth pairs with the mobile devices smoothly and the clarity is amazing. The audio output from the speakers are not so classy but not so bad as well. The AC with automatic climatronics freezes you within few minutes after the car is started. Not very happy with the suspension. It absoultely makes you feel the road and will be interesting if you want to have a sporty ride. However, it would have been better if it was little more in the comfort side. There is no engine / air / rattling noise inside the cabin as long as you are cruising. When you go into sporty action by having more foot on the accelerator, there comes the "vrooooom" sound which makes you feel like you are in a race. VW have tuned the sound to perfection.

The glove box has ample space with sun glass provision. As all other cars, Polo GT has 2 glass holders in the middle and few slots for mobile and wallet. What we miss here is the center arm rest console with some storage provision in it. The seats are designed ergonomically to hold the driver in a proper position and VW has wrapped the seats with peppy Italian fabrics. Leg rooms in the back side is not luxurious but enough for 2 members at the backseat. It might be a little cramped for 3 at the back.

The boot space is designed in such a way that it looks like it has been dug out to get you that extra space you look for a highway ride or city hopping.

Safety - 3 major safety factors are included in the hot hatch. 1 - ABS, work very smoothly, no understeer or over steer evidenced so far. 2 - Dual airbags. 3 - ESP, Electronic stabilization program which stabilizes the drive turns and bumpy rides and it manages to reform the tyre positioning during the ride based on how the steering is used by the driver. What makes it interesting is, if you are a whacky driver, who needs some thrill in the drive with some skids, sharp cuts and over takes, you can turn off the ESP :) pretty innovative by VW.

Overall missing stuff - Center arm rest, cruise control, paddle shifters, shark fin antenna, a different alloy wheel (only looks) and of course a sun roof.
Dislikes - Rear foot room, audio output and suspension response.

Mileage - 14.3/l in city ride and 18.5/l in highway (in the D mode). No one really cares about the mileage in S mode and manual triptronic mode.

Sorry guys, I'm currently away from my “red pearl” (as I am out of the country). As soon as I'm back in the country or if I manage to get someone click some photographs, I will post them.

Cheers
Prawin Jawahar John Peter
 

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Dr MUDHAN

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Re: Volkswagen Polo GT TSI - "The Red Pearl"

Dear Prawin
During your visit to my thread, you have indicated that you brought home the VW Polo GT TSI.
I thought of asking you - would it be the automatic version and the red one (Ferrari!)
Wow! It is just expected.
Your write up confirms our observations – Engineered to excel.
Only very few people feel the soul in their car.
All the very best to you.
Regards
Dr MUDHAN
 
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Thread Starter #3
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Re: Volkswagen Polo GT TSI - "The Red Pearl"

Hello Sir!
Yes, you are right... It is the automatic ferrari red polo GT TSI.. More write up coming on the design, specs, comfort, infotainment and the possible add ons that is expected out of the box. After a lot of search, found some interesting mods available out there which will turn the hot hatch into "the hottest hatch". Will share them soon :)

Thanks for your comments :)
 
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Re: Volkswagen Polo GT TSI - "The Red Pearl"

Hi,
Congratulations on your new buy. Once i too went to Ramani VW Showroom coimbatore for a Vento Test drive. They were very professional and helpful during the test drive.
So Post some more additional information about the gearbox in the long run and mileage specifications.
 
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Re: Volkswagen Polo GT TSI - "The Red Pearl"

DGS is ment to enjoy this ride to the fullest as and how you get used to each of them.
Heartiest congratulations on your Red beauty.
Do share more about your experience with it and some more pictures of this beauty.
Cost if you can share with breakups and offers.
 
Joined
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Re: Volkswagen Polo GT TSI - "The Red Pearl"

Congrats for your new red pearl. Did you have a peek into the service station of vw coimbatore ? Did you enquire existing vw owners about the after sales service experience of vw coimbatore ? .please share the price split up. Waiting for a detailed review.
 
Thread Starter #9
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@Ambylovers - The gearbox performance is unbeatable and I have amended the first post to include the mileage information.

@Vijay - Pictures are on its way. Overall cost on road cost came to INR 9.5 lakhs with full insurance (bumper to bumper). Unfortunately, nothing else was offered despite of having volks fest. I was told that the Polo GT Tsi is not included in the offer, sadly

@Sarvash - I have posted the detailed review. I dint get a chance to visit their Service station. However, a friend of mine who owns a Vento have informed me that, they have a process oriented service station and they give personal attention to every cars.

I will upload more pics soon guys!! Happy Motoring[glasses]
 
Thread Starter #10
Joined
Oct 27, 2013
Messages
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Location
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October 11th 2013 - The day the flashy red machine was delivered and Ramani Cars in Coimbatore did a great job and made it an awesome occasion.

Filled the gas tank to its full capacity and started the ride.

7 speed automatic DSG gear box and the 1.2 TSI engine - The DSG comes with D mode, S mode and triptronic manual mode apart from having the R (reverse), N (Neutral) and P (Parking).

For the initial couple of times I felt that the throttle response was little late by half a second in the D mode but understood the mechanics of the gearbox response by reading the internet. what next, went for some short rides and got used of the foot movement that is required to feel the power output in the way I wanted. I noticed that the gears reached 7 when the speedo showed only 60 KM/hour; which means, the DSG was programmed to shift to the maximum gear possible to be fuel efficient. This is the story of the D mode. The dual clutch works butter smooth with no glitches when the gear change happens. When the car revs down to a stop, you can feel how quick the gears shift down which helps you in the breaking as well.

The S (sports) mode - For motoring enthusiasts who does not want to fiddle with the gear knob but is expecting that awesome push, be it in the traffic or in the high way overtakes. Absolutely breathtaking with a little bit of drunkenness when it comes to fuel efficiency. The engine revs up to the maximum in each gear makes sure that you are in front of everyone. While breaking and cornering, the gear shifts down quickly and responds to the throttle faster making you feel like "THE IRON MAN".

The Triptronics mode (Manual + / -) - This is specifically designed for racing enthusiasts who wants that low end torque to play the role while overtaking, cornering and when going for the zig zag rides. The engine comes to the control of the driver and obeys his rules. Second -to- Third -to- fourth gears sends an adrenaline rush into the 1.2 Turbo Stratified Inject (TSI) engine until the tacho needle reaches the red area i.e, ultimate low end torque that puts the car in the 3 digit speed in seconds. Of course, one needs a bit of "getting used to" part in using the manual mode. The term "GT" is justified.. [clap] Good Job by volkswagen

In all the 3 cases the steering response stays the same and never felt any wobbling, which shows the sturdiness of the car.

The 7 speed DSG was perfectly coupled with the 1.2 TSI engine throwing 105 PS and is directly felt when you drive in the S and triptronic mode.

Exterior Design and Shape - No big changes when compared to the other Polo models. However the GT Tsi comes with its own spoiler in the rear. Tail lights perfectly match the body and settle within. While the back side of the car is a little curvy at its bumper, the front side of the car is ergonomically designed with sharp features to tear-off the air while speeding. The twin strike chrome finish bonnet grill with the GT logo is the differentiator. The headlights are smoked with black inside and that makes the car to have an aggressive eye look. Doors are heavy to save the driver and passengers from injury. The black antenna makes the car look like a remote car on an Arial view. A shark fin antenna by default would have made the car look more aggressive.

Coming to the bottom, it is provisioned with ample lift from the ground which makes the ground clearance higher. Not once, the car had a hit ,even from the tallest of the speed breakers. The wheel base is not the longest among the hatches and is long enough to make the ride smooth. Now, the silencer muffler tip is not visible and is curved towards down side. What would have made the car impressive from the backside to make it look like a real GT is, a chrome coated dual holed muffler tip for the silencer like the Golf GTI. Unfortunately, for one to mod the silencer tip, the rear bumper also needs to be changed :(. Though the 15" alloys add value to the looks, it would have been super cool if the alloys are made in black (not pure black) with a matt finish and a red line on the border of the wheel. I'm still looking around for such a custom-made alloy wheel.

Interiors, comfort and infotainment - Overall build quality of the interiors is world class unlike other hatches with hard plastics. The driver’s console is fully loaded with all the necessary information (mileage indicator, fuel indicator, Trip meter etc.,). The steering wheel comes with a leather wrap, telescopic up down and front back options and steering controls to control the audio and voice call options. It would have been really awesome, if the polo had cruise control and paddle shifters, sadly we miss it. The infotainment system comes with a cd player, radio with various input options like 3.5mm Aux in, Bluetooth, USB and memory car option. The Bluetooth pairs with the mobile devices smoothly and the clarity is amazing. The audio output from the speakers are not so classy but not so bad as well. The AC with automatic climatronics freezes you within few minutes after the car is started. Not very happy with the suspension. It absoultely makes you feel the road and will be interesting if you want to have a sporty ride. However, it would have been better if it was little more in the comfort side. There is no engine / air / rattling noise inside the cabin as long as you are cruising. When you go into sporty action by having more foot on the accelerator, there comes the "vrooooom" sound which makes you feel like you are in a race. VW have tuned the sound to perfection.

The glove box has ample space with sun glass provision. As all other cars, Polo GT has 2 glass holders in the middle and few slots for mobile and wallet. What we miss here is the center arm rest console with some storage provision in it. The seats are designed ergonomically to hold the driver in a proper position and VW has wrapped the seats with peppy Italian fabrics. Leg rooms in the back side is not luxurious but enough for 2 members at the backseat. It might be a little cramped for 3 at the back.

The boot space is designed in such a way that it looks like it has been dug out to get you that extra space you look for a highway ride or city hopping.

Safety - 3 major safety factors are included in the hot hatch. 1 - ABS, work very smoothly, no understeer or over steer evidenced so far. 2 - Dual airbags. 3 - ESP, Electronic stabilization program which stabilizes the drive turns and bumpy rides and it manages to reform the tyre positioning during the ride based on how the steering is used by the driver. What makes it interesting is, if you are a whacky driver, who needs some thrill in the drive with some skids, sharp cuts and over takes, you can turn off the ESP :) pretty innovative by VW.

Overall missing stuff - Center arm rest, cruise control, paddle shifters, shark fin antenna, a different alloy wheel (only looks) and of course a sun roof.
Dislikes - Rear foot room, audio output and suspension response.

Mileage - 14.3/l in city ride and 18.5/l in highway (in the D mode). No one really cares about the mileage in S mode and manual triptronic mode.

Sorry guys, I'm currently away from my “red pearl” (as I am out of the country). As soon as I'm back in the country or if I manage to get someone click some photographs, I will post them.

Cheers
Prawin Jawahar John Peter
Hello Guys!

I have received my OEM center armrest. I have attached the pics of it and provided the Aliexpress link below from where I purchased it. I hope this will make the drive more comfortable. I can have this installed only in January 2014. So expect the pics a bit late. :)

Wholesale Product Snapshot Product name is Vw original accessories 2011-2013 year volkswagen New POLO car dedicated adjustable central armrest box ,black color
 

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Hello Guys!

I have received my OEM center armrest. I have attached the pics of it and provided the Aliexpress link below from where I purchased it. I hope this will make the drive more comfortable. I can have this installed only in January 2014. So expect the pics a bit late. :)
Congrats on the GT TSI. I'm guessing you are itching to get back to get behind the wheels of the GT TSI [:D]

And finally, I find someone here who ordered the armrest. I was wondering whether you paid any customs duty? Would you mind sharing the final amount you paid here? How long did it take the armrest to reach you? Or you can PM me if it not too much of a bother. And also, how do you intend on getting it fitted? A DIY or do you have a FNG to do the job for you?

Regards,
Vipin
 
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Thread Starter #15
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Customs Duty: I dint pay any because I'm currently working in Dubai and no customs tax here.
Total cost:
I ordered it from China and got it dropped in my Shop and Ship Aramex account in hongkong - $80
Aramex delivered it in Dubai and charged AED 230 for 3kg of weight ~ $60
I dont think there is any customs for a used car arm rest if I carry it with me when I go to India (Im gonna take of the packing and will keep it in my check-in bag when I travel to India :) )

So total = $140 which is ~ INR 8650 + INR 350 fitting charge (The arm rest is almost like plug and play except having a drill for 2 holes. Polo is having a provision to know where the hole should be drilled. It is an easy job)

Hope this helps you! [:D]
 

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