A quick look at the history of Volkswagen in India is enough to tell you how important the Polo is for VW. After all, it almost singlehandedly made the brand a household name in India. Launched with much fanfare, and a snazzy advertising campaign – something that continues till date – the Polo introduced Indian customers to many industry firsts.
The Polo not only set a new benchmark for the hatchback segment in terms of build quality, but also for ride and handling standards. Now, over the years, the Polo has evolved, giving Indian customers a chance to sample a truly genuine hot hatch.
Redefining the segment
The transition from India-specific hatchbacks – built to different standards (read: inferior) than models sold in developed markets – to a cutting-edge global product began in 2009 with the introduction of the Polo. For the first time, Indian customers were able to experience a small car built to exacting German standards.
Continuing the trend, Volkswagen introduced India’s first proper hot hatch – the Polo GT TSI. With its dual-clutch transmission and its 1.2 TSI engine, the GT TSI set the Indian market on fire. Even today, people across India wait patiently for their turn to own a GT TSI.
This story is from the September 2019 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2019 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
POWER WASH
The Dylect UltraClean high-pressure washer is perfect choice for those obsessed with keeping their vehicle showroom fresh.
GRIPPING REPORT
After experiencing TVS Eurogrip Roadhound's performance on the race track, we put them through their paces on the road.
MAKE OR BREAK!
Carlos Sainz ended Max Verstappen's win streak yet again. The driver without a seat in 2025 is giving it his all and then some!
NEW DAWN
What does Liberty Media's MotoGP takeover mean for the sport's future?
FOCUS MODE
BMW has introduced a more aggressive avatar of the iX, and we test its temper.
BRAVE & BOLD
If you like the idea of making others feel intimidated as your car appears in their rearview mirror, look no further.
SINGLE NOT READY TO Mingle?
Volvo has introduced the XC40 with a single-motor setup. But does this mean that it's only half the fun and half the experience? Let's find out...
URBAN RACER
Expanding its performance portfolio, Hyundai has launched the new Creta N Line. So, is this the hot sauce needed for the perfect Creta sandwich? We take a bite and find out!
The Price of Nostalgia
Kawasaki's W175 is a low-cost motorcycle that evokes the nostalgia of no-nonsense riding, but does it offer enough to be relevant in the modern world?
easy DOES IT
Getting a motorcycle right is complicated, because motorcyclists themselves are complicated. But the Jawa 350 might have cracked the code.
