ഫോക്‌സ്‌വാഗൺ പോളോ 2013-2015 1.5 TDI highline

The 2014 version of Volkswagen Polo is finally introduced with a lot of cosmetic updates to its exteriors as well as the internal section. This hatchback will compete against the likes of Maruti Swift, Fiat Grande Punto, Hyundai i20 and others in its segment. The company has launched it in six variants with both petrol and diesel engine options to choose from. Among them, Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Highline is the mid rage trim in its diesel line up. The front fascia gets a few modifications like an aggressive bumper with enlarged air dam, revamped radiator grille with three slats and many other aspects for its attractive look. The internal section comes with a slightly revised steering wheel, redesigned instrument cluster along with updated infotainment system and a rear parking sensors. Its safety aspects includes collision braking system, adaptive cruise control function and city emergency braking as well. This variant is equipped with a brand new 1.5-litre power plant, which has ability to produce 88.7bhp in combination with 230Nm of peak torque. At present, this hatchback is available in quite a few exterior paint options, which are Flash Red, Carbon Steel, Candy White, Copper Orange, Reflex Silver and Night Blue metallic finish for the buyers to choose from.

Exteriors:

To begin with the side profile, it has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These ORVMs are electrically adjustable and integrated with a side blinker as well. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a set of 15 inch 'TOSA' alloy wheels , which further enhances the look of its sides. These rims are further covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The side and rear windows are in heat insulating glass. The rear end is designed with a chrome garnished boot lid, a radiant tail light cluster, a body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors. The large windshield has a defogger along with with a wash and wipe function. On the other hand, this hatchback is designed with an aggressive radiator grille with a single chrome slat. It is surrounded by a well designed black finished headlight cluster, which is integrated with dual beam lamps and turn indicator. This grille is also embossed with a prominent company logo in the center. The body colored bumper has an enlarged air dam, which is flanked by a pair of fog lamps. The large windscreen is also made of heat insulating glass and integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers, which has a four step variable speed setting.

Interiors:

This Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Highline trim is quite elegantly designed and incorporated with a number of features. The well cushioned seats are covered with premium fabric upholstery. It provides ample leg space for all passengers and makes it comfortable for longer journeys. The leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob and hand brake lever handle gives the cabin a decent look. It has a lot of utility based features like three assist grips with coat hooks, bottle holders in the front doors , sunglass holder inside the glove box, rear parcel shelf, ashtray, a 12V power socket in the front center console, height adjustable front and rear seat headrests. The redesigned dashboard is made of high quality scratch resistant plastic and equipped with a stylish new steering wheel, advanced instrument panel, a large glove box and AC vents. Apart from these, it is bestowed with a multi functional steering wheel, lane change indicator with triple flash, speed sensing auto door locks and a multi-function display.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is equipped with a 1.5-litre, In-line, turbocharged diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc . It is integrated with four cylinders and 16 valves using DOHC valve configuration. This petrol mill has the ability to churn out a maximum power output of 88.7bhp at 4200rpm along with a peak torque of 230Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which distributes the engine power to front wheels. This engine is incorporated with a direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the hatchback to generate about 20.14 Kmpl that is rather good for this segment.

Braking and Handling:

The company has given this trim a responsive electronic power steering system, which makes handling convenient. It is tilt adjustable and supports a minimum turning radius of 4.97 meters. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut type of mechanism that also has a stabilizer bar. While the rear axle is equipped with a semi independent trailing arm type of suspension system. On the other hand, its braking mechanism quite efficient and further augmented by ABS (anti lock braking system) . The front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, whereas the rear gets drum brakes.

Comfort Features:

This Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Highline is bestowed with a lot of refined features for the convenience of the occupants. The advanced music system comes with Bluetooth connectivity and voice command technology along with four speakers. It is equipped with CD/MP3 player, Radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port and SD card slot . The multi-functional steering wheel is mounted with audio, call and cruise control function. The climatronic automatic air conditioning unit, which has dust and pollen filter for purifying the cabin air. Apart from these, it has cruise control function for maintaining a steady speed on the highways, reverse parking sensors, opening and closing windows with key remote, all four power windows with one touch operation.

Safety Features:

The list of features include airbags for driver and front passenger, ABS, anti pinch power windows, front and rear fog lamps , emergency exit, a centrally located high mounted stop lamp and internal rear view mirror with anti glare adjustment function. It is equipped with 3-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts along with lap belt in the middle, which enhances the safety of the passengers in case of any accidents. In addition, it also has height adjustable front and rear head restraints, rear defogger, galvanized body with 6-years anti corrosion warranty and an electronic engine immobilizer with floating code that prevents the vehicle from unauthorized entry,

Pros:

1. Impressive exteriors with lots of striking features.

2. Good engine performance.

Cons:

1. Maintenance cost is too high.

2. Ground clearance can be improved.