[DogNDamsel12]

Dear Polo,

So apt is this affable goodbye letter from you that prompted me to share a few moments with my Polos with this group.



The letter is so beautifully written, an apt exit for a vehicle that has captured the hearts of so many people like me. It feels like parting with a playful, soulful, mischievous friend, and one can do nothing about it!

To me you have also been as real as your letter, and I have had a rewarding relationship with mine, existing in a strange, delirious space somewhere between a partner and a parent to you.

For me, you were instant love.

2013 - owning my first Polo


This was right after I got back to India and having been on great cars abroad, was definitely looking for a good ride for myself - definitely in the hatchback category so that it was easy for me park in small spaces in the city. Had checked out a few cars - won't name them this time as I want it to be about YOU, and will not start a battle about which car is better than the other.

You came to me as a suggestion from my brother, though I was not so sure, mostly because it cost higher than some of the others in the same category. But I decided to check you out anyway. We walked into the showroom that was in Select Citywalk at that time. There was a red Polo 1.2L MPI on display. I opened the door and sat inside and closed the door. That typical Polo door shut thud that you have gave me in response.. blew me away and made my heart beat a million! I was thinking "What was this thing that was such a hottie!"

In about half an hour I test drove the car. And boy your engine got to me and how! You know that moment in the movie Avatar when Jake, the protagonist connects with Toruk and becomes Toruk Makto... my feeling wasn't anything short of that, thanks to you!

I had made up my mind about you, dear. But the parents were still to come on board. So more than negotiating with the people in the showroom, it was convincing my parents that took a while. I test drove a million cars after that just to give my parents the peace that I had tried many before I settle for that kind of an engine.

And in a few days, you were mine to keep - the Highline version of you.

You were so much fun to drive! Your baritone engine roar at higher RPMs was what my dad hated and I loved. Initially, for a novice like me switching over to a new system of driver controls did take a few mistakes to learn - the headlight had a knob on the right, the dipper-dimmers and indicators were in the steering panel on the left (as opposed to Japanese systems) and the wiper controls to the right. And I fooled around with the horn a few times

After driving around with my WagonR LXi, I was thrilled with the adjustable steering wheel and seats, the fog lamps that made driving in Delhi's fog a breeze, the simple RPM gauge, the adjustable ORVMs, pinch-safe windows, and some real trivia such as when I switch on the headlights, the switches for the window and orvm controls also light up (as opposed to one of the other cars that we own, where I fumble in the dark when trying to locate these switches). Everything about you was so simple and elegant and muted - we grew on each other.

Trifles made me really fall head over wheels..err heels.. with you. If on a slight incline I began to release the clutch you would roll up the slope like it was nobody's business, no acceleration needed. You would take on some bad roads without the slightest squeak being felt inside. The tires always stayed planted at corners. And, I could sneak you in and keep you waiting at the busiest Old Delhi roads without any glitch.

So many nights in Delhi, when most people were perhaps out partying, I have spent rolling with you on the empty roads, listening to my favorite music, and on some days the trip meter showed over a 100 km within city precincts. You made me feel at home in what is considered a hostile place like Delhi.

So many times after switching off the engines, I have spent a few extra minutes in the car, petting the steering and leaning against it like a pal - for good times and bad ones.

This one time, there was something wrong with the battery apparatus and you had stalled right in the middle of the MG road at rush hour. Quite flustered, I was trying to call in some help in the form of friends and RSA. In between these calls, I remember silently talking to you to please at least take me home. And, the darling that you were, you did start this one more time, took me up to the parking lot, and then stopped. And from mechanics to a miracle I didn't know who to thank, except that I started to see that you did have a soul.

And then that one fateful night in 2017, I lost my baby. It may just suffice to say that had it not been for you, I would not have survived to tell everyone how it upturned a few times, and how you hugged me through the nightmare fall. That you suffered a total loss to ensure the inmates went back to the safety of our homes. You know that I was not at the wheels. But it would not have mattered even if I were - it was destiny! It was an emotional loss for everyone involved and you should know that too! And I still think of you nearly everyday, and the day I sat hugging you in the broken cabin one last time and wept in grief, still hugging you to me as I always did!

We tried to get you back. But the repair costs quoted were so high, and we knew we could not have gotten you back in the old condition. So we had to put you down. I realise now that I have so few photographs of you. But thank you for being there!

[DogNDamsel12]

My 2nd Polo 2018 - a million date nights



My dear new Polo 1.2L MPI,

Let's skip to the good part! I found you after I had hunted for my next car for quite some time. I mean who goes for the same car all over again, right? Wrong! My first choice of course was VW - having life-tested (pun intended) the build quality. Again, test-drove a far greater number of cars than the previous time before I landed up with you again.

I don't know how to write about why I went for you again without mentioning some of your friends and competitors whom I tried out (don't be mad with me!) Some with the same brand, some with the sister-brands, and some with competitors. The Fiat Abarth was one car that came very close to my heart, but it was the last batch being sold, so I could not risk owning a car whose service I was not too sure of. Then there was the Skoda Rapid which I was a breath away from finalizing but the insurance cost made me reconsider.

The Polo GT TSI AT was out and drove so well, but it was AT - not my type! The 1000cc Polo also did not feel quite like my previous one (I will spare everyone the technical details).

Polo, you must know that the Indian Government has been following a strategy of light-weighting of vehicles for quite some time and this has been evident in all the competitor cars in a similar category or the low-cost sedans - Maruti, Honda, Hyundai etc. So the fact that you are not able to grade down and keep up is something we totally understand.

When I looked up another 1.2 MPI, some 6 odd showrooms of Delhi and Gurgaon mentioned that you were the only one car left in stock - a white one.

The Metropolitan service center, where I took you in for repairing your little scratches and keeping you well, has spoiled both of us over the years. Just like your goodbye letter mentions, they took care of every little scratch and I never had to take you back after any service. (psst.. the experience in one of the Kolkata service centers, I know, has been not so great, but you can trust me that I will take it up later!)

Briefly, I had considered not getting a car as you know, and had been taking taxi, metro and public transportation, but Nemo needed you more than I did!
And, Nemo would vouch for it that he owns you more than I do -
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...e-all-fun.html (Dog’s travel stories – Why should Mum have all the fun!)



There were some hard-to-miss differences between you and the previous Polo in that you felt lighter, the door thud was missing, you would not roll onto slopes as easily and I do have to mix the clutch release with accelerator and handbrake use. The suspension also feels "different."

When I got you initially, with the old one gone and the market no longer a consumer's one, it felt like I had settled with this one. But with 3 years, 40000 km despite a lockdown, a good travel time and regular morning runs with Nemo, and you gracefully putting up with the unforgiving parking lot and the shenanigans of one of the most horrid driving infrastructures ever i.e. Kolkata, I realise that I love you much more than I thought I did.

Your reliability has been phenomenal. Your engine is sporty, handling is smooth, over 3000 rpm you roar, dude! And at 110-120 kmph on the highways, I can still have a conversation with my fellow passengers.


You really know I am in love with you when I take random photos of you - in workshops and carwashes, on the highways, of the odo and gear, and I end up cleaning you when I have nothing to do on any afternoon.













You and I have also had the delight to participate in some local events. And, the Red one and you have together made me an enthusiast. And, for years you have also raised the bar for the likes of you (hatchbacks).







Being used as a stowaway for bike gears at the latest Team BHP meet


So, when I woke up to the very aptly written letter by you and shared by Volkswagen, I thought it was time to at least talk of my experience with you.

And, though your breed goes extinct, I have no intention of giving you up anytime soon.

Happy miles to go, my friend!

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

Fitting tribute to an iconic hatchback . The car might be old & feel outdated (it already has a new gen available internationally), but it's still the choice for enthusiasts. The build, safety, driving pleasure & i-n-s-a-n-e 1.0L TSI motor are just superb. The i20 & Altroz are very capable competitors, but they simply aren't as much fun-to-drive.

Sharing some pics from the 1st drive of the VW Polo in India, back in 2010:






Shrivz's Polo Cup Car:




And the media drive of its booted sibling:

[poloman]

Really getting emotional when the moment has come to bid adieu to such an iconic car. This could be the only car with such a long run with very minimal changes. The car looks the same even today as it was launched 12 years back.

The classic beauty of this car makes me look at the car everyday when I am walking away after a drive. So many cars have come and gone, still Polo rules my heart in the looks department.

On Delivery day.


After 12 years and 100,000KM.

[Ashutosh]

I had the privilege of experiencing this beloved car for a brief period. The design, suspension, ac, pick-up, compact size, entertainment and UX all combined to a memorable experience, across terrains.

Had to part ways with it due to financial crisis, which has left a deep scar in my automotive heart ever since.

No one else will come close to you dear Polo, no one.

Godspeed!

P.S. Hope they launch it in electric or hydrogen, as it is..

[androdev]

Where on earth does one learn to write like this? Such a wonderful gift. When I try to imagine the story being told about any other car, somehow, it doesn't sound right. It has to be about a Polo.

[Shreyas_H]

Great to see these pictures! Polo has been an iconic car for the Indian market.

I got my hands on one last year knowing fully well it may get discontinued soon, but honestly there's no better car IMHO at this price point. I must admit the news and this letter put up by VW on their social media handles did make me a bit emotional!

All past and present Polo owners will keep this flag flying high!



Cheers to the car that has brought joy to so many owners

[GaryTSI]

I always wanted to make a proper ownership review thread regarding my wonderful Red pocket rocket Polo TSI but due to many other commitments, I unfortunately never got around to it. I will keep this post short and maybe one day I will complete the write-up but seeing this thread made me irresistible to not share my story.

I was 10 years old when the Polo was first launched in India and around 13-14 years old when the first GT came to India, I still clearly remember the day when I first saw the Red 2013 GT TSI when my Uncle took me along to the VW showroom because he was in the market for a Jetta.
I didn't know much about cars but I knew I had to own a Polo once I grew older. I made it my sole goal to own a Polo one day and when I finally got my license and passed out of school, I started working part-time alongside college to save some money for it. Now it was also convenient timing on my family's part that they were looking for a replacement car for my mothers' old Celerio.

I put 2 and 2 together and pitched in the idea of getting a Polo. This was 2020 and VW had already announced the new 3 cylinder TSI engine with a Torque converter and they had also announced cheaper ownership costs. All of this helped my case because all the older horror stories from VW were now even less likely to occur. We also looked at some other cars but frankly, none of them pleased us the same way the Polo did.

That is how I happen to be the luckiest person on this planet who now owns this wonderful, fun, amazing little piece of kit.

Yes, it does have its fair share of flaws and there are other objectively better cars on the market right now but I simply couldn't care less about it because my Polo feels like a family member to me, this car kept me going and served as an inspiration to work and achieve something in life. I am going to say the most cliched phrase ' It is not a car, it's an emotion.'
At last, all good things come to an end but it really was an honor to witness it all in its glory.
I have attached a few pictures of my little pocket rocket and do excuse me for the slightly dusty condition of it. I was too excited that I took it out for a drive early morning before it gets cleaned.

[shancz]

Brilliant writing
Could relate to so much of it although for other VWs.
Polo was the unanimous and a no brainer choice for us but fate had other plans and now that it's gone, owning one is relegated to the long list of dreams, never to be fulfilled.

Ditto on the quiet cabin, highly underrated IMHO.

Originally Posted by DogNDamsel12

So apt is this affable goodbye letter from you that prompted me to share a few moments with my Polos with this group.

A fitting adieu to the hatchback which drove and felt like a composed sedan. Not to forget that it led from the front in safety by retailing at 4.99 lakhs ex showroom with ABS and two airbags as standard, in 2014 IIRC, shutting up all talk about "expensive" safety kit from other manufacturers, without saying a word.
Hats Off.

The line about handing over to SUVWs and sedans, means no scope of the new Polo. Hopefully the Fabia derived hatchback is still on the cards.

Originally Posted by DogNDamsel12

Attachment 2294176

This picture captures the true essense of it, IMHO.
The understated elegance, always lurking in the shadows, keeping volks safe, serene and comfortable.

Was a pleasure having the Polo around, it will be missed.

[Samba]

A tribute to the Polo straight from heart. This write up clearly shows the connect you have with the Polo. Rated 5*.

I have driven your Polo quite a few times on highways as well as inside the city. Loved it's spot on handling, the well calibrated brakes & the 1.2L MPI engine felt adequate. If worked on the right gears, this car can be driven in a spirited way. On highways it can effortlessly cruise all day at 100-110 km/hr.

Had quite a few fun drives with you. I must say, you indeed are a very confident driver.

Few pics of my rides with your Polo.

[sunikkat]

What astonishing is the thoughts that each one has penned in this thread sounds straight from the heart and has emotions. Wonder how many cars in our market really get that. And Polo achieved this with literally one model for 12 years (albeit different engines) while competition changed multiple models. Now that’s really an achievement. Atleast for the Indian market Polo is indeed a Legend.

[McLaren Rulez]

It truly was an icon of the Indian auto scene. There are a few cars that change the game and become sought after long after they're gone. Cars like the first gen Honda City, the Fiat Palio and the first gen Octy. The Polo definitely belongs in that company.

Goodbye VW Polo, and thanks for the memories!

[ABHI_1512]

This thread, I have no business being here in this thread but for one reason- the connect between the man (woman in this case) and the machine. Why am I saying this, well I may have the same connect with each of the vehicles I have driven and owned till date.

Superbly written DogNDamsel12, each word shows the love that you have for the Polo. This thread can well become a tribute thread for the Polo going forward. Being the hardcore admirer of driver’s cars, I have only good things to say about this pocket rocket. Only gripe I have with Volkswagen- they could have given this wonderful car a proper send off by coming out with a better package then just a sticker job (Legend) !!

Wishing you all the more fun and happy miles that you can conjure, after all, happiness sometimes does come with a name

[JoshMachine]

Couldn't help but notice your signature "The Physics of the Quest".
If its the Elizabeth Gilbert memoir that you are referring to, I can totally relate to your journey with the Polo as similar to a truth-seeking one - something that one embarks on to seek unknown possibilities, to seek what one wants to do in life!

The Polo has been a true flagbearer of the "hot hatch" community, a car that is so mechanically pure (with its engine, drivetrain, suspension) that it holds its own even today in a sea of other hatchbacks that clamor and jostle to be on the podium with it.

Congrats, I am sure you will want to achieve many such awards like "The Fastest Woman Driver" you have achieved. And ride safe

[prateekswarup]

Lovely write up & a fitting tribute.

My GT has clocked 60k kms & has been a revelation. I am so glad that I picked this one up against all the mind & heart conflicts.

The understated elegant design, the lovely sound insulation that keeps one cucooned & lastly the spirited drive - it is always such a smile to get behind the wheel.

There have been moments even today when I see a Polo on the road & the understated beauty evokes a smile.

I wish they had tweaked the Legend edition to give a far better farewell - would have exchanged for the same.

Farewell to a faithful companion!

Attaching an old pic of the Delhi Lucknow drive in 2019.