Team-BHP - Volkswagen Polo 1.2L GT TSI : Official Review

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedom (Post 4517499)

The only complaint I have is the brakes. VW should upgrade the brakes on this thing. The car flies but doesn't inspire a lot of confidence when stopping.

Yes, brakes are weak point of the GT TSI. With other modern cars the bite is very good even at the slightest thrust on the pedal when you are in a sudden braking condition. But for this car you really need to shove it very hard and they work OK after that to bring you to a dead halt. So when you need a sudden halt or deceleration, don't hesitate, apply full thrust and it works.

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedom (Post 4517499)

The brakes actually work well and I had ABS kick in only a couple of times in all these 40K !! But the brake feel is average.

I have upgraded to Brembo pads at 35K. Things are much better now.

You said it, I didn't. If you read my post on this thread from a few days ago, I've given the reason. The GT TSI uses brake by wire technology, because of which there is no feedback from the pedal unless you really press it hard. But the brakes have adequate stopping power for most everyday situations. It is a matter of practice, and trust. Press gently, and the braking is smooth. But the minute you panic because of the lack of feedback and press harder, the braking becomes jerky.

And of course the Brembos feel great! You spent 35k on them after all. :uncontrol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler (Post 4517627)

There is a brake hydraulic assist setting in the ECU that can be adjusted using the VCDS cable. I adjusted it to a setting called Early and it was the best mod ever. The Polo is now as eager to stop as it is to fly. Look up the VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) for VW & Skoda thread for details.

With the Early setting, your brake pads are going to end up with a much shorter life. And it's actually a pain when the assist kicks in all the time. I took my FNG's advice and set it to Late. I've more control over the braking behavior now, and things are generally a lot smoother. Try it sometime. You might be surprised.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viraat13 (Post 4517412)

If that fails, you could use Abro Stop Leak or some other brand's radiator stop leak.

Thank you for this suggestion. I'll discuss it with my FNG. I have reached a point after 5 years and 2 cars where I have a general distrust of VW A.S.S. A common sentiment among us Team BHPians.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLizardKing (Post 4517640)

And of course the Brembos feel great! You spent 35k on them after all. :uncontrol

I have only changed the pads and skimmed the OEM discs. Cost is around 12K if i remember it right.

I drive a lot on Expressway with Cruise Control. In city I drive defensively. Infact I follow DWB (Drive without brakes) as far as possible.

I don't do kickdown, instead I use S mode on 2 lane State highways for overtaking or going up and down the ghat roads.

In slow moving city traffic S mode actually works better than D with not a lot of FE penalty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLizardKing (Post 4517640)

I have reached a point after 5 years and 2 cars where I have a general distrust of VW A.S.S.

If you are okay to drive down to Pune give BU Bhandari a try. You will be surprised.

I have a 2016 GT-TSI and is a gem to drive around. Absolutely no issues at all.
Have a few queries, I would be grateful if you can share some feedback.

1. The steering is stiff after a service. I maintain the exact pressure as mentioned by VW in the tyres. No other sounds emanating from the steering rack.
2. I have an RCD330G, but want to upgrade to RCD340 or RCD330G Plus with Android Auto and Carplay. Anyone knows how much will VW charge for that? VAG-TUNES Kochi quoted 24K (1K + 1K for carplay and androidauto) else 22K

Here is an update for my 47k kms run GT Tsi. It is from the first lot launched in India.

Since last few days the car would not slot in the reverse gear after driving. I had to try a few times between R and N. Also there was " Krrr" sound coming from the gearbox when in reverse. I have sent the car to workshop and they say that the clutch needs to be replaced. If mechatronic needs replacement then it would be done under goodwill. But for the clutch I have to pay 62000+ labour.

Hi, I Picked up a GT tsi in candy white last Sunday.

Would like to thank everyone here who helped in making the purchase decision.

From the experience of driving it for a week, I am but more than happy!! Let me try to explain my joy,

I was driving a 99zen(no power steering) consistently before this and the change almost makes me feel like I am now traveling business class on a premium airline while on road.

Had a few questions,

1. Anyone with the white gt tsi, have you guys done any kind of PPF or other works from 3m with regards to maintaining the shine on the car and providing a protective layer? Is it really important or is the paint work done by VW satisfactory?

My aim from such a work is to keep the car shiny, and as I am in ludhiana and the air is quite dirty, it takes one day to form like a thin layer of dirt. Kindly guide in what I can do regarding same other than washing the car everyday!

2. Does changing the Headlights/taillights void the warranty in anyway?

3. I noticed when you open the boot, the spoiler rests on the antenna given at the back, so much as that the antenna even bends slightly. Isn't that a bit weird?

4. When will I get the extended warranty? The SA said it would take two weeks and I'll get it by mail. I am curios as earlier he had included the price of of 4 years and on bargaining we told him to make it 5 years at the same price and he agreed. Just want to follow up and make sure that was done. If it's not done can I go back and question the SA or will that be too late?

5. I use cruise control very frequently(keeping in mind run in etc) and usually leave it at cruising from 37kmph-59kmph depending on the journey. Are there any downsides or side effects on using cruise control too often?

Thanks for your inputs in advance.

First of all hearty congratulations on the new car. Welcome to the hothatch club.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phro (Post 4519026)

1. Anyone with the white gt tsi, have you guys done any kind of PPF or other works from 3m with regards to maintaining the shine on the car and providing a protective layer? Is it really important or is the paint work done by VW satisfactory?
My aim from such a work is to keep the car shiny, and as I am in ludhiana and the air is quite dirty, it takes one day to form like a thin layer of dirt. Kindly guide in what I can do regarding same other than washing the car everyday!

I would say go for it. I got the paint sealant advanced protection for my candy white GT. I must say, I'm very pleased with it. I have stopped washing the car every other day like I used to. Now I just use a Jopasu duster daily (you should get one - there is a thread on TBHP dedicated to that) and wash the car on weekends with 2-3 buckets of water. And the car still shines like new.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phro (Post 4519026)

2. Does changing the Headlights/taillights void the warranty in anyway?

IMHO if you just get the plug n play light bulbs, it shouldn't void the warranty. Check out the Osram Night Breaker Laser and Philips Xtreme Vision.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phro (Post 4519026)

Hi.
Picked up a GT tsi in candy white last Sunday.
Would like to thank everyone here who helped in making the purchase decision.
From the experience of driving it for a week, I am but more than happy!! Let me try to explain my joy
I was driving a 99zen(no power steering) consistently before this and the change almost makes me feel like I am now traveling business class on a premium airline while on road.
Had a few questions,
1. Anyone with the white gt tsi, have you guys done any kind of PPF or other works from 3m with regards to maintaining the shine on the car and providing a protective layer? Is it really important or is the paint work done by VW satisfactory?

Congrats on your new buy, you will surely enjoy it. Let me try to address these by points

1. You can get ppf done for areas prone to scratches - bumpers, skirts, door handles. i have personally gone for a ceramic coating on the whole car. Costed me a bomb. Dont know if you want to put that much money - i got it done for about 50k.

2. not sure, i hope other members can help.

3. yes that is odd. I dont have this problem. Probably because of the way it has been fitted by the dealer. It is a retro fit by dealerships, so they have the tendancy to do a shoddy job.

4. It should come in 2 weeks. But i suggest following up with your SA when nearing the 2 week mark.

5. no problems as such. Just be vary of road conditions for safety. Cruise control does get activated at the touch of a button when in ON position.

Quote:

Originally Posted by avanishphatak (Post 4520771)

Will this impact the safety aspect of the car? like the crash zone?

This is merely a lifting strut that we are adding to the hood. Since we are not making any modifications to the core structure, crumple zones won't be affected.

As a matter of fact, gas struts come fitted as standard in many premium cars, so no need to worry in regards to safety.