So, took deliver of my flash red TSI on New Year’s Eve
Drove about 50 kms so far. Here is my initial impression about the car. Coming from a manual tranny Rapid, I am in love with the torque converter, especially in sports mode. The car gets to silly speeds before I know it. I haven’t driven a DSG enough to make a comparison, hence will leave it to the experts to comment on the DSG v/s TC. Build quality inside out is comparable to the Rapid and remains very good. This is a extremely engaging car to drive and I am loving every bit of that experience. Not an ounce of regret here. What it lacks in bells and whistles, it more than makes up for it as soon as you get behind that rather nice steering wheel. Coming from a top spec Rapid, I do have a few bones to pick with VW though. Keep in mind that I picked this car up knowing fully well about what I am getting for my money. Just quoting the below points for folks who may want to consider as well.
1. No reverse camera. The Rapid has an excellent reverse cam with the RCD 330 G HU. Not providing one on the Polo’s 340 G has left a very bad taste in my mouth. I almost feel handicapped without the camera and need to do some un-learning. The camera offered by the dealership is below par for the price quoted. Suggestions welcome.
2. That single horn is just horrible. For the life of me, I cannot imagine why they would provide just one trumpet horn. Apparently couplers to attach another horn are not yet available with the dealers. Hoping to solve for this sooner than later. If it takes too long, I may just go install hella trumpets and fling my warranty out of the window along with that damned excuse for a horn
3. For a million and some rupee car, there is no underbody protection. Paid extra and had that resolved. Thanks to one of the posts on this very thread. Very helpful input.
4. No projectors and DRL’s. Who does that with headlights in today’s world.
5. No back-pockets on the front seats. Total bummer but I guess scooping out the back and eliminating the pockets was another way to create some room for rear passengers. My little dog won’t be needing that leg room anyways but still, I am certain this will be a criteria for quite a few prospective buyers out there.
6. No height adjustability for front seat belts. I got too used to that on the Rapid.
What I love- besides the driving, which, like I said before, is awesome as far as I am concerned.
1. The auto box is perfect - for me. No complaints
2. The plain Jane interior may put quite a few people off, but for me-it works. The layout is the same as in the rapid and is screwed together really well. Love the all-black interior as compared to the black beige on my Rapid.
3. Paint quality is top notch. Washed and waxed the car today. An hours worth of elbow grease, totally worth it. Love love love
4. Boot space- I’ve owned a swift in the past. The polo beats it hands down. I guess they ate up into the rear leg room to get this space, but then again, who buys a polo for rear leg room
5. Alloy wheels- They look stonking
6. Steering- Always wanted a flat bottom steering, missed that bus on my Rapid. Itch has been taken care of.
7. Apple car-play- Finally the RCD 340. Been meaning to upgrade the HU on my Rapid. One more box checked.
8. Tinted windows straight from the factory is great.
Things I’ve done so far on my ride:
1. Gt badging. The real-ish Gt does not make any sense to me and I am certain that the HL will soon be replacing the current line up of Gt’s
2. Gt spoiler
3. Blackened mirror caps
4. Continental UC 6 tyres
5. Window curtains. Bought for all 4, installed on the rear ones only. Got too used that on my Rapid. Bought em off Amazon and they don’t hold a candle to the quality of the screens provided by skoda
Things I will consider doing in the near future:
1. Get rid of the speed chimes at 80 and 120+
2. Gt Tsi badging for c pillars
3. Frameless wipers for aesthetics
4. Maybe a round of detailing. Maybe. I say maybe because I am beginning to think that a round of wax every couple of months by myself will more than suffice, considering the awesome paint quality
5. The whole gamut of VCDS features will be enabled
6. Last but not the least, continue to pay that EMI with a smile plastered on my face
7. Forgot to mention, blackened roof? Too common, too passé me thinks. Let’s see.
Before I forget, special mention to Mr. Y Narasimhan and his sales manager Antony and team at Apple auto. They did a wonderful job. I am a happy camper. As circumstances would have it, for this purchase, I did not haggle, considering how lucky I got with being able to book the car itself, that too in red. These guys did an awesome job and I would be happy to point any prospects in their direction.
That’s all for now. Not putting up pics since red polo’s are not a rare sight.
Happy motoring folks!