European spec VW Polo TSI Bluemotion spied testing in India

19/06/2017 - 13:55 VW Polo, Volkswagen, Spy pictures Aravind Jayachandran

Likely packing a 1.0 TSI motor with 70 kW and 160 Nm.

A Team-BHP reader has snapped the European-spec VW Polo Bluemotion RHD in India. While reported that it carries a 1.4L TSI motor, the interior shot reveals a 5-speed manual gearbox, unavailable for any Polo equipped with the 1.4 TSI motor.

VW Polo TSI Bluemotion rear spied testing in India — The Indian Polo comes with Bluemotion features like gearshift indicator and optimized gear ratios. Low rolling resistance tires & low ground clearance (observed in this car) were excluded for cost and practicality.

It's likely that the motor under the hood is a 1.0 TSI offered in the Bluemotion RHD variant in the U.K and South Africa. It produces 70 kW and 160 Nm sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Similar to Maruti's SHVS and Mahindra's Intelli-Hybrid, VW's Bluemotion includes auto start stop, gear change indicator, and battery regeneration through brake energy recuperation to improve fuel efficiency. Adding such hardware will have a significant impact on the price of the car if VW intends to market it in the country.

The model spied has an interesting mix of features, although it still is a test mule. It has LED headlamps and taillamps but lacks fog lamps and parking sensors. Inside, a basic steering wheel with no buttons sits in the company of fabric upholstery, but an 8-inch Composition Media touchscreen system and automatic climate control enrich the dashboard.

VW Polo TSI Bluemotion front spied testing in India — The Polo TSI test car is fitted with LED headlights, headlamp washers and Pillar-mounted speakers, signifying that it is an import.

Also Read: VW T-ROC & VW T-Cross rendered by French media

Given that the all-new VW Polo Mk6 is not in the Indian business plan, VW India will regularly update the current version with new variants, features and editions to keep it relevant in the highly competitive segment.