IIMS 2015: Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI facelift launched – Indian-built with 7-speed DSG, from RM78k

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI Facelift 4

Launched at the recent 2015 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) was the facelifted Volkswagen Polo – yes, I know we’ve already received it earlier this year, but there’s a twist to this one.

Peer underneath the identical skin and you’ll realise that this car’s actually built in India. It’s intriguing considering that Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) was expected to export the Polo built at DRB-Hicom’s plant in Pekan to Indonesia anytime now – we suppose our cars will join the Indian-built cars in the market, for reasons that we’ll get to later.

This Pune-built, Indonesian-market Polo is slightly different from ours, as it comes with the dual-reflector headlights previously seen on our pre-facelift CBU 1.2 TSI, along with natty 16-inch “Navarre” ten-spoke alloy wheels on this Highline variant (as opposed to the 15-inch “Riverside” rollers on the Malaysian-spec car). There’s also a neat black rear spoiler, as well as indicators set inside the black side mirror housings.

Elsewhere it’s the same as our car – revised B7 Passat-like bumpers and revised tail light graphics round off the modest exterior changes. It’s the same story inside as well, with revisions limited to a Mk7 Golf-derived flat-bottomed steering wheel as well as new seat patterns; Indonesia doesn’t even get our new silver centre console fascia finish.

But the main difference between their spec and ours is under the bonnet – instead of a 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated MPI engine and six-speed automatic gearbox, there’s the 1.2 litre turbocharged TSI mill hooked up to a seven speed DSG dry dual-clutch transmission. You’d be familiar with the setup, as it was fitted to our CBU cars before they were discontinued sometime last year.

Power is the same at 105 PS, but torque is boosted from 153 Nm to 172 Nm, and it’s made at a lower, broader rev range too – 1,550-4,100 rpm versus 3,800 rpm on the 1.6. As such, the Malaysian-built 1.6 litre car will probably serve Indonesian buyers at a lower price point.

Kit on the Highline includes fog lights, electric folding wing mirrors, an RCD 320 head unit with an SD card slot, USB and Bluetooth, a leather multifunction steering wheel, climate control, dual airbags and ABS; the base Comfortline omits the first two. Much like our cars, except the Indian-built cars are fitted with stability control.

One more important bit about this Indonesian-market Polo – over there, it’s priced from 259 million rupiah (RM77,900). That’s comparable to the range-topping Honda Jazz RS CVT, and undercuts the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost with the six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission by 10 million rupiah (RM3,000) for what is considered a Euro hatch with an advanced drivetrain.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • seancorr (Member) on Aug 25, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    Now this price should have been for the Bolehland market..and it comes with a better engine but the gearbox not so!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 11
    • Even at their prices, once they know DSG cant handle hot weathers like in India, they will spit on it and buy an Ambassador.
      I rather take our prices and 6speed GB anytime.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
      • Don’t BS la. Whether dry or wet, the clutches need replacement after certain mileage one. This is common among dual-clutch gearbox even on the GTR or Lambo is no exception.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
        • camtakpro on Aug 26, 2015 at 5:28 pm

          Tell that to the whole world, DSG problems solved, right?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
          • Malek on Aug 27, 2015 at 12:16 am

            Eh how la u guys? Is really got problem or is need clutch maintenance?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Deez Nut on Aug 25, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    Awww… DSG…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
    • Areyousure on Aug 26, 2015 at 11:40 am

      Indonesia car market is few times bigger than Malaysia. I don’t believe VW has plan for a suicide with vulnerable tech.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
      • camtakpro on Aug 26, 2015 at 5:33 pm

        Their plan is to dump all remaining DSG to potential buyers.

        What is even better than suicide, are all those DSG buyers have no choice but to buy the clutch pack at ‘discounted’ price every year.

        Good news to local Polo DSG owner, your DSG have potential half-cut value in Indon.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
  • taboogen on Aug 25, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    ehh preve rims lah

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • OMG DSG7 again !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
  • Deez Nut on Aug 25, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    Aww… DSG…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Same L0rrrr on Aug 25, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Good luck to your DSG! Consider sushi car better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 6
  • Sam Loo (ori1) on Aug 25, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Consider a used Elantra instead

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • I don’t see any diff. But I can see a lowsy gearbox on the making

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
  • oec88 on Aug 25, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    7-speed DSG gearbox, again?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • DonkeyKong on Aug 25, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    They were using MPI engines with Aisin 6-speed gearboxes for developing markets like India, Russia, etc. for a long time due to the robustness of this setup.

    But now, they are courageous enough to have DSG gearboxes in India-built VWs? Hmmm.. has the DSG 7 been fixed for good, or what?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • karipap basah on Aug 25, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    Last time DSG got huge problem. Nationwide…

    Most ppl oredi phobia with this DSG….

    Even 2nd hand car dealers oso dont dare to take in cars with DSG…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 6
  • Allroadquattro on Aug 25, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    this Polo is for Indonesian market?
    good luck to you Indonesians! (evil laugh)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • domainicus on Aug 25, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    I don’t care DSG or no DSG. Because of our car policy, my wife and child life are in danger because our cheap car doesn’t have stability control.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • Needing to clear out those DSG boxes?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Andrekua on Aug 26, 2015 at 8:38 am

    For this pricing, I wouldnt even mind the choice of GB. Dreaming so early…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

Add a comment

required

required