The Volkswagen Polo now gets an automatic transmission option for the mid-spec Comfortline variant, which is priced at Rs 8.51 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The 6-speed automatic gearbox was earlier reserved for just the upper trims, including the Highline Plus and the GT TSI.
- Comfortline now available with MPI MT, TSI MT and TSI AT powertrains
- Except the base Trendline, all variants now get a TSI AT option
Volkswagen Polo Comfortline TSI AT: engine and gearbox
When the Polo was updated to BS6 norms last year, the entry-level Trendline, as well as the Comfortline trim, was available with only the 76hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder MPI engine. The 110hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI mill was reserved for the Highline Plus and GT TSI variants.
In February this year, Volkswagen launched the Polo TSI Turbo Edition. Based on the Comfortline trim, it introduced the TSI powertrain, with a manual gearbox, to the mid-spec Polo. This was later replaced by a standard Comfortline TSI MT version. Volkswagen has now added an automatic option to this variant.
Volkswagen Polo Comfortline TSI AT: features
The Polo Comfortline comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, front and rear fog lamps, a cooled glovebox, 2-DIN audio system, height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic steering, remote locking, and a rear defogger and wiper. VW is also exclusively offering automatic climate control and a Blaupunkt music system as standard, with the TSI AT version of the trim.
In terms of safety, the variant comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, high-speed alert and a seatbelt reminder.
Volkswagen Polo Comfortline TSI AT: rivals
With the launch of the new variant, prospective customers of the Polo now have access to an automatic transmission at a much lower price point, with the Highline Plus AT being priced almost a lakh more, at Rs 9.60 lakh.
In terms of rivals, the Tata Altroz iTurbo (Rs 7.94-9.06 lakh*) and the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Turbo (Rs 7.83-7.88 lakh*) miss out on an automatic transmission.
The Hyundai i20 Turbo (Rs 8.81-11.34 lakh*) does come with a DCT option, but the prices for the automatic variants start at a steep Rs 10.68 lakh.
Though the VW Polo TSI AT manages to trump competition on price, it can’t hide its vintage on the equipment front. As such, the German major is evaluating the next-gen Polo for an India launch in the coming years.
*Prices, ex-showroom, Delhi
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
