Introduction

I could think of 15 reasons why the new Ford Figo AT, or automatic, should NOT be compared with the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. Okay, 15 might be a bit of an exaggeration because three is all I could come up with.

First, the price: the GT at Rs 8.6 lakh is a little over Rs 1.5 lakh more expensive than the Figo (Rs 6.9 lakh). Which means you could buy the Figo and still have money left over to get yourself a used Nano Twist…you know, just to run errands.

Second, while the Volkswagen makes no bones about the Polo GT TSI being an upmarket hatch designed mainly for driving enthusiasts, the Figo automatic is more mainstream and is there to fight the likes of the Hyundai Grand i10 AT and pricey Nissan Micra CVT for the crown of the Most Convenient City Car (if ever there were a title like it).

Finally, the GT TSI runs nice-looking 15-inch wheels shod with meaty tyres while the Figo has puny 14-inch rims, which don’t even look very good. Yes, I couldn’t come up with anything more insignificant here. But the point is: The two cars are completely incomparable in this aspect.

Having said that, I have also found three compelling reasons on why the Ford Figo automatic MUST be compared to the Polo GT TSI.

One: These offer similar practicality – similar size, hatchback body style and equally big and usable boots.

Two, these are both over 100bhp and petrol powered.

And three, forget the fact that one is naturally aspirated and the other uses a turbocharged motor, the bottom line is, these are both fun to drive…or at least ought to be, why else should one pay so much for the GT and in the Figo’s case, settle for lesser fuel economy courtesy its larger capacity petrol engine.

Now this isn’t your typical CarWale, all-out road test, so we won’t be handing out a winner’s trophy at the end here. Instead, we will try and explore and find out if the Polo GT TSI’s higher pricing is actually justified or is it just better to settle for the Figo, even if you have the extra cash.

First, the engines

This is what sets the tone. What we have here are two very different approaches to over 100bhp of power. Both cars use four-cylinder engines. But, the Ford Figo has a bigger, naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine with conventional fuelling. It makes more power as well. The Polo on the other hand, uses a smaller 1.2-litre number. But, it uses direct injection and turbocharging to extract a little over 100bhp. And because the Volkswagen engine is smaller when driven peacefully, it also returns better fuel economy.

On the road, the Figo and the Polo both take around 11 seconds to 100kmph, but the Polo feels better getting there. It has the more modern engine and it feels it. It is smoother, better sounding and happier revving. The Figo on its own isn’t bad by any stretch but drive it back-to-back with the Volkswagen, and you understand why the Polo GT TSI costs more. More so, when you consider the gearboxes.

We have dual clutch automatics on both, but while the Ford’s is a six-speed unit, the Polo’s is a seven-speed ‘box. And the latter is better calibrated, more intuitive and much nicer to use than the Ford’s. The shifts are quicker, the ratios are exploitable on throttle alone and it gets a proper, stick-shift tiptronic instead of the stick-mounted tiny toggle found on the Figo.

Now, the usability

Five passengers is a squeeze in most hatchbacks. It’s the same with the Polo and the Figo. But, it is the latter that’s more spacious – head, shoulder, knee room, et al. The seats on the Figo aren’t bad either and the car feels airy when seated. Its cabin is friendlier for passengers too. Lots of stowage space, cup and bottle holders, and acceptable convenience and comfort related equipment for its price. The Ford Figo is a car you can spend long hours in without hassle.

The Polo isn’t as great. Sure, it is quieter but otherwise the Ford has an edge. But throw in quality, fit and finish and the overall look and feel into the mix, and the Polo nudges ahead. Be it the cheaper looking plastics, especially around the gear shifter, the glovebox and the steering; or the flimsier sun visors; or even the boring looking clocks, the Figo feels a segment lower compared to the Polo. The Polo’s insides, meanwhile, feel like they have been carved out of one solid, rich block of plastic. Is the Rs 1.5 lakh premium justified then? Not completely, but it comes close. Not to forget, there’s also the relatively poor Volkswagen service to be content with after buying a Polo GT TSI.

Finally, the fun

We look at many things like usability, practicality, value for money and of course, fuel efficiency when buying a new car. But, when it comes to these two hatchbacks, it’s best to stick with the fun-to-drive factor. After all, we are talking about dual clutch equipped, 100 plus bhp, petrol-powered hatchbacks, and one with a sporty badging as well.

The Figo feels like a taller car compared to the older version. It is also softer and designed more for a comfortable ride. So, the first time you chuck it into a corner, it doesn’t feel sharp; in fact, it feels a little loose, a little roly-poly. But that’s only true for the first couple of corners because by then you know that even though the Ford doesn’t corner flat, it can still corner well. It runs smaller, narrower tyres compared to the Volkswagen, but even so, the grip levels aren’t bad. But, it’s the braking on the Figo that impresses most. The bite is fierce, the progression is linear, and the feel at the pedal is terrific.

However, it is the Polo GT TSI that’s more fun to drive. And that’s down to two things – the steering and the gearbox. As we have mentioned before, the performance of the two cars is pretty similar, but the DSG on the Polo is miles ahead in its performance. You never need to work it; it literally reads your mind and does it for you, be it full auto mode or in manual override. The Polo also has the quicker, more feedback-rich steering. It’s better weighted too. So, when you throw the Polo into a corner, it not only turns in quicker and displays higher levels of adjustability, grip and predictability; it also connects better with you and makes you feel more indomitable. And because of that you just end up enjoying it more than the Figo.

The justification

Does the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI justify its higher price tag compared to the Ford Figo then? It sure does. Take performance, take quality or even the fun to drive factor, the Polo does a better job. But, again, like we said earlier, the Figo isn’t bad, it’s just that with the Polo in the picture, it does feel lacking.

Photos: Kapil Angane