There used to be a time when the hatchback was viewed as a cheap and practical option for most Indians. Whether it be fuel efficiency you’re finicky about or the ability to find a parking spot with ease, the humble hatchback came forward and unobtrusively stood up to the challenge. With pockets getting deeper and manufacturers setting up local manufacturing units, hatchbacks have taken on a more flamboyant air. They’re still city-friendly, capable of making it through traffic without much hassle, and able to fit the average family. But it achieves looking a lot better and performing unlike before as well.
The competition in the hatchback segment is fierce, understandably. The most recent rivalry is that between the new Fiat Punto Evo and the Volkswagen Polo. Each of these are worthy competitors and how things turn out in the market is interesting to watch. The Fiat Punto Evo is easily the smartest car in its class, but others have woken up to the reality that this doesn’t mean it is a car to be trifled with. Here’s how the the new Fiat Punto Evo performs when pitted against the seasoned Volkswagen Polo.
EXTERIOR
Both the cars have evolved a lot when it comes to their exterior designing. It seems like these manufacturers have worked a lot on ensuring that the appeal begins with a first look at the car. The Fiat Punto Evo may be diminutive but it is a very good-looking compact car. The high tensile steel body assures high end safety for the vehicle. The Volkswagen Polo is beautifully designed with a sophisticated and stylish front grille, artistic dual beam headlights covered with posh black layer, distinctive design of its company logo on the trunk, 15 inch alloy wheels and inventively styled tail lights. The Punto Evo comes off looking like the better car overall.
Fiat Punto Evo : 4.5
Volkswagen Polo: 4
INTERIORS
Both the cars share many similar features inside the cabin. This includes a 2-DIN music system, climate control and also audio and multimedia controls which have been mounted on the steering wheel in both cars. However, the Fiat Punto Evo goes a step further, adding certain crucial features such as Rear AC Vents, SMS read out and ambient lighting. The other big advantage which the Punto Evo has over Volkswagen Polo is in terms of interior space. The rear seat in Volkswagen Polo lacks sufficient leg room and the seat does not have flip fold facility as on the Fiat Punto Evo. The luggage space on both cars is almost the same.
Fiat Punto Evo :4
Volkswagen Polo: 4
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE
The most noticeable change in the new Volkswagen Polo is the upgraded engine. It now comes with a 1.5 liter diesel mill, which delivers 90PS and a peak torque of 230Nm. The new Fiat Punto Evo puts out 93PS of power and 209 Nm of torque. These cars are pretty much on even keel on the power front. The Punto Evo has an edge given its higher ground clearance at 185mm, while it is only 165mm on the Polo. It also has bigger 16 inch wheels, hydraulic power steering, and a much better driving field. Despite this, when it comes to real-world handling, there is no beating the Polo. It may be underpowered on paper, but the smooth power delivery and easy to handle gearbox render it a joy to drive.
Fiat Punto Evo : 3.5
Volkswagen Polo: 4.5
FUEL EFFICIENCY AND VALUE FOR MONEY
Talking in terms of the fuel efficiency the Fiat Punto Evo again stands slightly ahead of the Volkswagen Polo as it gives a mileage of 20.5kmpl, as opposed to the 20.1kmpl in Volkswagen Polo. When it comes to the value for money proposition, it isn’t so simple which car comes off the better. The fully loaded and spacious Fiat Punto Evo with the 90HP engine is priced at Rs. 7.20lakhs. The stylish and suave Volkswagen Polo is priced at Rs. 7.37 lakhs. The price difference is minimal and isn’t a sufficient parameter to tell which car offers the better overall package.
Fiat Punto Evo : 4
Volkswagen Polo: 4
VERDICT
It’s going to be a tough call between the two as they both are distinctively designed, have unbeatable and world class features in terms of quality. But the Punto Evo not just offers a value for money, but it’s also much more spacious and offers features too. Simultaneously it’s also evident that the Polo has a considerable edge over the Punto Evo in terms of engine power and looks.
As with most other decisions, this one comes down to preference. The Punto Evo has the creature comforts but not so much the performance. It does seem to offer slightly better interiors. However, for those who want a car that is a looker and the ability to experience the famed goodness of German engineering, the Volkswagen Polo is the way to go.