Face-off: Volkswagen Polo versus Maruti Swift

Volkswagen Polo and Maruti Swift are both hatchbacks with a starting price below Rs. 5 lakhs. Cars in this segment are meant to go beyond the entry level segment cars in terms of features, exteriors and the interiors to give a better driving experience to consumers. Mileage and maintenance costs also remain the primary concerns for consumers in the target segment for these cars. Maruti Swift has been popular among Indian consumers since its launch in 2005. Volkswagen Polo in its different variants is competing against one of Maruti Suzuki's top sellers, the Maruti Swift, the leader in the segment.

Volkswagen Polo versus Maruti Swift

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo is available in the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline petrol and diesel variants with the petrol Trendline being the lowest priced. Launched in 2010, the Volkswagen Polo is popular for its trendy look and the features that are standard in even the base model which has a five speed manual transmission system. Higher maintenance costs plague its prospects in emerging as a top competitor to Maruti Swift.

Maruti Swift

Maruti Swift's popularity ever since its launch comes from the emphasis on providing good fuel economy akin to the entry level models of Maruti Suzuki while improving upon the driving experience as a whole through more power, better pickup, improved features and nicely done up exterior.

Comparison attributes

1. Comparison attribute: Engine

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo Trendline petrol variant has a 1.2 liter 3 cylinder engine with an MPFI fuel supply system and a five speed manual transmission.

Maruti Swift

The petrol variant of Maruti Swift has an in-line 1.2 liter 4 cylinder K series engine with MPFI fuel supply system and DOHC valve configuration.

Winner: Maruti Swift

2. Comparison attribute: Power & torque

Volkswagen Polo

The 3 cylinder engine generates 75 PS power @ 5400 rpm and 110 Nm torque @ 3750 rpm.

Maruti Swift

The petrol engine of a Maruti Swift generates 87 PS power @ 6000 rpm and 114 Nm torque @ 4000 rpm.

Winner: Maruti Swift

3. Comparison attribute: Top speed & 0 - 100mph sprint

Volkswagen Polo

It takes you 14.2 seconds to ramp up your speed from zero to 100 in a Volkswagen Polo petrol variant. The speed for this model can go as high as 162.9 kmph.

Maruti Swift

If clocking a speed of 100 kmph in 12.6 seconds is not enough, the top speed you can attain in a Maruti Swift is 160 kmph.

Winner: Maruti Swift

4.Comparison attribute: Features

Volkswagen Polo

The BS IV compliant Volkswagen Polo has a power steering and power windows at the front along with power door locks and an AC in the base model. The instrument cluster in this car has a tachometer, odometer, speedometer and trip odometer. ORVMs on the driver and passenger side are manually adjustable from inside. The seats at the front as well as the rear have height adjustable headrests. An anti-theft immobilizer has also been provided. Three point automatic safety belts are present for the rear as well as the front seats. Halogen headlamps are present at the front. Trunk light, vanity mirror, rear reading lamp and seat lumbar support are other add-ons.

Maruti Swift

An AC and heater have been provided for in the base variant. The electrical power steering has a tiltable steering wheel column. Engine immobilizer is meant to work as an anti-theft measure. Door closure and low fuel warning lamps, rear door child lock along with light off and key off reminders in the form of buzzers are standard along with a multi-information display. The back of the rear seat is foldable.

Winner: Volkswagen Polo

5. Comparison attribute: Fuel economy

Volkswagen Polo

The average fuel efficiency is a bit low at 10 kmpl.

Maruti Swift

The overall mileage value is respectable at 14.4 kmpl.

Winner: Maruti Swift

6. Comparison attribute: Price

Volkswagen Polo

The 1.2 L Trendline petrol Volkswagen Polo is priced at Rs. 4,71,540.

Maruti Swift

The petrol variant of Maruti Swift comes at Rs. 4,55,903.

Winner: Maruti Swift

Verdict

Maruti Swift emerges a winner without an iota of doubt. The DOHC valvetrain of its 4 cylinder engine makes it more fuel efficient as compared to the Volkswagen Polo. In addition, it generates more power and torque to give better pickup and a good overall driving experience. Volkswagen Polo fares somewhat better than Maruti Swift in terms of features but fuel efficiency is a major consideration in this segment where Volkwagen Petrol Trendline lags behind. The lower price and lower maintenance costs of a Maruti Swift present it as a better option over Volkswagen Polo which carriers higher maintenance costs.