Fuel Efficiency
The Indian market is driven by fuel efficiency considerations and the prime motive behind a diesel hatch is lower running costs. No prizes for guessing that the German car beats everyone else here too. The 1.2-litre TDI engine in the Polo runs with an overall efficiency of 19.75 km per litre as against the Micra’s, which gives 17.5 kpl overall, and the Figo’s that manages 17.25 kpl.
Features and Safety
Though features and gimmickry stuff have rarely been a priority for judging cars at CAR India, we have a special mention for these here since the features offered in the Micra definitely deserve a pat on the back. Proximity sensor for locking and unlocking the car without the key, keyless ignition and automatically folding rear-view mirrors are unique in the class. It also boasts of automatic air-conditioning, again a unique feature in its segment.
The Figo offers Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones and that would be the whole list of features for this Ford. The Polo doesn’t offer any such frills; Volkswagen seem to believe in attracting consumers with true engineering than a list of features that would hardly matter in the working of a car.
Talking of safety, the Polo offers two airbags and ABS while the Micra offers just the driver’s airbag. The Figo offers neither airbags nor ABS.
Value for money
By now, we are quite clear as to where the three cars stand. The Polo is undoubtedly the hero here. Apart from the lack of adequate room at the rear, there is hardly anything that would fail to impress the consumer. It leads in performance, efficiency, safety, build quality, handling and the list can go on. The Figo, on the other hand, fights to make a mark for itself. There aren’t great grievances about the Figo, but then there is nothing that impresses us either. The Micra has a good engine with linear power delivery and a peppy feel in city driving. However, the drive quality of the Micra disappoints us. Also, the Micra’s diesel variant lacks features such as dual airbags and ABS that are offered in its petrol sibling.
With all this in mind, let us look at the price tags: the Polo Highline at Rs 7.64 lakh, Micra XV Premium at Rs 6.92 lakh and Figo Diesel Titanium at Rs 6.04 lakh (OTR, Pune). Obviously, the Polo is the most expensive one, but comes loaded with unmatched engineering. The Micra struggles to prove a point at a slightly lower tag. The Figo is cheaper and offers much less too. Thus, in a nutshell, we would say that the Polo is definitely worth the extra money that it demands. The Figo offers nothing great, but comes with a comparatively inexpensive tag. The Micra? Expensive, but not impressive.
Gasha’s Perspective
Keeping in mind the shrinking parking space, dwindling roads and multiplying number of cars, a small hatch is the best investment for a city dweller. The bonus comes when that little hatch brings along oodles of cabin space and fancy features too. In this shootout too, things were going pretty smooth until the spacious cabin bit, but the bone of contention arose with the words ‘fancy features’. The Micra proves its freshness with features such as proximity lock/unlock and start/stop button, an eye-popping offer in this segment. The Figo and the Polo stand humble in this regard. The Figo feels like a moderate mix of everything, nothing surprisingly special and nothing to make your heart sink either. The Polo stands strong for those looking for a solid build, rich interior and contemporary styling, but its poor legroom spoils the show. Keeping myself in the shoes of a female buyer, I would buy the Micra if I belonged to the 20-30 age-group and paid maximum importance to looks, freshness and features. If I am driven more by budget and want a decent package in the segment, the Figo will be my obvious pick. And last but certainly not the last, if my budget is a secondary concern and quality, driveability and safety take precedence over other considerations, the VW marque will be the one to adorn my porch.
CAPTIONS:
1. The rear spoiler comes as an addition on the Micra in its diesel variant
2. Proximity sensor to unlock/lock the car without the key is a fantastic feature
3.Chrome door handles are a complete bling, but do not go with the overall interior of the Micra
1. The Micra boasts of luxurious space in the cabin. However, the round shape on the dials and audio system gets a little too much
2. The Start/Stop button for ignition is a good feature. However, the button hides behind the steering wheel. First-timers find it difficult to locate the button
3. The top-of-the-line diesel variant comes with alloy wheels
4. The engine in the Figo lacks outright acceleration as well as in-gear roll-on
5. The Micra’s instrumentation console is simple and easily readable
6. The simple yet informative console of the Polo gives a lot of information from instantaeous fuel efficiency to total economy and trip meter readings
7. The Polo boasts of the best mill of the lot. Powerful and efficient, it’s got the best of both the worlds
8.The Micra’s engine feels peppy. With linear power delivery and no lag, the Micra has good driveability within city traffic
BLURB
The Micra, newest of the lot, tries to be extremely different. It’s rounds and curves have given it a feminine feel
