Interview: Arvind Saxena talks about the new Polo GT TSI

What is your marketing strategy for the Polo 1.2 TSI?

I think what we are really trying to project this as a product which offers maximum power and minimum consumption. That is the plank on which the Polo 1.2 TSI will be launched. Other than the power we are also demonstrating the convenience and the best in segment fuel economy. These are the three pillars on which we would market this car.

How do you intend to spread awareness about the 'Maximum Power Minimum Consumption' feature of the Polo 1.2 TSI at the dealership level so that more sales are achieved?

Mileage is not something that one can demonstrate. One has to usually go buy what the figures suggest. But power can be demonstrated by allowing the customer to take a test drive. The cars are available at our dealerships and I believe people will go for a test drive and believe after experiencing the power of the engine and the convenience of the DSG transmission.

Sales of the Polo 1.6 did not take off and the car has been pulled out from VW's product portfolio. How long can we expect the Polo 1.2 TSI to be included in the product portfolio?

We have not fixed any shelf life as such for the Polo 1.2 TSI as of now. So it is difficult for me to say anything. We continue to sell as long as there is customer demand and we have not fixed any timeline for it as such. There are no deadlines and this car is not a limited edition by the way. It is a car among our regular product portfolio.

How lucrative do you find the hot hatch market in India?

Most of the cars launched in the Indian market till now offered only the power. While the fuel consumption was very high because of the way the engines were mapped. This car offers a very different combination as one gets power, DSG gearbox and good fuel efficiency too. I hope people will like the Polo 1.2 TSI.

Amidst the slowdown in the automobile sales, what is the rationale behind taking this bold step and launching a 105bhp hot hatch?

Well whether the market grows or doesn't grow is an entirely different aspect. We are offering something which is very unique and very new. I am sure we will be able to find buyers for it.

The Polo 1.2 TSI gets a DSG gearbox but does not get paddle shifts. Don't you think the lack of paddle shifts will put off buyers?

I don't think it will hamper sales. There will always be something more that everybody wants. It is a decent combination for now and it should get liked by customers.

Are you planning to offer any specific finance options for the Polo 1.2 TSI?

No we are not going to offer anything new or anything specific for this car other than the general finance options that we already offer for our products.