The Volkswagen Polo is a supermini car produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen since 1975. It is sold in Europe and other markets worldwide inhatchback, saloon, coupé and estate variants.
The Polo was first introduced in 1975, and as of 2011 has been produced over five generations with intermittent facelifts. Related Volkswagen Group models include the Škoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza and Audi A1.
The Volkswagen Polo won the 2010 World Car of the Year.
| Volkswagen Polo | |
|---|---|
2009 Volkswagen Polo Mk5
| |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
| Production | 1975–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supermini |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A0 platform |
History
As of 2009, there have been five separate generations of the Polo, usually identified by a "Series" or "Mark" number.
Some generations were facelifted mid way through production, with the updated versions known unofficially by an addition of the letter F to the mark number, e.g. Mark IIF. Some press and enthusiasts consider the facelifts to be separate models and hence have used the unofficial designations Polo Mark 1 to Mark 7 for previous generations. Each model of Polo is also identified by a two- or three-character Volkswagen Group Typ number. Official VW Polo history describes Mark I to Mark IV using either Roman numerals orArabic numerals, with facelifted variants known as "Phase II" models.
The body style has been varied through the life of the car, originally as a hatchback which derived from the Audi 50. A saloon version was marketed as the Volkswagen Derby.
Volkswagen vehicles built off different platforms have carried the Polo name plate. For example the Volkswagen Polo Playahatchback sold in Southern Africa in the late 1990s was a rebadged SEAT Ibiza which has a different body shell from the Mark III Polo sold in Europe at the same time. The current saloon is only available in China, Latin America and South Africa and other Southern Africa countries.
Performance versions and motorsport
Volkswagen helped consolidate the preeminence the so-called hot hatch genre of high-performance hatchbacks with their Golf GTI in 1975, and has produced a number of performance versions of the Polo. The first of these was the Polo GT version of the Mark 1F.
The Mark II and IIF were available as supercharged G40 models. The GT G40 with its 1.3-litre 85 kW (114 hp) could reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 s from standstill and had a maximum speed of 196 km/h (122 mph). It was used by Volkswagen to set a number of world endurance speed records, such as the 1.3-litre class records for speed over 24 hours and speed over a distance of 5,000 km (3,100 mi).
The fastest version of the Mark III on the UK market was the 16-valve h 74 kW (100 PS) model. A 88 kW (120 PS) Polo GTI model was also produced, but only in a limited edition in Germany, and this was the first time the GTI label had been used for a Polo. A GTI version of the Mark IIIF Polo, with a 92 kW (123 hp) 1.6-litre petrol engine was also produced.
In 2004 Volkswagen Individual, a specialist division of Volkswagen, produced a limited number of (Mark IV Polo) Club Sports with a 1.8T 132 kW (177 hp) engine. Available only in Germany, this was based on the one-make racing series Polo Cup Racer hatchback. The Club Sport came with a roll cage inside the vehicle and Recaro racing seats as standard.
A GTI version of the Polo Mark IVF was launched in 2006. This features styling similar to that of the contemporary Golf GTI and aturbocharged 20-valve 110 kW (150 bhp) 1.8-litre petrol engine. It has a 0–100 km/h time of 8.2 s and a top speed of 216 km/h (134 mph).
Volkswagen Individual have also engineered an even faster Polo called the Polo GTI Cup Edition. Available with the same 1.8T engine, albeit with 130 kW (180 bhp), its claimed 0–100 km/h is 7.5 s and it has a claimed top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).
Volkswagen Racing in South Africa rallied a four-wheel drive Mark IVF Polo which shared some components with its sister World Rally Championship (WRC) Škoda Fabia; the S2000 has a 2.0 L 191 kW (256 hp) (260 bhp) engine.
Mark IV Polos have been entered into the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC).
The Polo also competed in the Russian Touring Car Championship.
There have been a number of one make race series for the Polo, starting with the G40 Cup for Mark II and Mark IIF G40 versions. The current Polo Cup championship for 78 kW (105 bhp) cars is a support race at rounds of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. Comfort line 1.2 CC engine
Related models
The first Polo was effectively a rebadged version of the Audi 50 hatchback launched in August 1974.[2] The Audi 50 was discontinued in 1978 as Audi concentrated on larger luxury models. The Mark I and Mark II versions of the Polo were then standalone models in the Volkswagen range.
With the expansion of the Volkswagen Group, Audi (in the 1960s), SEAT (in the 1980s) and Škoda (in the 1990s) were acquired, and the platform used for the Polo was shared with other models.
The Mark III Polo shared its platform with the SEAT Ibiza Mark II. The Ibiza was actually launched before the Polo, and shared essentially all its mechanicals, the dashboard and other interior components, although there were no body panels shared between the two cars. The saloon and estate versions of the Mark III Polo were actually re-badged SEAT Córdoba models, and had no body panels in common with the Polo hatchback. The SEAT Inca and Volkswagen Caddy vans were also based on this model. The Volkswagen Lupo and SEAT Arosa were also based on a shortened version of the Mark III Polo platform.
The Mark IV Polo continued this trend of platform sharing, with the SEAT Ibiza Mark III and Škoda Fabia Marks I & II both being developed on the same platform and featuring several of the same engines.
The 2009 Mark V Polo is developed on the newest platform PQ25, the same platform used in the SEAT Ibiza Mark IV that was launched in 2008 and the Audi A1.
Body styles
On the arrival of the Mark II model, the saloon was renamed the Volkswagen Polo Classicand the hatchback style was renamed as a coupé, the Volkswagen Polo Coupé. Unusually, the Polo that was marketed as a hatchback was closer in concept to an estate. This version was the most popular in virtually every country where the Polo was sold.
From the Mark III onwards, the range was more straightforwardly conventional, including unambiguous saloon, hatchback and estate models.
Summary[edit]
- 3-door hatchback (all versions) - the Mark II and Mark IIF were available in two separate 3-door hatchback styles, one of which was badged as a coupé
- 2-door saloon (Mark I, Mark IF, Mark II, Mark IIF)
- 4-door saloon (Mark III, Mark IIIF, Mark IV, Mark IVF, Mark V)
- 5-door hatchback (Mark III, Mark IIIF, Mark IV, Mark IVF, Mark V)
- 5-door estate (Mark III, Mark IIIF)
- 5-door crossover SUV-style (2WD) hatchback (Mark IV, Mark IVF, Mark V)
Mechanical layout
The Polo is a compact car, with a traditional transversely mounted engine and front-wheel drive. Mark I Polos only came with four-cylinder petrol engines, but for the Mark II, a diesel engine was offered for the first time, although only in certain markets, others having to wait until the launch of the Mark III. The current range includes a variety of three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
Early versions used four-speed manual transmission, whilst the current car is available with either six-speed manual or five-speedautomatic transmission. The suspension system on all models uses a fully independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and aTwist-beam rear suspension. Most models use disc brakes at the front and rear drum brakes, although some recent models have all round disc brakes.
First generation (Typ 86; 1975–1981)
| Volkswagen Polo Mk1 (86) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Volkswagen Derby |
| Production | 1975–1981 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 2-door saloon (Derby) |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A01 platform |
| Related | Audi 50 Volkswagen Derby |
The first-generation Polo, a rebadged version of the Audi 50, was introduced in 1975 and was produced until October 1981.[1][4] By 1979, 500,000 Polos were produced worldwide.[1] It shared the internal designation Typ 86 with the Audi 50.
The differences between the Audi and Volkswagen models were minor, with the Polo being cheaper and much more basic. The two cars were initially sold alongside each other, but the Audi 50 never sold as well, and was withdrawn in 1978. The Polo was manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg.
In 1977, the Derby saloon was released, which was simply a Polo, identical to the hatchback from the C-pillar forward, with a large boot attached (an Audi proposal which was never sold by them).
The Mark I Polo was available with the following engines:
- 895 cc, straight-4 petrol (hatchback only)
- 1093 cc straight-4 petrol, 37 kW (50 PS)
- 1272 cc, straight-4 petrol, (Polo GT, Derby sedan models, Audi 50 only)
Different levels of compression were used on each size to achieve different power outputs, and the variations are numerous, often differing depending on the country of sale, ranging from 26 to 44 kW (35 to 60 PS).
Facelift (1979–1981)
The Mark I Polo and Derby were facelifted in 1979. Sometimes referred to as the Mark IF, the facelifted model featured plastic bumpers, a different front grille and a revised dashboard. The round headlights of the Derby were replaced with square ones, bringing it into line with the similar (but larger) Golf-based Jetta saloon.
Second generation (Typ 86C; 1981–1994)
| Volkswagen Polo Mk2 (86C) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Volkswagen Derby |
| Production | 1981–1994 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 3-door estate 2-door saloon (Derby) |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A02 platform |
The Polo Mark II (or Typ 86C) was introduced in October 1981,[1][5] with the major change being the introduction of a third body style with a steep (almost vertical) rear window, in addition to a version resembling the original Mark I shape with a diagonal rear window. These two body styles were called the Wagon (in some markets) and Coupé respectively, although in fact both were three-door hatchbacks, and in some markets the Wagon designation was not used, with that car being simply the "Volkswagen Polo" without a suffix. The sedan version was now called the Polo Classic, and the Derby name became extinct. Production was expanded to Spain in the mid-1980s following Volkswagen's takeover ofSEAT. By 1983, the millionth Polo was produced. The second million were produced by 1986.[1]
The model now competed in the supermini sector with the likes of the Austin Metro, Ford Fiesta and Citroën Visa and it was one of the largest models in its class. Due to Volkswagen's sub-premium marketing positioning, however, its pricing was closer to competitor models in the class above, such as the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Astra/Opel Kadett.[citation needed]
The Mark II Polo was used extensively by Volkswagen to develop future innovations, for example supercharging with a 40 mm G-Lader supercharger in the GT G40 version. A 60 mm G-Lader would later be used on the larger and more technically challenging G60 engine used in the Golf and Corrado.
A fuel efficient two-cylinder diesel was prototyped in the mid 1980s with a G40 supercharger to overcome its small capacity, although this did not make it to production. A high fuel efficiency model which did make production was the petrol-engined Formel E (E for Economy), introduced at the launch in 1981 with a 1.1 litre engine and from 1983 with a 1.3 litre engine, overdrive top-gear ratio and an early stop-start ignition system (called "SSA") which would cut the engine when idle for more than two seconds to save fuel whilst temporarily stopped in traffic, and restart the engine on moving the gear lever to the left in neutral.
Similar systems were later used on the Volkswagen Golf Mk3 and various systems from other car manufacturers.
It was a popular import in the UK, competing with the likes of the Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno and Nissan Micra. Its reliability and build quality were among the best to be found on a small car of this era, and it was notably bigger than most of its competitor.
The Mark II was available with the following engines:
- 1093 cc straight-4 petrol (1981–1983)
- 1272 cc straight-4 petrol (1981–)
- 1043 cc straight-4 petrol (1983–)
- 1272 cc straight-4 petrol with fuel injection and equipped with a catalytic converter. (1983–) GT
- 1272 cc straight-4 supercharged petrol with 83 kW (113 PS) ( G40 version 1987 only)
- 1.3 L straight-4 diesel (1986–)
- 1.4 L straight-4 diesel (1990–)
However, some engines were only available on certain markets. For example, the British market never received any diesel-engined versions of the Polo, even though the diesel engine was already available on many similar cars by the end of the 1980s, namely theFord Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova and Peugeot 205.
Facelift (1990–1994)
The Mark II Facelift (referred to as the Mark IIF, also erroneously known as the "Mark 3") was a far-reaching facelift of the MkII, including a re-skin of the bodywork. The new look saw square headlights, enlarged and reshaped tail-lights, bigger bumpers and a new interior (dashboard and door trim).[6] The three different body styles were maintained. As well as the cosmetic differences, under the skin the car received modifications to the chassis, suspension and brakes. The new Polo still had the 4-cylinder engines but now as well as the carburettor 1.0 L, a fuel injection model was available with single-point injection and all engines came with a catalytic converter as standard to combat tightening European emissions regulations. The saloon was only produced in Spain, and production ceased in 1992.
At the time of launch of the Mark IIF Polo, the highest performance model was the Polo GT. This featured a multi-point fuel-injected version of the 1272 cc engine. This produced 75 bhp (56 kW) and had a quoted top speed of 172 km/h (107 mph). 0-60 figures stood at 11.1 seconds. Defining features of the GT include red piping in the bumpers, black overhead cloth, a rev counter and a red "GT" badge in the grille. This was succeeded by the launch of the G40 in May 1991, displacing the GT as the most powerful Polo at the time. The GT squareback was discontinued in 1992 due to poor sales in comparison with the coupé version.[citation needed]
Soon after the launch of the Mark IIF, another sporting model was added to the range — a new version of the supercharged G40, now as a full production model in all markets rather than the limited batch of Mark II G40s. As with the previous model, Volkswagen Motorsportmodified G40 Cup cars were sold for racing in a one-make series, the Volkswagen Polo G40 Cup. Features that define the G40 from other Polo models at the time (on top of the GT) include a bee-sting aerial, BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels, Le Mans interior trim and front and rear red "G40" badges.
Third generation (Typ 6N; 1994–2002)
| Volkswagen Polo Mk3 (6N) | |
|---|---|
_5-door_hatchback_03.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1994–2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door estate |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A03 platform |
| Related | SEAT Ibiza Mk2 SEAT Cordoba Mk1 SEAT Inca Volkswagen Caddy Mk1 |
The Mark III Polo or Typ 6N, (sometimes referred to as the "Mark 4" by enthusiasts as it is the Polo's fourth guise) appeared in 1994,[1][7] and was a completely new model (on a new chassis), available as 3- and 5-door hatchback versions, the latter making VW the last major European manufacturer to finally offer four doors in this class. It shared its platform with the SEAT Ibiza Mark 2. This platform actually used the floorpan of the Volkswagen Golf Mk3 (a multitude of mechanical parts and all of the suspension components were interchangeable among the three models). Although the dashboard and a number of mechanical components, including engines, were shared with the Ibiza, outwardly the two cars were different, with no shared body panels.
The saloon and estate versions of the Mark III were essentially rebadged SEAT Córdobas, which were launched a year earlier. They were referred to internally by Volkswagen as the Typ 6KV, and shared body panels with the SEAT model rather than the Polo hatchback models, with some cosmetic alterations such as new rear and front bumpers and headlights. The Volkswagen Caddy 9K van also shares the same platform and front-end styling as the 6KV models.
The Volkswagen Lupo and SEAT Arosa city cars were based on a shortened version of the Typ 6N platform, and shared many components.
The car was available with the following engines:
- 1043 cc straight-4 petrol 33 kW (45 PS) (1995–96)
- 1272 cc straight-4 petrol 40 kW (55 PS) (1995–96)
- 1.6 L straight-4 petrol 55 kW (75 PS) (Engine Code - AEE)
- 1.4 L straight-4 16-valve petrol 74 kW (100 PS) (Engine Code - AFH)
- 1.4 L straight-4 petrol 60 PS (44 kW)(1996–)
- 999 cc straight-4 petrol 50 PS (37 kW) — all-new aluminium block multi-point injection (1996–)
- 1.6 L straight-4 16-valve petrol 88 kW (120 PS) (LHD European GTI model only)
- 1.6 L straight-4 petrol 74 kW (100 PS) (6K saloon and estate models only)
- 1.6 L straight-4 petrol 55 kW (75 PS) (6K saloon and estate models only)
- 1.9 L straight-4 diesel 47 kW (64 PS)
Facelift (Typ 6N2; 2000–2002)[edit]
The facelifted Mark III Phase II[3] (or Typ 6N2; sometimes referred to as the Mark IIIF or "Mark 5" by enthusiasts) was released in 2000.[1][8] The hatchback models featured updated styling including new headlights and bumpers and an all new interior based on that of theLupo. Although the car was similar in appearance to the Mark III, Volkswagen claimed that 70% of the components were new. The bodyshell was fully galvanised and stiffened but not fully redesigned, although some panels were changed. Twin airbags were made standard. The saloon and estate versions received the new interior, but not the full exterior facelift. Also, the 3-cylinder 1.4 TDI engine was introduced for the 3 and 5-door hatchbacks as well as a 1.6 16v GTI version. The Mark IIIF Polo Classic is still sold in Argentina.
Both versions of the Mark III Polo were strong sellers in the UK and strong competitor for the likes of the Fiat Punto and Nissan Micra. At the time of its launch, it was arguably the best small car on sale in Britain in terms of build quality and "upmarket" feel. The 1.4 TDI was considered the best in the range due to its reliability, fuel consumption, and relative power, for a small engine.
Awards
- 1999 Used Car Buyer "Greatest Used Car Buy Awards" – Best Economy Car
- 1998 Top Gear Magazine "Top Cars" – Best Supermini
- 1997 Auto Express "New Car Honours" – Best Supermini
- 1997 "Complete Car of the Year Awards" – Best Supermini
- 1995 Which? Magazine "Best Buys" – Best Supermini
- 1996 Semperit Irish Car of the Year
- 1995 What Car? – Car of the Year
Polo Playa (1996–2002)[edit]
Main article: Volkswagen Polo Playa
The Volkswagen Polo Playa was a model for the South African market. It was sold instead of the European Polo Mark III from 1996 until 2002, and was effectively a rebadged SEAT Ibiza Mark II. In 2002, the Mark IV Polo was adopted in South Africa, and the separate Polo Playa model was dropped.
Fourth generation (Typ 9N; 2002–2009)
| Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2002–2009 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A04 (PQ24) platform |
| Related | SEAT Ibiza Mk3 SEAT Cordoba Mk2 Škoda Fabia Mk1 Škoda Fabia Mk2 Volkswagen Fox |
Unveiled in September 2001, the all-new Mark IV (or Typ 9N, sometimes erroneously referred to as the "Mark 6") model was put on sale in early 2002.[1] It shares its platform with the SEAT Ibiza Mk3, Škoda Fabia Mk1 and Škoda FabiaMk2. The car is all new compared to the Mark III/F, and bears more structural resemblance to the Typ 6KV than the Typ 6N; outwardly the most recognisable change is the use of quad round headlights similar to the Lupo's.
The car was available with the following engines:
- 1.2 L straight-3 6-valve petrol, 55 PS 40 kW (54 hp)
- 1.2 L straight-3 12-valve petrol, 65 PS 47 kW (63 hp)
- 1.4 L straight-4 16-valve petrol, 75 PS 55 kW (74 hp)
- 1.4 L straight-4 16-valve petrol Fuel Stratified Injection, 86 PS 62 kW (83 hp) (FSI-badged model)
- 1.4 L straight-4 16-valve petrol, 100 PS 74 kW (99 hp) (16V-badged model).
- 1.4 L straight-3 TDI, 75 PS 55 kW (74 hp).
- 1.9 L straight-4 SDI, 64 PS 47 kW (63 hp)
- 1.9 L straight-4 TDI PD, 100 PS 74 kW (99 hp)
- 1.9 L straight-4 TDI PD, 130 PS 96 kW (129 hp) (GT model only).
- 1.6 L straight-4, 8-valve petrol, 74 kW (101 PS), cast-iron block, very short manual gearbox (Brazilian / South African market)
- 2.0 L straight-4, 8-valve petrol, 85 kW (115 PS), cast-iron block, very short manual gearbox (Brazilian / South African market)
Volkswagen Racing rallyed a Polo S1600 in the 2003 Junior World Rally Championships, winning the Turkish round. The Super 1600 developed 165 kW (221 hp)/215 to its front wheels.
This version of the Polo was a mixed success in the United Kingdom. It sold reasonably well (though not as well as some earlier Polos) but several customer satisfaction surveys by high profile motoring magazines such as Top Gear gave the Polo a very low rating.
Top Gear's 2005 survey rated the Polo as the third least satisfying supermini to own, with only the Fiat Punto and Rover 25 receiving a worse rating. It fell behind most of its crucial rivals, namely the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Citroën C3 and Peugeot 206.
A saloon version, called Polo Classic, was produced in Brazil, South Africa and China, and exported to the rest of Latin America and to Australia.
The Polo Classic for the Australian market is sourced from China, making it the first Chinese built car to be exported to a right hand drive country.
Polo Fun / Polo Dune / Polo Soho
There was also a crossover SUV version of the Polo, similar to the Rover Streetwise, with "off-road" styling, named Polo Fun (Polo Dune in the UK, Polo Soho in Spain), but despite its appearance the car was never available with 4motion four-wheel drive.
Facelift (Typ 9N3; 2005–2009)
In 2005, the Mark IV was face-lifted with newVolkswagen Passat-style one piece headlights and tail lights, and a different hatch. This facelifted model is officially known as the Mark IV Phase II[3] or Typ 9N3, and sometimes erroneously to as the Mark IVF or "Mark 7". Designed by Walter de'Silva, in the UK, the Mark IVF is available in seven different trim levels, ranging from the basic Polo E model to the Polo GTI. The engine range is as for the Mark IV, with the addition of the following engines:
- 1598 cc, straight-4, 16-valve petrol, 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp)
- 1598 cc, straight-4, 8-valve flexfuel, 101 PS (petrol) / 103 PS (ethanol), cast-iron block, very short manual gearbox (Brazilian market)
- 1781 cc, turbocharged straight-4, 20V petrol, 150 PS 110 kW; 148 hp (150 PS) (Polo GTI models only) - special GTI Cup Editionwith 132 kW; 178 hp (180 PS)
- 1422 cc, straight-3, 70 and 80 PS (51 and 59 kW) TDI
- 1896 cc, straight-4, 100 and 130 PS (74 and 96 kW) TDI
- 1984 cc, straight-4, 8-valve petrol, 116 PS (85 kW) (South African and Brazilian market)(very short manual gearbox in Brazilian market)
Polo Vivo
On 11 March 2010, Volkswagen South Africa announced that the Volkswagen Citi Golf is being replaced by a version of the Mk 4 Polo, the Polo Vivo. It is available with a choice of two 1.4 engines (55 kW & 63 kW)[10] and a 1.6 engine (77 kW).[11] The Polo Vivo is released in both 3-door and 5-door versions, or as a saloon.
In comparison to the Polo Mk4, the Polo Vivo has a restyled front bumper and grille, deleted scuff strips on the bumpers and sides of the car, and side indicators relocated from the wing mirrors to the front fenders. This restyling gives the Polo Vivo some of the elements of thedesign language used in other contemporary VW models. It is manufactured at VW'sUitenhage plant in South Africa sources 70%[12] of the Vivo parts locally.
CrossPolo
A mini SUV-styled (but still two-wheel-drive) CrossPolo version of the Mark IVF was also produced as a successor to the Polo Fun.
Polo BlueMotion
In 2007, Volkswagen premiered its BlueMotion range with the emphasis of lower emissions and high fuel economy. Volkswagen's first car under the BlueMotion range is a modified 1.4-litre VW Polo TDI with longer gear ratios, aerodynamic changes and lightweight alloys with low rolling resistant tyres. The end result is a car capable of producing less than 100g/km of CO2 with a stated fuel economy of 74.3mpg on a combined cycle. Volkswagen plans to use the platform set by the Polo on expanding their BlueMotion ranges which includes theVolkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Passat.
Fifth generation (Typ 6R; 2009–present)
| Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R) | |
|---|---|
_77TSI_Comfortline_5-door_hatchback_01.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Volkswagen Vento |
| Production | 2009–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan[13] |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A05 (PQ25) platform |
| Related | Audi A1 SEAT Ibiza Mk4 |
Volkswagen launched the fifth generation Polo (internal designation Typ 6R) at theGeneva Motor Show in March 2009. For the first time in Polo's history, the car was declared European Car of the Year, for 2010.[14] The Polo was also declared 2010 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show in April 2010.[15] It also won What Car? Supermini of the Year 2010, as well as being awarded Japan Import Car of the Year for 2010–2011.[16]
It shares its platform with the 2008 SEAT Ibiza Mk4 and the Audi A1. Production for the UK market started in summer 2009, with first deliveries in October 2009.[17]Official images released show the new Polo follows styling cues from the Golf VI.[18] The Polo Mark V is 44 mm longer and 32 mm wider and sits 13 mm lower to the road than the previous generation Polo. Boot capacity is increased by 10 litres to 280 litres of storage space with 952 litres with the seats folded down. The car is 7.5% lighter than its predecessor. The Polo has thorax airbags and has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash impact rating.[19]
The Polo Mk5 is available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines:
- 1.2L straight-3 12-valve petrol, 51 kW (70 PS) and 55 kW (75 PS)
- 1.2L turbocharged straight-4 8-valve petrol, 66 kW (90 PS) and 77 kW (105 PS)
- 1.4L straight-4 16-valve petrol, 63 kW (85 PS)
- 1.4L turbocharged straight-4 16-valve petrol, 100 kW (140 PS)
- 1.4L twincharger straight-4 16-valve petrol, 130 kW (180 PS)
- 1.6L straight-4 16-valve petrol, 77 kW (105 PS)
- 1.2L turbocharged straight-3 12-valve diesel, 55 kW (75 PS)
- 1.6L turbocharged straight-4 16-valve diesel, 66 kW (90 PS) and 77 kW (105 PS)
CrossPolo
In June 2010, Volkswagen presented the 2011 edition of the CrossPolo, the fourth member of the small car's family. The 2011 edition will be available in petrol and three diesel engines, all Euro 5 compliant.[20]
Vento
A sedan version of the Polo Mark V was launched in India and Russia in 2010 as the Volkswagen Vento and Polo Sedan.[21][22] It has a length of 4.384m, increased wheelbase (2.552m) and ground clearance (168–170 mm), and has one petrol (1.6 L, 4-cylinder, 105 PS; coupled with either 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox) and one diesel engine (1.6 L, turbocharged 4-cylinder common rail, 105 PS; only 5-speed manual gearbox) options available. As of May 2011, Polo Sedan (Russia) is currently manufactured only with petrol engine.
GTI
The Volkswagen Polo GTI is a hot hatch version of the Volkswagen Polo supermini, produced by German automaker Volkswagen.
Mk2 Polo GT G40 and Mk2F Polo G40
The Volkswagen Polo GTI can trace its roots back to the original hot Polo, the supercharged1.3 L 85 kW (115 PS) G40. It was sold in the United Kingdom between 1990–1994 in the form of the Mk2F Polo, but was available during the late 1980s in limited numbers in Europe in the form of the Mk2 Polo GT G40. The car was expensive compared to its rivals of the time, and therefore did not sell in vast numbers (Ford Fiesta XR2, Peugeot 205 GTI or Opel Corsa GTE/GSi etc.). This makes it highly collectible today and according to Top Gearmagazine, "a potential future classic". If kept in good condition, this lightweight and small engined car will keep up with much larger rivals thanks to its supercharger. This is a technology that has recently found its way back into Volkswagen's range of cars, most noticeably the new Golf GT 1.4 TSI which boasts 130 kW (170 PS) from its small engine. It is likely that a TSI engine will find its way into a Polo GTI at some point in the future.
Mk3 Polo GTI
After production of the G40 ended in 1994, Volkswagen decided to release the first GTI-branded Polo in a limited batch of just 3000. It was released in 1995 and available only in left hand drive. It featured a 1.6-litre 16-valve 88 kW (120 PS) engine. The GTI was not available in the UK at any stage during its limited production, this meant that as of 1994 the UK only had the 75 kW (100 bhp) 1.4 16v as a model with any sporting intent. This was the case until 2000 when the Polo Mk3 model range was finally revamped and the first GTI-branded Polos arrived in the United Kingdom.
Mk3 Facelift (6N2) Polo GTI
Between 2000 and 2002, Volkswagen offered two sporting models — the 16V and GTI. The 16V came with the 1.4 16V 74 kW (100 PS) engine and had options such as 15" Spa alloys and air conditioning. However, the GTI - available only in 3 or 5 door hatchback body styles in three colours being red, silver and black. Its power plant was a 1.6 16V 92 kW (125 PS) engine with variable valve timing. External changes included a deeper front splitter with honeycomb mesh grilles, lowered sports suspension (10mm), a subtle rear spoiler, deeper side skirts, fog lights, and 15" BBS RXII split rims for the wheels bearing 195/45/15 tyres. There were also standard extras such as Climatronic fully automatic air conditioning, xenon headlights with a headlight washer system, a six-disc CD autochanger with a GAMMA head unit, exclusive sports interior with leather steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick, chrome inserts, and driver aids such as ABS with EBD and an EDL (a system to aid traction). Leather and satellite navigation were also optional extras. The Polo GTI Mk3F however never got the new six-speed gearbox that was introduced in the smaller Volkswagen Lupo GTI which shared the same engine. Sadly, many of the Polo GTI 5 speed gearboxes fail due to faulty differential rivets and bearings which can only be rectified through a rebuild.
Mk4 Polo GT
With the introduction of the 2002 Polo, the GTI model was discontinued and was given no direct replacement. There was however a GT model produced, featuring the same 1.9 TDI 96 kW (130 PS) engine found in the popular Škoda Fabia vRS and SEAT Ibiza FR TDI as well as a six-speed gearbox. Although this model had a relatively slow 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of over 9 seconds, it did have impressive mid-range clout with torque figures of 31 Nm (228 lb-ft). This gave the GT very impressive in-gear acceleration, meaning it could make light work of overtaking as well as pull itself out of corners on twisting B roads with ease whilst returning fuel economy of over 50 mpg.
Mk4 Polo GTI[edit]
It was not until late 2005, after yet another Polo revamp that the GTI was reintroduced. This time it boasted a 1.8T 110 kW (150 PS) engine which had been used in everything from the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf GTI to the Audi A6. Despite the impressive figures this new model lacked the standard features of the Polo GTI Mk3 with xenon headlights not even on the options list and fully digital climate control only being an expensive option. Although faster than the 2000-2002 Polo GTI, the newer model was also seen as being off the pace when compared to its rivals, most of which are now nudging 150 kW (200 PS). In Europe this led to VW quickly beefing up the Polo further to create the Polo GTI Cup Edition, which was tuned to around 130 kW (180 PS) and featured more aggressive styling. The Polo GTI Cup Edition has 177 bhp 29 bhp more than both the standard Polo GTI. The standard Polo GTI model completes 0–100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, but in the Cup Edition completes 0–100 km/h 7.5 seconds[23]
Mk5 Polo GTI
The Mk5 Polo GTI was launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The new GTI is powered by VW's award winning[24] 130 kW (180 PS) 1.4 TSI engine (adapted from that used in the current Scirocco) which uses both a supercharger and turbocharger to provide torque throughout the rev range.[25] The Mk5 Polo is also 7.5% lighter than its predecessor and with a 22 kW (30 PS) increase in power over the previous generation Polo GTI it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds. The Mk5 Polo also includes features not found on previous generation Polos such as touch screen satellite navigation and a seven-speed version of VW's DSG gearbox as standard.[26]
Sales
The sales of volkswagen polo set a benchmark for volkswagen which sold more than 12 million cars globally so far, in February 2010 Volkswagen produced the 11,111,111th Polo worldwide at the celebration event of its first production anniversary in Pune India. In 2010, its first full year on sale in the United Kingdom, more than 45,000 units were sold. It was the UK's sixth best-selling new car.This was a record for Polo sales in the UK; never before in more than 30 years on sale in the UK had any version of the Polo managed to finish among the top ten best-selling cars.Here is the list of Volkswagen Polo unit sales globally.
| Year | Volkswagen Polo | Polo Classic/Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 376,164 | 56,670 |
| 2001 | 328,542 | 32,598 |
| 2002 | 523,512 | 24,702 |
| 2003 | 422,003 | 84,272 |
| 2004 | 334,143 | 100,331 |
| 2005 | 352,120 | 59,623 |
| 2006 | 401,551 | 67,237 |
| 2007 | 449,602 | 86,861 |
| 2008 | 408,679 | 62,167 |
| 2009 | 453,824 | 16,764 |
| 2010 | 635,555 | 16,692 |
| 2011 | 809,549 | 12,850 |
| 2012 | 711,519 | 15,265 |
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