People's favorite Volkswagen Polo: a detailed review and specifications
Content
Volkswagen Polo is one of the most popular and sought after cars. It competes with Kia Rio, Huindai Solaris, Renault Logan, and in recent years, Lada Vesta, which are close in terms of technical characteristics and price. The modern VW Polo with an optimal price-quality ratio will satisfy the most demanding car enthusiast.
The history of the Volkswagen Polo
The first Volkswagen Polo rolled off the assembly line at the Wolfsburg plant in 1975. With the start of its production, the production of the Audi50 and Audi80, which are considered the predecessors of this model, ceased. Against the backdrop of the fuel crisis of the 70s, the economical Volkswagen Polo turned out to be very relevant and in demand.
The appearance of the first generation VW Polo was designed by Italian auto designer Marcello Gandini.. The first cars that came off the assembly line were a three-door hatchback with a fairly roomy trunk, an engine capacity of 0,9 liters and a power of 40 hp. With. Subsequently, other modifications of the car appeared, such as the Derby sedan, the production of which continued until 1981.
The second generation VW Polo received more powerful engines and a modern design, implemented in the Polo GT, Fox, Polo G40, Polo GT G40 models, produced from 1981 to 1994. The next generation VW Polo was presented at the 1994 Paris Motor Show, and already in 1995, motorists were able to evaluate the new Polo Classic with a 1,9-liter turbodiesel and 90 hp. With. In subsequent years, models such as Caddy, Harlekin, Variant, GTI were introduced to the market, the production of which was discontinued in 2001 with the advent of the fourth generation VW Polo. The new line of cars came out with regular changes in both appearance and technical characteristics. Models Polo Sedan, Polo GT, Polo Fun, Cross Polo, Polo GTl, Polo BlueMotion were produced by factories in China, Brazil and Europe from 2001 to 2009.
The next step in the development and improvement of VW Polo cars was made in 2009, when the fifth generation model was demonstrated at the Geneva Motor Show. Walter de Silva, who had previously collaborated with Audi, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, was invited to create the design of the new car. It was the fifth generation model that achieved maximum recognition among specialists and consumers - in 2010 this version was declared the car of the year in the world.
Today, the VW Polo is associated with the presentation at the Berlin Motor Show in June 2017 of the sixth generation model. The latest car is equipped with many new options that create the most comfortable and safe conditions for the driver and passengers. The production of the new model was entrusted to a plant in Pamplona, Spain.
The choice fell on the Polo Sedan, it personified a high price / quality ratio + consumer properties. I don’t want to write a lot, the car is common — everyone knows about it anyway. For the entire period of operation (I took it with a mileage of 68 thousand km, I sold it with a mileage of 115 thousand km): 1) changed the oil every 15 thousand so I scored 10k in six months); 5) I changed the front pads at 15 thousand; 2) For all the time several different light bulbs. 105) Refreshed on 3 thousand front suspension (bushings and stabilizer struts, shock absorbers, silent blocks of the front levers). 4) After 100 thousand, I began to pay attention to the oil burner (about a liter per 5 thousand, especially if you constantly press the sneaker, especially if in winter) - Mobil 100 10w1 oil. 0) Once the front right power window button fell off (it just fell in), he removed the door card and put it in place. 40) I checked the camber / toe once - no adjustment was needed. Ultimately, the car was excellent and fully lived up to expectations. I drove every day in any weather, at any distance, drove drunk friends, went to nature, accelerated to 6 km / h, did not require special care and regular visits to the service. She honestly did everything she could. An excellent working machine for every day, if you do not attach importance to the lack of special comfort (well, what did you want for that kind of money?). If suddenly this helps someone in deciding on a car, it will be great.
The evolution of the VW Polo models
The VW Polo received its modern appearance and technical equipment as a result of a long evolution, engineering and design developments, the purpose of which was to best meet the requirements of its time.
1975-1981 years
The very first VW Polo models were equipped with only the bare necessities, as the goal of their creators was to offer customers an affordable people's car. The three-door hatchback of 1975 was distinguished by the simplicity of interior decoration and modest technical performance. Due to this, the price of the model was about 7,5 thousand DM. Thus, its competitiveness in the market of small city cars was ensured.
With the advent of each new model, changes were made to the design and construction. The car, as a rule, received a more powerful engine, improved chassis, became more and more ergonomic and comfortable. So, already in 1976, in the VW Polo L and VW Polo GSL models, the engine volume increased from 0,9 to 1,1 liters, and the power increased to 50 and 60 liters. With. respectively. In 1977, the Derby sedan joined the hatchbacks, technically differing from its predecessors only in an increased engine capacity of up to 1,3 liters, improved rear suspension performance and a large trunk. Thanks to the use of updated designs of bumpers and radiator grilles, the shape of the car has become streamlined.
Even more economical was the Formel E model (both hatchback and sedan), which appeared four years later. In mixed mode (in the city and on the highway), she spent 7,6 liters of gasoline per 100 km. Polo Coupe 1982 began to be equipped with a 1,3-liter engine with 55 hp. s., and since 1987 they tried to install diesel units with a capacity of 45 liters on it. s., which, however, did not have much success with consumers.
1981-1994 years
All this time, the creators of the VW Polo used McPherson front struts and a semi-independent H-shaped rear beam in the chassis design. The next step forward was the release in 1982 of the Polo GT model in 1982 with a 1,3 liter engine and 75 hp. With. The 1984 Polo Fox was mainly intended for young car enthusiasts, and the production of the sports Polo G40 with a 115 hp engine. With. and lowered suspension was limited to the release of only 1500 pieces. On the basis of the latter, in 1991, the GT40 was produced with a top speed on the speedometer equal to 240 km / h.
1994-2001 years
At the beginning of this period, the VW lineup was replenished with the more rounded Polo III. It was produced with a 1,9-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 64 hp. With. or with gasoline engines of 1,3 and 1,4 liters with a capacity of 55 and 60 liters. With. respectively. Unlike its predecessors, the VW Polo III power unit was completely made of aluminum. In addition, the suspension geometry has been changed. The 1995 Polo Classic is 0,5m longer and has a larger wheelbase. Due to this, the interior has become noticeably more spacious. The utility vehicle niche in the VW Polo line was filled with the Caddy model, which became popular with small business owners. It allowed to carry loads weighing up to 1 ton and was produced in the form of a van, station wagon or pickup truck with a spring rear suspension.
Since 1996, fundamentally new engines have been installed on the VW Polo. At first it was a 1,4-liter 16-valve unit with a capacity of 100 hp. with., to which a 1,6-liter engine with a four-speed automatic transmission and diesel engines of 1,7 and 1,9 liters with a battery fuel system were later added.
Polo Harlekin was remembered for its four-color body design, and usually the customer did not know which color combination he would get. Despite this, 3800 of these vehicles were sold.
In the same period, the Polo Variant (a practical family station wagon) was also produced, and for lovers of dynamic driving, the Polo GTl with a 120 hp engine. With. and acceleration to 100 km / h in 9 seconds. Since 1999, the manufacturer began to provide a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty for every VW Polo car.
2001-2009 years
At the beginning of the new millennium, the VW Polo IV was assembled in the tradition of previous models using galvanized body parts and high-strength steel, and the most important components were connected using laser welding. The range of engines was constantly expanding - three-cylinder (1,2-liter and 55 hp) and four-cylinder (1,2-liter and 75 or 100 hp) gasoline units appeared, as well as diesel engines with a volume of 1,4 and 1,9 liters and a capacity of 75 and 100 liters. With. respectively. For the production of new VW Polo models, factories were opened in Germany, Spain, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, Slovakia and China.
The new Polo Sedan received a radically updated rear end with large horizontally positioned lights and an increased trunk volume. For lovers of sports driving, several modifications of the Polo GT were released with different engines (gasoline and diesel power from 75 to 130 hp) and bodies (three-door and five-door). The fourth generation Polo Fun has exceeded all expectations of the developers regarding its popularity.
For the 30th anniversary of the VW Polo, a model was launched with a V-shaped radiator lining, a new form of lighting fixtures and turn signals on the side mirrors. The interior trim has reached a different level of quality, the appearance of the instrument panel has changed, it has become possible to control tire pressure and additionally secure the head due to the upper curtains. In addition, the navigation system and climate control have been updated. Each subsequent model had its own characteristic features:
- Cross Polo - 15 mm higher ground clearance, 70 mm overall height more than the standard model, 17-inch wheels, three petrol engine options (70, 80 and 105 hp) and two diesel options (70 and 100 hp). );
- Polo GTI - an engine of record power at that time (150 hp), sports seats and a steering wheel, acceleration to 100 km / h in 8,2 seconds;
- Polo BlueMotion - a record-breaking economy at that time (4 liters per 100 km), improved body aerodynamics, a 1,4-liter turbodiesel engine, an optimized transmission that allows you to stay at low speeds longer, that is, in a more economical mode.
2009-2017 years
The launch of the fifth generation VW Polo coincided with the opening of the Volkswagen plant in India. The latter was economically justified due to the cheapness of local labor. The appearance of the new model has become more dynamic and expressive through the use of sharp edges, a raised rear end, an elongated nose and a sloping roof. Inside, a new instrument panel with a digital display and a navigation system was installed, and the seats were upholstered with better material. Additional security measures have also been provided - a special system now signals the driver or passenger's unfastened seat belts.
The new Polo BlueMotion was introduced in 2009, the Polo GTI and Cross Polo in 2010, the Polo BlueGT in 2012, and the Polo TSI BlueMotion and Polo TDI BlueMotion in 2014.
The car cost me 798 rubles. This is an Allstar package with automatic transmission and with included additional packages Design Star, ESP System, Hot Star. As a result, my equipment learned even cheaper than the maximum Highline equipment, while there are even more additional options. For example, in my configuration there is a multifunction steering wheel, folding electric mirrors with turn signal repeaters, fashionable light-alloy wheels (seen in the photo), tinting, an ESP system, a reinforced generator, and in the maximum Highline configuration there is none of this, but there are fog lights (I was not impressed ). At the same time, the rest of the equipment, such as climate control, heated seats, etc., is the same as in the maximum configuration. In short, I recommend everyone to buy the Allstar package.
2017 year
The latest model VW Polo VI can be considered an intermediate result of forty years of work by Volkswagen Group specialists. Few doubt that new Polo modifications will soon see the light of day, even more dynamic and comfortable. As for the Polo VI, this five-door hatchback has a 351-liter boot and a host of auxiliary features that allow the driver to control the operation of most parts of the car. Completely new options are:
- control of the so-called blind zones;
- semi-automatic parking;
- the ability to get into the salon without a key and start the car.
Video: VW Polo owner reviews
Specifications of various VW Polo models
The technical characteristics of VW Polo cars at every stage of the evolution of this model fully met the requirements of the market and justified the expectations of car owners.
VW Polo
The base model of the VW Polo has gone from the simplest hatchback of 1975 by today's standards with a minimum of options to the modern Polo VI, which incorporates all the best that has been created over the 40 years of the concern's presence in the economy class car market.
Table: VW Polo technical specifications of different generations
| Technical specifications | Polo I | Polo II | Polo III | Polo IV | polo v | Polo VI |
| Dimensions, m | 3,512h1,56h1,344 | 3,655h1,57h1,35 | 3,715h1,632h1,4 | 3,897h1,65h1,465 | 3,97h1,682h1,462 | 4,053h1,751h1,446 |
| Ground clearance, cm | 9,7 | 11,8 | 11 | 13 | 10,2 | 17 |
| Front track, m | 1,296 | 1,306 | 1,351 | 1,435 | 1,463 | 1,525 |
| Rear track, m | 1,312 | 1,332 | 1,384 | 1,425 | 1,456 | 1,505 |
| Wheelbase, m | 2,335 | 2,335 | 2,4 | 2,46 | 2,47 | 2,564 |
| Mass, t | 0,685 | 0,7 | 0,955 | 1,1 | 1,067 | 1,084 |
| Weight with cargo, t | 1,1 | 1,13 | 1,375 | 1,51 | 1,55 | 1,55 |
| Carrying capacity, t | 0,415 | 0,43 | 0,42 | 0,41 | 0,483 | 0,466 |
| Maximum speed km / h | 150 | 155 | 188 | 170 | 190 | 180 |
| Trunk capacity, l | 258 | 240 | 290 | 268 | 280 | 351 |
| Engine power, l with. | 40 | 55 | 60 | 75 | 85 | 95 |
| Working volume, l | 0,9 | 1,3 | 1,4 | 1,4 | 1,4 | 1,6 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder arrangement | inline | inline | inline | inline | inline | inline |
| Torque, Nm (rpm) | 61/3500 | 95/3500 | 116/2800 | 126/3800 | 132/3800 | 155/3800 |
| Drive unit | front | front | front | front | front | front |
| PPC | Mechanics 4-speed | Mechanics 4-speed | Mechanics 5-speed | Mechanics 5-speed | MT5 or AKPP7 | MT5 or 7 DSG |
| front brakes | disk | disk | disk | disk | disk | disk |
| Rear brakes | drum | drum | drum | disk | disk | disk |
| Acceleration to 100km/h, seconds | 21,2 | 14,8 | 14,9 | 14,3 | 11,9 | 11,2 |
VW Polo Classic
The Polo Classic became the successor of the Polo Derbi, inheriting the body type (two-door sedan) from it and replacing the rectangular headlights with round ones.. The four-door version of the Classic sedan appeared in 1995 at the Martorele plant (Spain). It was a slightly modified version of the Seat Cordoba. Compared to the base hatchback of those years, the Polo Classic interior has become more spacious due to the increase in size. The buyer could choose one of five options for a gasoline engine (with a volume of 1.0 to 1.6 liters and a power of 45 to 100 liters) and three diesel options (with a volume of 1.4, 1.7, 1.9 liters and a power of 60 to 100 hp). The gearbox could be a five-speed manual or a four-position automatic.
The next generation Polo Classic, which appeared in 2003, had increased dimensions and trunk volume. The range of engines offered still provided a fairly large selection: gasoline units with a volume of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 liters and diesel engines with a volume of 1.4 and 1.9 liters. The choice of gearbox has not changed - a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The geography of factories expanded - now the Polo Classic left the assembly lines of enterprises in China, Brazil, Argentina. In India, the Polo Classic was marketed as the Polo Venta, and in some other countries as the VW Polo Sedan.
VW Polo GT
The GT index, starting from the first generation of the VW Polo, denoted sports car modifications. Released in 1979, the first Polo GT already had the corresponding paraphernalia in the form of sports wheels, the pretentious GT logo on the radiator, red speedometer arrows, etc. Each subsequent version of the Polo GT was distinguished by improved dynamic performance due to progressive equipment and new options. So, the 1983 model was equipped with a 1,3-liter engine and a power of 75 hp. with., lowered by 15 mm suspension, improved springs and shock absorbers, as well as a reinforced rear stabilizer bar. In addition, the car accelerated to 100 km / h in 11 seconds, and the maximum possible speed was 170 km / h. All this made the Polo GT attractive for fans of fast driving. Additional charm was given by halogen headlights, red bumpers, a sports steering wheel and seats, as well as a tachometer on the instrument panel.
Even more powerful was the Polo G1987, introduced in 40 (since 1991, the Polo GT G40). Through the use of a scroll compressor, it became possible to increase the power of the 1,3-liter engine to 115 hp. With. The sporty version of the next generation VW Polo saw the light of day in 1999, when the Polo GTI series was released with a 1,6-liter power unit producing 120 hp. with., allowing you to disperse the car to 100 km / h in 9,1 seconds.
The appearance of the fourth generation Polo GT turned out to be even more sporty. This was facilitated by wheels with a 16-inch inner hole, stylish logos on the trunk and radiator, and original tinted taillights. In addition, a chrome-plated instrument panel and leather covers on the steering wheel and the parking brake and gear levers appeared in the cabin. Of the three diesel and three gasoline engines provided for this model with a capacity of 75–130 hp. With. the leader was a 1,9-liter turbodiesel, with which the car gained 100 km / h in 9,3 seconds, and the maximum speed approached 206 km / h.
The next step towards improving the dynamics and improving the appearance was the release in 2005 of the Polo GTI - the most powerful Polo model at that time.. Equipped with a 1,8-liter engine with 150 hp. with., the car accelerated to 100 km / h in 8,2 seconds and developed a speed of up to 216 km / h. When picking up speed through the 16-inch wheels, a red brake mechanism was visible.
2010 Polo GTI with a 1,4-liter petrol engine and power boosted by twin supercharging to 180 hp. s., was able to accelerate to 100 km / h in 6,9 seconds and reach speeds of up to 229 km / h with a fuel consumption of only 5,9 liters per 100 km. A novelty of this model are bi-xenon headlights, not previously used on the VW Polo.
Introduced in 2012, the Polo BlueGT was the first to use the Partial Cylinder Deactivation (ACT) circuit. If the car is moving with a small load, then the second and third cylinders are automatically turned off, and the driver will only know about this from the information on the instrument panel. Since the shutdown occurs very quickly (in 15–30 ms), this does not affect the operation of the engine in any way, and it continues to operate normally. As a result, fuel consumption per 100 km is reduced to 4,7 liters, and the maximum speed is increased to 219 km/h.
In 2014, the Polo BlueGT was equipped with a modern multimedia system, self-adjusting climate control and a post-collision braking system to avoid subsequent impacts. All variants of the power unit installed on the car (four variants of a gasoline engine with a capacity of 60 to 110 hp and two variants of a diesel engine with a capacity of 75 and 90 hp) fully comply with the requirements of the Euro-6 environmental standard.
Cross Polo
The predecessor of the popular VW Cross Polo model was the VW Polo Fun, which, despite the appearance of an SUV, has never been produced with all-wheel drive and cannot be classified as a crossover. Polo Fun was equipped with a 100 hp petrol engine. With. and a volume of 1,4 liters, accelerated to 100 km / h in 10,9 seconds and could reach speeds of up to 188 km / h.
VW Cross Polo, introduced in 2005, was aimed at active motorists. The model had a clearance increased by 15 mm compared to the Polo Fun, allowing the driver to feel more confident in off-road conditions. The attention was drawn to the 17-inch wheels made of light alloys and the original roof rails, thanks to which the car became 70 mm higher. At the discretion of the buyer, gasoline engines with a capacity of 70, 80 and 105 liters were offered. With. and turbodiesels for 70 and 100 liters. With. A car with an 80 hp engine. With. if desired, it could be equipped with an automatic transmission.
One of the most avant-garde variants of the Cross Polo was released in 2010. To create a unique image, the authors used a number of original elements: a honeycomb grill covering the air intake on the front bumper, fog lights, roof rails. The latter, in addition to decorative functions, could be used to transport goods weighing no more than 75 kg.
VW Polo latest generation
The Volkswagen concern throughout its history has tried and is trying to prevent revolutionary changes in design when changing generations of cars. Nevertheless, the appearance of the Polo VI has a number of updates that claim to be revolutionary. This is, first of all, a broken line of LED headlights, provided as standard, and an overlay on the grille, which looks like an extension of the hood. The latest version of the Polo is available only in a five-door body - the three-door version is recognized as irrelevant. Compared to its predecessors, the dimensions have increased markedly - it has become more spacious in the cabin, and the volume of the trunk has grown by almost a quarter.
Despite the fidelity to the traditional style, the interior has become more modern. Now you can display a virtual instrument cluster on the control panel, that is, choose the appearance of the main scales at your discretion or remove them altogether. All readings will be displayed digitally on the screen. Other innovations include:
- smart climate control that regulates the airflow and temperature in the cabin depending on the position of the sun;
- the ability to recharge a mobile phone without a wire;
- self-adjusting cruise control;
- parking and blind spot monitoring systems.
The list of engines for the new model includes six options for a gasoline engine with a capacity of 65 to 150 hp. With. and two diesel options with a capacity of 80 and 95 liters. With. For engines less than 100 hp With. installed manual transmission5, more than 100 liters. With. — MKPP6. With a power unit of 95 liters. With. it is possible to equip the car with a seven-position DSG robot on request. Together with the basic version, a “charged” version of the Polo GTI with a 200 hp engine is also produced. With.
The list of enterprises that assemble the new Polo version includes a plant near Kaluga, which specializes in Volkswagen and Scoda cars. The cost of Polo VI in the basic configuration is €12.
Video: getting to know the latest version of the VW Polo
Volkswagen Polo is one of the most popular cars in Russia and neighboring countries. For 40 years, the VW Polo has maintained its reputation as a reliable German car, while at the same time remaining in the category of budget vehicles. Russian motorists have long appreciated the high dynamism, high-quality and reliable suspension, economy, ease of operation and improved ergonomics of this car.
