- Comfortable front seats
- Competent ride/handling balance
- Precise, well-weighted steering
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Low-tech, noisy 1.6-litre engine requires premium unleaded petrol
- Cramped, offset pedals
- Slightly notchy manual gearshifts
- Long-travel brake pedal lacks progressive response
- Limited rear seat legroom
Review: Volkswagen 6N Polo (1996-00)
Overview
Released in October 1996, the Volkswagen 6N Polo was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Wolfsburg, Germany, the front-wheel drive VW 6N Polo was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which required premium unleaded petrol. The Polo was initially available with a five-speed manual transmission, though a four-speed automatic was introduced in March 1997.
Dimensions and suspension
Although the Mk.3 Polo utilised a modified Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf floorpan, the Polo was 305 mm shorter (3715 mm), 40 mm narrower (1655 mm), 5 mm taller (1420 mm) and had a 75 mm shorter wheelbase (2400 mm). Furthermore, the VW Mk.3 Polo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Edition | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polo 1.6i | N/A | 1.6-litre AEE petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 1996-00 | 55 kW at 5200 rpm | 135 Nm at 2800 rpm |
| 4sp auto | 1997-00 | |||||
| Open Air | 1.6-litre AEE petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
1998-00 | 55 kW at 5200 rpm | 135 Nm at 2800 rpm | |
| Match | 1.6-litre AEE petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
2000 | 55 kW at 5200 rpm | 135 Nm at 2800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen 6N Polo included dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1997 VW 6N Polo hatchback – equipped with a single driver’s airbag – received a three star adult occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s chest was assessed to be marginal, while foot protection was poor due to significant footwell intrusion. In the side impact, chest protection was rated as poor for the driver.
Features
Standard features for the Volkswagen 6N Polo included a four speaker sound system with CD player, central locking, power front windows, power and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. From October 1999, the Polo was fitted with 13-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Polo Open Air
In July 1998, the Polo Open Air was released; compared to the standard Polo, the Open Air was distinguished by its power-operated sunroof.
2000 Polo Match
In 2000, limited-run March editions were released which were fitted with 14-inch alloy wheels and remote central locking.
Review: Volkswagen 6N2 Polo (2000-01)
Overview
Released in September 2000, the Volkswagen 6N2 Polo was powered by a 1.4-litre engine and could be identified by its revised bonnet, bumpers, radiator grille and clear-lens headlights; at the rear, the number plate was set lower.
Compared to its 6N predecessor, the bodyshell for the VW 6N2 Polo was fully galvanised, had greater side-impact strength and narrower panel gaps; the suspension was also revised for greater ride quality. Inside, the new dashboard featured two prominent circular dials with blue back-lighting, while there were also new upholstery and trim materials.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polo 1.4i 16V | 1.6-litre AEE petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
55 kW at 5000 rpm | 126 Nm at 3800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its 6N predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen 6N2 Polo was unchanged.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a VW 6N2 Polo three-door hatchback – equipped with dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26. In the side impact test, protection of the driver’s thighs was assessed as weak and poor (for the right and left legs, respectively) due to hard areas under the fascia; head, lower leg and foot protection were rated as adequate. In the side impact, the driver’s head hit the side glass which failed to break; protection of the driver’s head and abdomen were rated as adequate.
Features
Standard features for the Volkswagen 6N2 Polo 1.4i 16V were extended to include 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, front fog lights and a 12 volt power outlet.
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