Review: Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo (2002-10)

Review: Volkswagen 9N Polo (2002-05)

Overview

Released in July 2002, the Volkswagen 9N Polo was initially available as a light three- or five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Uitenhage, South Africa, the VW 9N Polo hatchbacks were powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Polo hatchback was initially available in three editions: an unnamed entry-level edition, the ‘S’ and ‘SE’. In October 2003, these editions were renamed to Club, Match and Elite and equipment levels were improved.

In August 2004, the 9N Polo range was expanded with a sedan that was manufactured in Anting, China, powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and available with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The sedan was solely available as a Classic edition.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volkswagen Mk.3 Polo , the Mk.4 Polo hatchbacks were 182 mm longer (at 3897 mm), 5 mm narrower (1650 mm), 45 mm taller (1465 mm) and had a 60 mm longer wheelbase (2460 mm). Compared to the hatchbacks, the four-door sedan was 290 mm longer (4187 mm).

Suspension

The VW Mk.4 Polo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a transverse torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Initially, standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen 9N Polo consisted of dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; ABS and electronic brake force distribution were optional. From August 2003, however, ABS and electronic brake force distribution were standard across the range; the Elite and Classic editions were also equipped with front side airbags.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2002 five-door VW 9N Polo hatchback fitted with a 1.2-litre petrol engine – and equipped with dual front airbags and front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.75. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg and foot injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, however, the Polo received maximum points.

Features: Polo 1.4i hatch

Standard features for the three-door Volkswagen 9N Polo 1.4i included a four speaker sound system with CD player, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, front fog lamps, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, heated power mirrors and an immobiliser. The Polo S was further equipped with air conditioning, while the SE added remote central locking, power windows, an alarm and body-coloured bumpers.

Features were improved in October 2003 with the release of the revised Polo range: compared to its predecessor, the entry-level Polo Club was fitted with air conditioning, while the Polo Match received power windows and an alarm; the range-topping Polo Elite was also equipped with cruise control.

Features: Polo 1.6i sedan

Unlike the South African-built hatch, standard features for the Polo 1.6i Classic sedan included an eight speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, tinted windows and an immobiliser.

Review: Volkswagen 9N3 Polo (2005-10)

Overview

Released in November 2005, the Volkswagen 9N3 Polo introduced a revised range; the sedan was discontinued and two new variants were introduced: the five-door 1.9 TDI and three-door GTi. Visually, the VW 9N3 Polo was distinguished by its one-piece head and tail lights. In October 2008, the range underwent a minor update, the Club and Match editions effectively replaced by the Edition and Pacific.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen 9N3 Polo Club and Match included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 1.9 TDI and six-speed automatic models (including Club and Match editions) were also equipped with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The range-topping GTi was also fitted with front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control as standard. From October 2008 (i.e. the release of the Pacific and Edition), all models were fitted with front side airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Polo Club included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, rear fog lamps, central locking, heated power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows and an immobiliser. Beyond this, the Polo Match and Polo TDI added cruise control, remote central locking and an alarm.

The turbocharged VW Polo GTi was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, electronic differential lock, front fog lamps, leather steering wheel and gearshift, height adjustable front seats, painted brake calipers, trip computer, cargo cover and tyre pressure sensors.

Polo Edition and Pacific

Equipment levels were improved with the release of the Edition and Pacific editions. Compared to the Club, the Edition added remote central locking, leather steering wheel and gearshift, height adjustable front seats, front seat storage compartments, alarm and body-coloured side protection strips. Compared to the Match, the Pacific was also fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system and trip computer.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo