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Volkswagen Polo III Variant 1.6 (101 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Polo:
The Volkswagen Polo is a supermini car produced by the German car manufacturer Volkswagen since 1975. It is sold in Europe and other markets worldwide in hatchback, saloon, and estate variants throughout its production run. As of 2018, six separate generations of the Polo had been produced, usually identified by a "Series" or "Mark" number.
Some generations were facelifted midway through production, with the updated versions known unofficially by an addition of the letter F to the mark number, e. g. , Mk2F. Some members of the automotive press and some enthusiasts consider the facelifts to be separate models, so have used the unofficial designations Polo Mk1 to Mk7 for previous generations. Each Polo model 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 or Arabic 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....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Variant Overview:
Volkswagen Polo (III Variant). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.1 l/100km). Weighing only 1090 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.1 s). The top speed reaches 186 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.6 (101 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A significantly more capable petrol engine than the 75 Hp variant, offering a good balance of power and responsiveness for varied driving conditions.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for a 100+ Hp petrol engine of its era, suitable for those seeking more performance without excessive consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent practicality and cargo space for its size (Variant model)
- • Robust build quality typical of Volkswagen of its era
- • Wide range of fuel-efficient diesel engines available
- • Reliable and relatively inexpensive to maintain
- • Comfortable ride for its class
Cons:
- • Dated interior design and materials by modern standards
- • Base petrol engines can feel underpowered
- • Safety rating is low compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Some models lack modern convenience features
- • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (86C): 1990 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Polo |
| Generation: | III Variant |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (101 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 101 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.3 Hp/l [372mm more] |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AFT More details about the engine AFT |
| Engine displacement: | 1595 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 77.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 186 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1090 |
| Max. weight: | 1550 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1250 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 390 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4137 mm [372mm more] |
| Width: | 1640 mm [70mm more] |
| Height: | 1433 mm [83mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2444 mm [109mm more] |
| Front track: | 1429 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1384 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
If you could change one thing about the Volkswagen Polo, what would it be?