Volkswagen Polo IV (9N) 1.4 FSI (86 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

IV (9N) Overview:

Volkswagen Polo (IV (9N)). With 130 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1040 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.1 s). The top speed reaches 178 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.4 FSI (86 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a noticeable improvement in power over the standard 1.4, providing a livelier driving experience suitable for mixed conditions.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy for a petrol engine, benefiting from direct injection technology, though real-world figures can vary.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Solid build quality and durable interior materials.
  • • Wide range of efficient and powerful engine options, especially TDI.
  • • Comfortable and composed ride for its class.
  • • Good safety rating for its era (4-star Euro NCAP).
  • • Practical hatchback design with decent boot space.

Cons:

  • • Base petrol engines (1.2, 1.4 75hp auto) can feel underpowered.
  • • Some interior plastics can feel hard and uninspiring.
  • • Rear legroom is limited for taller passengers.
  • • Older automatic transmissions are sluggish and impact economy.
  • • FSI engines can be prone to carbon buildup issues.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV (9N): 2001 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Polo
Generation:IV (9N)
Modification (Engine):1.4 FSI (86 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3-5
Engine:
Power:86 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:61.9 Hp/l [154mm more]
Torque:130 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AXU More details about the engine AXU
Engine displacement:1390
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:3.6 l
Coolant:5.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:76.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75.6 mm mm
Compression ratio:12:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.1 sec
Maximum speed:178 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.1 kg/Hp, 82.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8 kg/Nm, 125 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1040
Max. weight:1580
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1030 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:270 l
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:3897 mm mm [154mm more]
Width:1650 mm mm [18mm more]
Height:1465 mm mm [47mm more]
Wheelbase:2460 mm mm [53mm more]
Front track:1435 mm
Rear (Back) track:1425 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/60 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Help others decide – share your experience!