Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Polo II Classic (86C) 1.3 (55 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)
II Classic (86C) Overview:
Volkswagen Polo (II Classic (86C)). With 94 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 765 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 153 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.3 (55 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance for daily driving and city commutes, though it can feel strained on highways.
Fuel Economy
Reasonably economical for its time, providing a good balance between power and fuel consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent fuel economy (especially diesel and smaller petrols)
- • Robust and reliable mechanicals for its era
- • Practical and compact dimensions for city driving
- • Affordable to buy and maintain
- • G40 variant offers genuine hot hatch performance
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Limited performance in most non-G40 variants
- • Dated interior design and materials
- • Lack of modern amenities and refinement
- • Rust can be an issue on older examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (86C): 1982 - 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Polo |
| Generation: | II Classic (86C) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 (55 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1983 |
| End of production: | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 55 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 43.2 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 94 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | MH More details about the engine MH |
| Engine displacement: | 1272 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 153 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.9 kg/Hp, 71.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.1 kg/Nm, 122.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 765 |
| Max. weight: | 1230 |
| Max load: | 465 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 915 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 240 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3725 mm mm |
| Width: | 1570 mm mm |
| Height: | 1350 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2335 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1320 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1345 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 105 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Gearbox type | /5 |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 155/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Polo rank in your book?