Volkswagen Polo II Classic (86C) 1.3 G40 (116 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 2.0 / 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)

II Classic (86C) Overview:

Volkswagen Polo (II Classic (86C)). With 148 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 765 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 195 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 G40 (116 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

A true performance variant, offering exhilarating acceleration and a sporty driving feel for its size and era.

Fuel Economy

Less economical than other variants due to its supercharged nature, but still reasonable for a performance car.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast / Spirited Driving

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 Coupe (86C): 1986 - 1990).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Polo
Generation:II Classic (86C)
Modification (Engine):1.3 G40 (116 Hp)
Start of production:1987
End of production:1990
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:116 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:91.2 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:148 Nm @ 3600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:PY More details about the engine PY
Engine displacement:1272
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Supercharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:5.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75 mm
Piston Stroke:72 mm
Compression ratio:8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Maximum speed:195 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.6 kg/Hp, 151.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.2 kg/Nm, 193.5 Nm/tonne
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
Width:1570 mm
Height:1350 mm
Wheelbase:2335 mm
Front track:1320 mm
Rear (Back) track:1345 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):105 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 brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size155/70 R13
Wheel rims size13
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTorsion

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Polo rank in your book?