Volkswagen Polo III (6N/6KV) 1.6 16V GTI (120 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 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)

III (6N/6KV) Overview:

Volkswagen Polo (III (6N/6KV)). With 148 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1073 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.1 s). The top speed reaches 200 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.

1.6 16V GTI (120 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong performance, offering a thrilling driving experience, slightly detuned from the 125hp variant.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for a performance-oriented engine, considering its power output.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving / Sporty daily driver

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Reliable and durable build quality for its era
  • • Excellent fuel economy on SDI diesel models
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class
  • • Wide range of engine options, including sporty GTI
  • • Compact size ideal for city driving and parking

Cons:

  • • Entry-level petrol engines are significantly underpowered
  • • Basic interior design and materials on lower trims
  • • Safety rating is average by modern standards
  • • Some parts may be harder to find for older models
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds, especially on highways

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Classic: 1997 - 2000).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Polo
Generation:III (6N/6KV)
Modification (Engine):1.6 16V GTI (120 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:120 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:75.1 Hp/l [420mm less]
Torque:148 Nm @ 3400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AJV More details about the engine AJV
Engine displacement:1598
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.2 l
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:76.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.9 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.6:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):7.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):9.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):5.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.1 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.9 kg/Hp, 111.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.3 kg/Nm, 137.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1073
Size:
Length:3744 mm mm [420mm less]
Width:1633 mm mm [7mm less]
Height:1407 mm mm [7mm less]
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 size195/45 R15

How many miles have you covered in your Volkswagen Polo? Share your journey!