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Volkswagen Polo III Classic 1.9 TDI (90 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 Classic Overview:
Volkswagen Polo (III Classic). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1145 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.9 TDI (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A well-regarded TDI engine offering a strong balance of power and torque, resulting in respectable acceleration and confident cruising.
Fuel Economy
Known for excellent fuel economy, making it a very cost-effective choice for both city and highway driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Reliable engines
- • Good fuel economy (diesel models)
- • Practical sedan body style
- • Affordable to buy and maintain
- • Robust build quality
Cons:
- • Dated safety features
- • Basic interior comfort
- • Lackluster performance (entry-level engines)
- • Limited modern amenities
- • Road noise at higher speeds
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III (6N/6KV): 1995 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Polo |
| Generation: | III Classic |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.9 TDI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 3750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 47.5 Hp/l [449mm more] |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 1900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AHU, ALE More details about the engine AHU, ALE |
| Engine displacement: | 1896 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Compression ratio: | 19:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 183.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1145 |
| Max. weight: | 1605 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 760 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 455 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4164 mm mm [449mm more] |
| Width: | 1640 mm mm [15mm less] |
| Height: | 1414 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2441 mm mm [41mm more] |
| Front track: | 1429 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1410 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 | 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Polo. How does it handle on the road?