Hatchback, since 1975
Volkswagen Polo specifications
The Volkswagen Polo is a hatchback built by Volkswagen Group, first launched in 1975. European buyers can choose from 4 engine and power combinations, from 59 kW (79 hp) to 152 kW (204 hp). It measures 4,074 mm (160 in) long on a 2,552 mm wheelbase.
- 79–204 hp
- Power (59–152 kW)
- 93–200 Nm
- Torque (69–148 lb-ft)
- 10.4–15.5 s
- 0–100 km/h (fastest to slowest version)
- 4
- Engines sold in Europe
Engines and performance
| Engine | Fuel | Power | Economy | CO₂ | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 litre | Petrol | 59 kW / 79 hp | 5.4 l/100 km (44 mpg) | 122 g/km | 1,120–1,164 kg |
| 1.0 litre | Petrol | 70 kW / 94 hp | 5.3 l/100 km (44 mpg) | 120 g/km | 1,165–1,287 kg |
| 1.0 litre | Petrol | 85 kW / 114 hp | 5.6 l/100 km (42 mpg) | 127 g/km | 1,195–1,291 kg |
| 2.0 litre | Petrol | 152 kW / 204 hp | 6.7 l/100 km (35 mpg) | 152 g/km | 1,371–1,442 kg |
Versions and performance
6th generation, facelift (EU market), 2021–present: 5 versions (hatchback), from least to most powerful. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market.
| Version | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 79 hp 59 kW | 93 Nm | 15.5 s | 171 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gas balloon equipment | 89 hp 66 kW | 160 Nm | 12.3 s | 183 km/h | Manual, 6-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 AMT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 94 hp 70 kW | 175 Nm | 11.3 s | 187 km/h | automated manual, 7-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 94 hp 70 kW | 175 Nm | 10.8 s | 187 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 AMT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 109 hp 81 kW | 200 Nm | 10.4 s | 195 km/h | automated manual, 7-speed | Front wheel drive |
Dimensions and weight
| Length | 4,074 mm | 160 in |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1,751 mm | 69 in |
| Height | 1,451 mm | 57 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,552 mm | 100 in |
| Ground clearance | 143 mm | 6 in |
| Kerb weight | 1,120–1,305 kg | 2,469–2,877 lb |
| Boot space | 355–1,125 litres | 13–40 cu ft |
| Seats | 5 | |
| Fuel tank | 40 litres | 11 US gal |
Where it's sold, and what it's called
| Market | Sold as | 2025 sales rank |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Volkswagen Polo | ≈ #5 |
Approximate 2025 ranking from monthly NAAMSA sales reports.
Generations
- 1st generation, facelift 1975–1988
- 1st generation 1975–1979
- 2nd generation 1981–1994
- 2nd generation, facelift 1990–1994
- 3rd generation 1994–2002
- 3rd generation, facelift 1999–2001
- 4th generation 2001–2005
- 4th generation, facelift 2005–2009
- 5th generation 2009–2015
- 5th generation, facelift 2014–2020
- 6th generation (EU market) 2017–2021
- Plus (China market) 2019–2024
- 6th generation 2020–2022
- 6th generation, facelift (EU market) 2021–present
Questions about the Volkswagen Polo
How much horsepower does the Volkswagen Polo have?
The most powerful Volkswagen Polo sold in Europe produces 152 kW (204 hp) from a 2-litre petrol engine. The least powerful version makes 59 kW (79 hp).
How much torque does the Volkswagen Polo have?
Between 93 and 200 Nm (69–148 lb-ft) for the 6th generation, facelift (EU market), depending on the engine.
How fast is the Volkswagen Polo from 0 to 100 km/h (0–60 mph)?
The quickest version takes 10.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (about 9.9 s to 60 mph); the slowest takes 15.5 seconds.
What is the top speed of the Volkswagen Polo?
Up to 195 km/h (121 mph) for the fastest version; the slowest tops out at 171 km/h (106 mph).
How big is the Volkswagen Polo?
It is 4,074 mm (160 in) long, 1,751 mm (69 in) wide and 1,451 mm (57 in) tall. A typical kerb weight is 1,120 kg (2,469 lb).
What fuel economy does the Volkswagen Polo get?
The most economical European version uses 5.3 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle.
Is the Volkswagen Polo a best seller?
It ranked around number 5 in South Africa in 2025.
Compare the Volkswagen Polo
Similar hatchbacks
Sources: EEA CO₂ monitoring 2025 (engines), RDW open data and manufacturer data (dimensions, versions), FuelEconomy.gov (US ratings), Wikidata Q247819, Wikipedia. Figures are typical values and vary by trim and year.