The Volkswagen Polo V, produced from 2009 to 2014, represents the fifth generation of Volkswagen’s popular supermini. This iteration of the Polo was a significant step forward in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement, solidifying its position as a leading contender in the European small car market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Polo is a mainstay in Europe, South Africa, and parts of Asia, known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and build quality. The 1.2-liter (70 horsepower) variant, discussed here, was a common entry-level offering, prioritizing economy and affordability.
Volkswagen Polo V (5-door) 1.2 (70 Hp): An Overview
The Polo V was designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering a blend of comfort, safety, and modern features in a compact package. The fifth-generation Polo aimed to elevate the standard for vehicles in its class, competing with models like the Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, and Renault Clio. The 5-door configuration, as detailed here, provided enhanced practicality for families and those requiring easier access to the rear seats. This model year saw a shift towards more sophisticated interior materials and improved driving dynamics compared to its predecessors.
Engine & Performance
The 1.2-liter, naturally aspirated inline-three cylinder engine powering this Polo variant delivers 70 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 112 Nm (82.61 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. This engine, identified by the Volkswagen internal code EA111 / CGPA, is characterized by its relatively simple design and focus on fuel efficiency. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving situations. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.1 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.4 seconds. The Polo V 1.2 reaches a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 14.5 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Nm. Fuel economy figures, measured using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), are rated at 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) in urban conditions, 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) combined. CO2 emissions are rated at 128 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Polo V is a five-door hatchback with a practical and functional design. Its exterior styling is characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated aesthetic, typical of Volkswagen’s design philosophy at the time. The interior offers seating for five passengers and features a functional dashboard layout. Key features of this model include a standard five-speed manual transmission, electric power steering, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Safety features were improved over previous generations, with a focus on occupant protection. The Polo V offers 280 liters (9.89 cu. ft.) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 952 liters (33.62 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 3970 mm (156.3 in), width 1682 mm (66.22 in), and height 1462 mm (57.56 in). The wheelbase measures 2470 mm (97.24 in), contributing to a stable ride. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.32.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo V (5-door) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (70 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 14.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph | 14.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 3000 rpm (82.61 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA111 / CGPA |
| Engine displacement | 1198 cm3 (73.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.9 mm (3.42 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.8 l (2.96 US qt | 2.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1017 kg (2242.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 533 kg (1175.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 280 l (9.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 952 l (33.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (8%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (12%) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Length | 3970 mm (156.3 in.) |
| Width | 1682 mm (66.22 in.) |
| Height | 1462 mm (57.56 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2470 mm (97.24 in.) |
| Tire size | 175/70 R14; 185/60 R15 |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual |
The Volkswagen Polo V 1.2 (70 Hp) offered a practical and economical transportation solution for European drivers. Its blend of affordability, fuel efficiency, and Volkswagen’s reputation for quality made it a popular choice in the competitive supermini segment.
