The Volkswagen Polo IV (9N) facelift, produced from 2005 to 2009, represents a significant evolution of Volkswagen’s supermini. This generation Polo, while not officially sold in the United States, was a mainstay in the European market, offering a practical and affordable option in the highly competitive small car segment. The 1.4-liter, 80 horsepower variant with an automatic transmission and three-door body style was a popular choice for urban commuters and those seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle. This model aimed to balance affordability with Volkswagen’s reputation for build quality and engineering.
Volkswagen Polo IV (9N, Facelift 2005): A Detailed Overview
The Polo IV (9N) facelift built upon the success of the original 9N model, introducing styling revisions and updated features. The facelift, introduced in 2005, included changes to the front and rear fascias, interior trim, and available equipment. The 1.4-liter engine option, producing 80 horsepower, was positioned as an entry-level powertrain, prioritizing fuel economy and ease of use over outright performance. The availability of an automatic transmission further broadened its appeal to a wider range of drivers.
Engine & Performance
The 2005-2009 Volkswagen Polo IV 1.4 utilizes a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the BUD engine code. This naturally aspirated engine produces 80 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 97.36 lb.-ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 57.6 hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Polo 1.4 achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately 13.6 seconds and a top speed of 106.25 mph (171 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio is 13.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.3 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined fuel consumption rated at 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg or 40.9 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Polo IV (9N) facelift is a three-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its compact dimensions – 3897 mm (153.43 in) in length, 1650 mm (64.96 in) in width, and 1465 mm (57.68 in) in height – make it well-suited for navigating crowded city streets and parking in tight spaces. The three-door configuration prioritizes a sportier aesthetic, although it does compromise rear passenger access somewhat. The interior is functional and well-built, typical of Volkswagen standards. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The trunk offers 270 liters (9.53 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1030 liters (36.37 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1095 kg (2414.06 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 555 kg (1223.57 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo IV (9N, facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (80 Hp) Automatic 3-d |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 80 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 Nm @ 3800 rpm (97.36 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | BUD |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1095 kg (2414.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 555 kg (1223.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 270 l (9.53 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1030 l (36.37 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3897 mm (153.43 in.) |
| Width | 1650 mm (64.96 in.) |
| Height | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2460 mm (96.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Rear track | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Volkswagen Polo IV (9N) facelift, particularly the 1.4-liter automatic version, offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a reliable, economical, and well-built supermini. While not available in the US market, it represents a significant chapter in Volkswagen’s history and a testament to their commitment to producing quality vehicles for a global audience.
