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 economical choice for urban drivers. The 1.4 TDI variant, equipped with a 70 horsepower diesel engine, was particularly popular for its fuel efficiency and suitability for long commutes. This model occupied the subcompact car segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, and Opel Corsa.
Volkswagen Polo IV (9N) Facelift: A Detailed Overview
The 9N facelift brought with it revised styling cues, improved interior materials, and updated engine options compared to the earlier 9N models. The focus was on refining an already successful formula, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and the overall driving experience. The 1.4 TDI model, specifically, targeted buyers seeking low running costs and reasonable performance in a compact package. It was a common sight in European cities, prized for its maneuverability and parking ease.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2005-2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI is a 1.4-liter, inline-three cylinder diesel engine, designated BNM or BWD. This engine produces 70 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 155 Nm (114.32 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1600 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine’s torque delivery provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing efficiency and power output. Fuel is delivered via a pump-nozzle (unit injector) system, a technology common in Volkswagen diesels of the era. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.6 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 13.9 seconds. The top speed is rated at 164 km/h (101.9 mph). The engine’s fuel economy is a key selling point, achieving approximately 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) in urban conditions and 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg) on the open road. A particulate filter was included to reduce emissions, reflecting growing environmental concerns at the time.
Design & Features
The Polo IV (9N) facelift is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its design is characterized by a rounded, contemporary aesthetic, typical of early 2000s automotive styling. The facelift brought subtle changes to the front and rear fascias, including revised headlights and taillights, and a redesigned front bumper. Inside, the Polo offers a functional and relatively spacious cabin for its size. The interior materials were upgraded in the facelift model, providing a more refined feel. Standard features typically included power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and front airbags. The rear seats fold down to increase cargo capacity, providing versatility for carrying luggage or other items. Trunk space ranges from 270 liters (9.53 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1030 liters (36.37 cu. ft.) with them folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3897 mm (153.43 in.) in length, 1650 mm (64.96 in.) in width, and 1465 mm (57.68 in.) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo IV (9N, facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TDI (70 Hp) 5-d |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 164 km/h (101.9 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 1600 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | BNM, BWD |
| Engine displacement | 1422 cm3 (86.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 19.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual 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 1.4 TDI represents a well-rounded and practical supermini. Its fuel efficiency, combined with its compact size and reasonable performance, made it a popular choice for European drivers. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies Volkswagen’s commitment to building quality, economical vehicles for everyday use.
