The Volkswagen Polo IV Fun 1.2 i 12V (64 Hp), produced between 2004 and 2005, represents a specific trim level within the fourth generation of Volkswagen’s popular supermini. While the Polo is a mainstay in the European automotive market, particularly as a first car or city runabout, it wasn’t widely sold in the United States. The Polo IV, launched in 2002, aimed to offer a more refined and spacious interior compared to its predecessor, alongside improved safety features and a more modern aesthetic. The “Fun” trim, as the name suggests, focused on providing a more appealing and feature-rich package for buyers seeking a stylish and practical small car. This model occupied the subcompact hatchback segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, and Peugeot 206 in Europe.
Volkswagen Polo IV Fun: A Detailed Overview
The Polo IV Fun 1.2 i 12V was designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering a balance of affordability, practicality, and a degree of style. It was positioned as a step up from the base-level Polo models, typically including features like alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and potentially enhanced audio systems. The fourth-generation Polo marked a significant evolution for the model, moving away from the more utilitarian focus of earlier iterations towards a more contemporary and desirable package. The “Fun” trim level specifically targeted younger buyers or those seeking a more personalized vehicle.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Polo IV Fun 1.2 i 12V lies a 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated AZQ or BME, produces 64 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 82.61 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine was designed for fuel efficiency and adequate power for urban driving. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a naturally aspirated configuration. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 15.7 seconds, and 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is achieved in 16.5 seconds. The top speed is rated at 97.56 mph (157 km/h). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 58.8 HP per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 102.8 Nm per tonne. The engine’s relatively small displacement and three-cylinder configuration contribute to its fuel economy, with combined fuel consumption figures of 37.9 US mpg (45.6 UK mpg or 6.2 l/100 km).
Design & Features
The Polo IV Fun is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its exterior design is characterized by rounded lines and a relatively compact footprint, making it easy to maneuver in city environments. The “Fun” trim typically included features such as alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers, and potentially upgraded interior trim. Inside, the Polo IV offered a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, with a focus on practicality and usability. The trunk space is a versatile 9.46 cu. ft. (268 liters) with the rear seats up, expanding to 37.01 cu. ft. (1048 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions are 153.98 inches (3911 mm) in length, 65.79 inches (1671 mm) in width, and 60.51 inches (1537 mm) in height. The Polo IV Fun utilizes a steering rack and pinion system for precise handling and is equipped with ventilated discs on the front and discs on the rear for braking performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo IV Fun |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 i 12V (64 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 157 km/h (97.56 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 64 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 3000 rpm (82.61 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | AZQ, BME |
| 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 oil capacity | 2.8 l (2.96 US qt | 2.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1089 kg (2400.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max load | 451 kg (994.28 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 268 l (9.46 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1048 l (37.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3911 mm (153.98 in.) |
| Width | 1671 mm (65.79 in.) |
| Height | 1537 mm (60.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2462 mm (96.93 in.) |
| Front track | 1434 mm (56.46 in.) |
| Rear track | 1427 mm (56.18 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/40 R17 W |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 17 |
The Volkswagen Polo IV Fun 1.2 i 12V, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a practical and economical transportation solution for European drivers. Its blend of affordability, fuel efficiency, and relatively spacious interior made it a popular choice in the subcompact hatchback segment. Although not officially sold in the US market, it represents a significant model in Volkswagen’s history and a testament to their commitment to producing well-engineered and reliable small cars.
