The Volkswagen Polo V (3-door) 1.2 TSI BMT (90 Hp) represents a significant iteration in Volkswagen’s long-running Polo supermini series. Produced between 2011 and 2014, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, where the three-door hatchback body style remained popular. The Polo V, launched in 2009, brought a new level of refinement and technology to the small car segment, and the 1.2 TSI BMT variant offered a compelling blend of fuel efficiency and performance. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications and features provides insight into the advancements in European small car design during this period.
Volkswagen Polo V: A European Supermini
The Polo has been a mainstay of Volkswagen’s lineup since 1975, consistently offering a practical and well-engineered option in the supermini class. The fifth generation, introduced in 2009, marked a substantial leap forward in terms of interior quality, safety features, and overall driving experience. The three-door version, like the 1.2 TSI BMT, catered to buyers prioritizing a sportier aesthetic and often a lower price point compared to the five-door model. The “TSI BMT” designation indicates a turbocharged stratified injection engine with BlueMotion Technology, Volkswagen’s suite of fuel-saving measures.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Polo V 1.2 TSI BMT is a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder engine equipped with a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 160 Nm (118.01 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 3500 rpm. The engine code, EA111 / CBZC, identifies this specific iteration of the Volkswagen Group’s widely used 1.2 TSI powerplant. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in performance, allowing for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.9 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 10.4 seconds. Maximum speed is rated at 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The BMT (BlueMotion Technology) features, including start/stop functionality, contribute to a combined fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg or 57.6 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of 113 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.5 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Polo V (3-door) is a classic hatchback, characterized by its compact dimensions and practical layout. Its length of 3970 mm (156.3 in) and width of 1682 mm (66.22 in) make it well-suited for navigating crowded city streets. The three-door configuration offers a slightly more dynamic profile than the five-door version. Inside, the Polo V boasts a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, comfortably accommodating five passengers. The trunk offers 280 liters (9.89 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 952 liters (33.62 cu. ft.) when folded down. Safety features, typical for a vehicle of this era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Polo V’s interior design focused on providing a solid, well-built environment, with a focus on ergonomics and usability. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1032 kg (2275.17 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo V (3-door) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 TSI BMT (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | November, 2011 |
| End of production | March, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 113 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA111 / CBZC |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1032 kg (2275.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 548 kg (1208.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 280 l (9.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 952 l (33.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3970 mm (156.3 in.) |
| Width | 1682 mm (66.22 in.) |
| Height | 1462 mm (57.56 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2470 mm (97.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Rear track | 1456 mm (57.32 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
The Volkswagen Polo V 1.2 TSI BMT (90 Hp) represents a well-rounded package for European drivers seeking an economical and practical small car. Its combination of fuel efficiency, respectable performance, and build quality cemented its position as a popular choice in a competitive segment.
