The Volkswagen Polo V (3-door) 1.6 TDI BMT (90 Hp) represents a significant iteration in Volkswagen’s long-running Polo supermini series. Produced from March 2009 to March 2014, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, where the three-door hatchback configuration remained popular. While not officially sold in the United States, the Polo is a cornerstone of Volkswagen’s global strategy, offering an affordable and practical entry point into the brand. The “BMT” designation signifies Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology, emphasizing fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This particular variant, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine, balances economy with reasonable performance, making it a common sight on European roads.
Volkswagen Polo V: A Detailed Overview
The Polo V, introduced in 2009, marked a substantial improvement over its predecessor, the Polo IV. It featured a more refined interior, improved safety features, and a wider range of engine options. The three-door body style, while less common than the five-door version, catered to buyers prioritizing a sportier aesthetic and potentially lower weight. The 1.6 TDI BMT engine was a key component of Volkswagen’s strategy to meet increasingly stringent European emission standards. This engine combined common-rail direct injection with a turbocharger and intercooler to deliver a good balance of power and fuel economy.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Polo V 1.6 TDI BMT lies a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, identified by the engine code CAYB. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 56.3 hp/l. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 12.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 4.7 kg/Nm. The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving combined fuel consumption of 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg or 76.3 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of 96 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Polo V (3-door) is a classic hatchback, characterized by its compact dimensions and practical layout. It offers seating for five passengers and features a three-door configuration. The vehicle’s length is 3970 mm (156.3 in), with a width of 1682 mm (66.22 in) and a height of 1462 mm (57.56 in). The wheelbase measures 2470 mm (97.24 in). The interior, while relatively basic in this trim level, is functional and well-built, typical of Volkswagen standards. Key features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, electric power steering, and a Start & Stop system to further improve fuel economy. 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. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1090 kg (2403.04 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo V (3-door) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI BMT (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | March, 2009 |
| End of production | March, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.2 l/100 km (73.5 US mpg, 88.3 UK mpg, 31.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 96 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA189 / CAYB |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1090 kg (2403.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560 kg (1234.59 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.) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
The Volkswagen Polo V 1.6 TDI BMT (90 Hp) represents a practical and efficient choice for European drivers seeking a compact and economical hatchback. Its blend of fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and Volkswagen’s reputation for build quality made it a popular choice in its segment.
