The Volkswagen Polo V, produced from 2009 to 2014, represents the fifth generation of Volkswagen’s popular supermini. This iteration of the Polo was a significant step forward in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement, solidifying its position as a leading contender in the European small car market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Polo is a mainstay in Europe, South Africa, and other global markets, known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and build quality. The 1.2-liter (60 horsepower) variant, discussed here, was a common entry-level offering, prioritizing economy and affordability.
Volkswagen Polo V (5-door) 1.2: An Overview
The Polo V was designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering a blend of practicality and style. The fifth-generation Polo moved away from the more rounded styling of its predecessor, adopting a more angular and modern aesthetic. The 5-door configuration, as detailed here, provided enhanced accessibility and practicality for families and those requiring rear passenger space. This model aimed to provide a comfortable and efficient driving experience for urban and suburban environments.
Engine & Performance
The 1.2-liter, inline-3 cylinder engine powering this variant of the Polo V is a naturally aspirated petrol (gasoline) engine. Designated the EA111 / CGPB engine code, it produces 60 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 108 Nm (79.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 50.1 hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 16.1 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 15.3 seconds. The top speed is rated at 157 km/h (97.56 mph). Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined fuel consumption rated at 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l). This engine meets Euro 5 emission standards, with CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. The engine utilizes a multi-port manifold fuel injection system and a DOHC valvetrain.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Polo V (5-door) is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive hatchback. Its body style prioritizes practicality and space efficiency. The 5-door layout enhances accessibility for rear passengers, making it a more versatile option than the 3-door variant. Inside, the Polo V offers a functional and well-built interior, typical of Volkswagen standards. Safety features, while not as extensive as in modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior offers seating for five passengers. Trunk (boot) space is a respectable 280 liters (9.89 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 952 liters (33.62 cu. ft.) when folded down. The Polo V’s design focused on providing a comfortable and user-friendly experience, with a focus on build quality and durability. The drag coefficient is rated at 0.32.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo V (5-door) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | March, 2009 |
| End of production | March, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 157 km/h (97.56 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17 kg/Hp, 59 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.4 kg/Nm, 106.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 3000 rpm (79.66 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA111 / CGPB |
| 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 | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.8 l (2.96 US qt | 2.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1017 kg (2242.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 533 kg (1175.06 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3970 mm (156.3 in.) |
| Width | 1682 mm (66.22 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1901 mm (74.84 in.) |
| Height | 1462 mm (57.56 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2470 mm (97.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1456 mm (57.32 in.) |
| Front overhang | 839 mm (33.03 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 661 mm (26.02 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 153 mm (6.02 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 13.3° |
| Departure angle | 19.5° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 11.1° |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 256×22 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 200×40 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14 |
The Volkswagen Polo V, particularly the 1.2-liter variant, represents a practical and economical choice for those seeking a reliable and fuel-efficient supermini. While not available in the US market, it remains a popular and well-regarded vehicle in Europe and beyond.
