The Volkswagen Polo VI (facelift 2021) 1.0 EVO (80 Hp) represents a mid-cycle refresh of the sixth-generation Polo, a supermini car produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen. While the Polo has been a mainstay in European markets for decades, it has not been officially sold in the United States. The Polo occupies a crucial position in Europe as an affordable, practical, and well-engineered entry-level vehicle, competing with models like the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, and Peugeot 208. The facelift introduced in 2021 brought styling updates, enhanced technology, and refinements to the engine lineup, aiming to maintain the Polo’s competitive edge in a crowded segment.
Volkswagen Polo VI (Facelift 2021) 1.0 EVO: An Overview
The Polo VI, launched in 2017, was a significant step forward for the model, utilizing the MQB A0 platform which allowed for increased interior space and improved driving dynamics. The 2021 facelift focused on modernizing the exterior and interior, and improving efficiency. The 1.0 EVO engine, producing 80 horsepower, is a key variant, offering a balance between fuel economy and acceptable performance for urban and highway driving. This version of the Polo is geared towards buyers prioritizing practicality and running costs over outright performance.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Polo VI (facelift 2021) 1.0 EVO is a 999 cc, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated gasoline engine. This engine, designated DSGB or DSGD, delivers 80 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 93 Nm (68.59 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3700 and 3900 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 80.1 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 15.5 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in 14.7 seconds. The top speed is rated at 171 km/h (106.25 mph). Fuel consumption, measured using the WLTP cycle, ranges from 5.4 to 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers (43.6 to 40.6 US mpg, or 52.3 to 48.7 UK mpg). The engine meets Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emission standards and incorporates a particulate filter to reduce emissions.
Design & Features
The Polo VI (facelift 2021) is a five-door hatchback with a seating capacity of five. Its exterior design features a revised front fascia with a more prominent grille, new headlights (often incorporating LED technology in higher trims), and a redesigned bumper. The rear of the car receives updated taillights and a revised bumper as well. The interior benefits from improved materials and a more modern dashboard layout. A key feature is the availability of an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and depending on the trim level, features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist may be included. The Polo offers 351 liters (12.4 cu. ft.) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1125 liters (39.73 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The car’s dimensions are 4074 mm (160.39 in.) in length, 1751 mm (68.94 in.) in width, and 1451 mm (57.13 in.) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Generation | Polo VI (facelift 2021) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 EVO (80 Hp) |
| Start of production | September, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.4-5.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel Consumption (US mpg) | 43.6 – 40.6 |
| Fuel Consumption (UK mpg) | 52.3 – 48.7 |
| Fuel Consumption (km/l) | 18.5 – 17.2 |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 123-130 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.2 kg/Hp, 70.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 12.2 kg/Nm, 82.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 80 Hp @ 5100 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 3700-3900 rpm (68.59 lb.-ft. @ 3700-3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DSGB, DSGD |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1132 kg (2495.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max load | 408 kg (899.49 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 351 l (12.4 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1125 l (39.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Length | 4074 mm (160.39 in.) |
| Width | 1751 mm (68.94 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1964 mm (77.32 in.) |
| Height | 1451 mm (57.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2552 mm (100.47 in.) |
| Front track | 1500-1526 mm (59.06 – 60.08 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1483-1509 mm (58.39 – 59.41 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16; 215/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15; 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
The Volkswagen Polo VI (facelift 2021) 1.0 EVO (80 Hp) remains a popular choice in Europe for those seeking a reliable, economical, and well-built supermini. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies Volkswagen’s commitment to producing practical and efficient vehicles for the global automotive landscape.
