Volkswagen Polo Mk4

File:2005 Volkswagen Polo E 1.2 Rear.jpg

Launched in September 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show,{{cite web|title=VW Polo: Die ersten Fotos|url=http://www.spiegel.de/auto/fahrberichte/vw-polo-die-ersten-fotos-a-149960.html|publisher=Spiegel Online|access-date=25 March 2016|language=de|date=13 August 2001}} the fourth generation Polo{{Cite web |title=Historique, infos et photos : Tout sur les Volkswagen Polo 6N & 6N2 (1994-2001) |url=https://forum-auto.caradisiac.com/topic/516907-topic-officiel-volkswagen-polo-6n-6n2-1994-2001-concentr%C3%A9-de-fourmi/ |website=caradisiac|date=4 December 2021 }} (internal designation Typ 9N) was made available in early 2002.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} In keeping with Volkswagen's aim of floor pan sharing it shares its platform with the SEAT Ibiza 6L, SEAT Córdoba 6L, Volkswagen Gol Third Generation, also called G5 or N.F.- Not to be confused with Volkswagen Golf - and Škoda Fabia Mk1. The car is all new, and bears more structural resemblance to the 6K than the 6N,{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}} outwardly the most recognizable change is the quad round headlights similar to the Volkswagen Lupo.

At a length of over {{convert|3900|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, the South African-built Polo Vivo is longer than the first generation of its larger sibling, the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, {{convert|3820|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in length.

File:Volkswagen Polo Diesel 3-Door (MIAS).JPG

In January 2009, Volkswagen Group of America CEO Stefan Jacoby announced that the Polo will finally reach North America to join the vehicle line-up as a true entry-level car below the Rabbit. However, the Polo Mk4 was never released in the North American market, leaving the speculation for its successor, the Polo Mk5. When the Mk5 was introduced in European markets, it was not made available for US sale. Due to the increased demand for SUVs, VWoA management confirmed the Mk5 was not slated for a US introduction in the foreseeable future. If the Mk5 had been introduced in the US, it was anticipated to be built at Volkswagen's plant in Puebla, Mexico, alongside the Jetta and New Beetle. As of 2016, there are still no plans to introduce the Polo Mk5 or future generations of the Polo in the US.{{cite web|last1=Weernink |first1=Wim Oude |last2=Wortham |first2=April |url=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090116/COPY01/301169905/1176 |title=VW plans to sell Polo in U.S. |publisher=Automotive News |date=2009-01-16 |access-date=2010-12-04}}

The model range includes the norm for current Volkswagen models, from the Comfortline to the Trendline and Highline, whilst featuring an extensive list of extras that had now become norm in mid-sized small cars. Items such as ABS, power steering, front and side airbags and front and rear head restraints were standard on all models and ESP, brake assistance, air conditioning, satellite navigation etc. were optional on higher spec models.

It is the first Polo generation to use a semi-automatic air conditioning system, with automatic climate control, named Climatic, that adjusts the interior temperature automatically to the value set on the control panel, whereas the air distribution and air blower speed are adjusted manually. A fully automatic air conditioning system, named Climatronic, was also offered.{{cite web|title=Self-Study Programme 263. Polo Model Year 2002|url=http://www.volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_263_d1.pdf|publisher=VolksPage.Net|page=28; 44|date=2002-03-04|access-date=2013-01-28}}

It was available with a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed manual gearbox, only for the sporty 1.9-litre {{convert|130|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} diesel model, or with a four-speed automatic gearbox, used only in combination with the 1.4-litre {{convert|55|kW|PS|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} petrol engine. A six-speed semi-automatic transmission (Tiptronic) was added from mid-2006, after the facelift, also available only with the 1.4-litre {{convert|59|kW|PS|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} or with the 1.6-litre {{convert|77|kW|PS|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} petrol engines.{{cite web|title=Neue Sechsstufenautomatik für den VW Polo|url=http://www.autosieger.de/print.php?sid=10359|publisher=Autosieger|date=2006-08-23|access-date=2013-02-07|language=de}}

There was also a crossover version of the Polo, with off-road styling, named Polo Fun (Polo Dune in the UK, Polo Soho in Spain, CrossPolo in South Africa), released in 2003 - despite its appearance the car was never available with 4WD.

The Polo was available with several petrol and diesel engines: a 1.2 L three-cylinder petrol engine with {{convert|55|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} or {{convert|64|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} (depending on the number of valves per cylinder, two or four) and a 16-valve 1.4 L 4-cylinder with {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} or {{convert|100|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} petrol engine, the last one on the 16V-badged model.

Both turbocharged and naturally aspirated diesel engines were available such as the 4-cylinder 1.9 L SDI (Suction Diesel Injection) which also offered {{convert|64|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} but with {{convert|125|Nm|lb·ft|abbr=on}} of torque, slightly more than some petrol powered units. As well as the unturbocharged SDI engine, newer TDI PD turbodiesel units were also available, these being a 1.9 L with {{convert|100|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and a three-cylinder 1.4 L model (the 1.9 with one cylinder less) with {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}. A sporty 1.9 TDI PD model, named Polo GT, was launched in 2004, with {{convert|130|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}.

A sedan version was launched in November 2003.{{cite web|title=VW Polo Limousine: Niedersächsische Stufenlösung|url=http://www.spiegel.de/auto/aktuell/vw-polo-limousine-niedersaechsische-stufenloesung-a-272831.html|publisher=Spiegel Online|access-date=25 March 2016|language=de|date=8 November 2003}} It was produced in Brazil, South Africa and China and exported to the rest of Latin America and Australia, as well as to Europe. With the introduction of the Polo Classic saloon in the Australian market in 2004, the Chinese version, has the distinction of being the first Chinese-built car to be produced in right-hand drive.{{Cite web|title=Eight Chinese cars that flopped in Australia|url=https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/eight-chinese-cars-that-flopped-in-australia|access-date=2022-02-13|website=CarExpert|date=6 June 2020 |language=en}}

Compared to the hatchback model, the Polo Sedan (also "Saloon" or "Limousine") is completely re-styled from the B-pillar rearwards. The window line has a slight upward incline and the roof features Volkswagen's trademark curves and the concise styling of the C-pillar provides aspects that are actually reminiscent of a coupe. At the rear, the large horizontally divided rear lights and sculptured panels complete a design that is classically Volkswagen.

Overall, the Polo Sedan is 28 centimetres longer than the hatchback version (4179 mm vs 3897 mm). Consequently, with the rear seatback in place, the Polo Sedan offers 461 Litres of boot capacity (211 litres more than the hatchback siblings) and with the rear seats folded down, 1127 litres of storage capacity is available.

Under the bonnet is Volkswagen's 1.6-litre multi-valve engine that delivers {{Convert|101|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} of power at 5500 rpm and peak torque of {{Convert|140|Nm|lb·ft|abbr=on}} at 3250 rpm. Transmission is a five-speed manual.

Standard features including dual front and side airbags, semi-automatic air conditioning, CD player, ABS brakes and remote central locking with engine immobiliser.{{cite web|url=http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_102357/title_Volkswagen-Launches-Polo-Classic-Sedan/newsarticle.html |title=Volkswagen Launches Polo Classic Sedan - AutoWeb News |publisher=Autoweb.com.au |access-date=2010-09-10}}

File:Volkswagen Polo MK4 sedan facelift 001.jpg |Volkswagen Polo MK4 sedan facelift

File:Volkswagen Polo MK4 sedan facelift 002.jpg |Volkswagen Polo MK4 sedan facelift (rear)

File:Volkswagen_Polo_9N_Sedan_Mexico.JPG|Volkswagen Polo 9N2 Sedan

In May 2005, the Polo Mk4 was facelifted, creating the Mk4F (internal designation Typ 9N3) moniker, with new headlights,door mirrors, taillights and a different hatch, which resembled other recently launched models in the Volkswagen line-up of the time. The Typ 9N3 came in six different trims, ranging from the basic E model to the GTI. Like its predecessor, the standard models use the same engine range from the 1.2 L 55 PS (40 kW) 3-cylinder engine to the 1.9 L {{convert|100|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} TDI engine. A 9N3 model Polo with a 2.0L 8v petrol engine shared with the Mk4 Golf 2.0, was also available specific to the South African market from 2005-2007, badged under the 'Highline' trim.{{Cite web|url=http://www.car-specs.za.net/car.aspx?specs=volkswagen-polo-2.0-highline-2005-7-3028|title = Volkswagen polo 2.0 highline 2005-7 - Car Specs - Volkswagen Polo Specifications - Information on Volkswagen cars and Polo specs for vehicles}}

File:2005-2008 Volkswagen Polo (9N3) Match 5-door hatchback (2011-10-25).jpg|Volkswagen Polo Mk4 5-door (facelift)

File:2008 Volkswagen Polo (9N3 MY08) Club 3-door hatchback (2015-07-24) 02.jpg|Volkswagen Polo Mk4 3-door (facelift)

With the introduction of the Polo Mk4, the Polo GTI Mk3 was discontinued and was given no direct replacement. It was not until late 2005 that the Polo GTI was reintroduced. It was unveiled on 21 October 2005 at the Australian International Motor Show. It featured a 20-valve turbocharged 1.8-litre {{convert|150|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} petrol engine which had been used in models such as the Golf GTI Mk4 and the Passat Mk5.

Its styling bears some resemblance to the Mk5 Golf GTI, with a blacked out central "scoop" in the bumper surrounding the honeycomb grille. In this new model the fully digital climate control is optional and xenon lights are not available, unlike the Polo GTI Mk3 which featured them as standard. Although faster than the previous model, the Polo GTI Mk4 is less powerful than the top versions of the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, BMW MINI and its stablemate SEAT Ibiza, most of which come with engines with a maximum output above {{convert|180|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}. This led Volkswagen to quickly beef up the Polo further to create the Polo GTI Cup Edition, which was tuned to around {{convert|180|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and featured more aggressive styling.

File:2005-2010 Volkswagen Polo (9N3) GTI 3-door hatchback (2011-10-25).jpg|Volkswagen Polo GTI

File:2005-2008 Volkswagen Polo (9N3) GTI 3-door hatchback 02.jpg|Volkswagen Polo GTI (rear)

On 11 March 2010, Volkswagen South Africa announced that the Volkswagen Citi Golf is being replaced by a version of the Mk 4 Polo, the Polo Vivo. It is available with a choice of two 1.4-litre engines (55 kW & 63 kW){{cite web|author=VWSA|title=Polo Vivo Specifications|url=http://www.vw.co.za/models/polovivo/specs/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813083256/http://www.vw.co.za/models/polovivo/specs/|archive-date=13 August 2010|access-date=10 September 2010|publisher=vw.co.za}} and a 1.6-litre engine (77 kW).{{cite web|author=Irma Venter|title=VWSA launches Polo Vivo as CitiGolf replacement|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/vwsa-launches-polo-vivo-as-citigolf-replacement-2010-03-11|access-date=10 September 2010|publisher=Engineeringnews.co.za}} The Polo Vivo is sold in both 3-door and 5-door versions and as a saloon.

In comparison to the Polo Mk4, the Polo Vivo has a restyled front bumper and grille, deleted scuff strips on the bumpers and sides of the car, and side indicators relocated from the wing mirrors back to the front fenders. This restyling gives the Polo Vivo some of the elements of the design language used in other contemporary VW models. It is manufactured at VW's Uitenhage plant in South Africa, which sources 70%{{cite web|author=CAR Magazine|date=10 March 2010|title=Volkswagen's budget offering emerges|url=http://www.carmag.co.za/article/volkswagen-polo-vivo-2010-03-10|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006072407/http://www.carmag.co.za/article/volkswagen-polo-vivo-2010-03-10|archive-date=6 October 2010|access-date=10 September 2010|publisher=carmag.co.za}} of the Vivo parts locally. This model was discontinued in 2018 and this marked the first generation, replaced by a new model based on the Mark 5 Polo.

File:Polo_Vivo_sml_09_2010.jpg|Volkswagen Polo Vivo

There was also a crossover-inspired version of the Polo, similar to the Rover Streetwise, with "off-road" styling, named Polo Fun (Polo Dune in the UK, Polo Soho in Spain, CrossPolo in South Africa), but despite its appearance the car was never available with 4motion four-wheel drive.

A mini SUV-styled (but still two-wheel-drive) CrossPolo version of the Mark IVF was also produced as a successor to the Polo Fun for several markets.

File:VW Cross Polo 001.JPG|Volkswagen CrossPolo

File:VW Cross Polo 002.JPG|Volkswagen CrossPolo (rear)

File:2005_Volkswagen_Polo_Dune_TDi_1.4_Front.jpg|Volkswagen Polo Fun

File:2007_Volkswagen_Polo_Dune_TDi_1.4_Front.jpg|Volkswagen CrossPolo (Sold as the Volkswagen Polo Dune in the UK)

In 2006,{{cite web|title=VW Polo Bluemotion|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-reviews/38341/vw-polo-bluemotion|access-date=12 February 2015|publisher=Auto Express}} Volkswagen premiered its BlueMotion range with the emphasis of lower emissions and high fuel economy. Volkswagen's first car under the BlueMotion range is a modified 1.4-litre VW Polo TDI with longer gear ratios, aerodynamic changes and lightweight alloys with low rolling resistant tyres. The end result is a car capable of producing less than 100g/km of CO₂ with a stated fuel economy of 74.3 mpg (3.8 L/100 km) on a combined cycle. Volkswagen plans to use the platform set by the Polo on expanding their BlueMotion ranges which include the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Passat.

File:VW Polo Blue Motion.jpg|Volkswagen Polo Blue Motion

File:2006-2008 Volkswagen Polo IV BlueMotion 5-door hatchback 04.jpg|Interior

The Polo in its most basic version for Latin America received 4 stars for adult occupants and 3 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP in 2012.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latinncap.com/en/result/25/volkswagen-polo-+-2-airbags|title=Official results of the Volkswagen Polo + 2 Airbags 2012|website=LATIN NCAP - PARA AUTOS MAS SEGUROS}}

Volkswagen Racing rallied a Polo Super 1600 in the 2003 Junior World Rally Championship, winning the Turkish round, with Kosti Katajamäki as the driver.{{cite web|title=FIA Rally News. Rally Of Turkey|publisher=Rally Of Turkey|page=15|url=http://www.rallyofturkey.org/images/documents/press_2003.pdf|access-date=2013-01-30|date=2003-12-15}} The 1.6-litre engine developed {{convert|165|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} to the front wheels.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

Volkswagen Racing in South Africa rallied a Super 2000 Polo, that won the South African Rally Driver and Navigator Championship for four consecutive years since 2005.{{cite web|title=You'll think you can|url=http://www.vw.co.za/content/medialib/vwd4/za/editorial/pdfs/volkswagen_of_southafrica/volkswagen_magazine/summer2008_editor/summer2008_you_llthinkyoucan/_jcr_content/renditions/rendition.file/part_58.pdf|publisher=Volkswagen South Africa|access-date=2013-01-30|author=Haley Harvey|date=2008-11-24}} Its 2.0-litre engine delivered a maximum output of {{convert|191|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}}.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

• Volkswagen Polo, an overview of all models
• Volkswagen Polo Mk1
• Volkswagen Polo Mk2
• Volkswagen Polo Mk3
• Volkswagen Polo Mk5
• Volkswagen Polo Mk6

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Volkswagen Polo IV}}

• [http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/new_cars/polo Volkswagen UK's Polo Site]
• [http://www.volkswagen.com.au/polo/default.asp Volkswagen Australia's Polo Site]
• [http://parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/Review.aspx?model=1012 Polo Mark IV/IVF review - Parkers]
• [http://www.whatcar.com/car-review-summary.aspx?NEW_USED=1&MA_TYPE=1&MA=44&RT=772&Submit1=GO Polo Mark VF review - What Car]
• [http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_102357/title_Volkswagen-Launches-Polo-Classic-Sedan/newsarticle.html Volkswagen Launches Polo Classic Sedan]

{{S-start}}

{{Succession box

| title = Volkswagen Polo Mk4

| years = 2001–2017

| before = Volkswagen Polo Mk3

| after = Volkswagen Polo Mk5

}}

{{S-end}}

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Polo 4

Category:Cars introduced in 2001

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