Volkswagen Polo 4

The Volkswagen Polo 4, designated Typ 9N, debuted in 2001. It was built on a platform shared with the ŠKODA Fabia I. With the Czech car, he also shared engines and many other components. In 2006, Polo was redesigned as Typ 9N3. The engine lineup has also been updated, including the popular 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 80 hp. Volkswagen cars until recently were considered a model of reliability. But, unfortunately, in recent years, the quality of the German manufacturer’s cars has been declining, which is also evident in the case of the Polo 9N. However, thanks to the relevant knowledge, there is a chance to find a copy that will properly last several years, and maybe more than a decade. You just need to know what to look for.

Bodywork

The main external difference of the 4th generation Polo from its predecessor is the characteristic front headlights, thanks to which the German received the nickname “ocular”. The car is not particularly special among its classmates. Polo is just a classic little hatchback in a 3 or 5-door performance. The advantages of the body are very good corrosion protection and a high level of safety, rated by EuroNCAP at 4 stars.

The market also meets the version of the sedan, which appeared in 2004, but the number of such cars is very limited.

Salon

All tests of the new car said that high quality materials were used in the interior decoration. But as it turned out, these conclusions were premature, because today in many instances you can see serious traces of wear. Plastic is quite easily scratched, the gearbox handle can burst, as can its casing. Owners also complain of creaking from the front panel while driving on rough roads. In addition, over time, the upholstery material on the doors is wiped.

The list of disadvantages included also often the failure control unit of the supply fan of the ventilation system, electric windows, immobilizer and headlight corrector.

The advantages include, first of all, a large amount of space for passengers and luggage - 270 liters and 430 liters for the sedan. In addition, you can find well-equipped versions with an air conditioner, four airbags, ABS, ESP, an audio system with 8 speakers and a two-color dashboard.

Engine

Choosing the right powertrain for the Polo IV is a key moment in the context of its future without a problem. Regardless of mileage, you should stay away from both versions of the 1.2-liter petrol engine due to a manufacturing defect. This motor has problems with exhaust valves that burn out – usually in the 3rd cylinder, which leads to reduced compression. When this happens, you need to be ready for repairs costing from 10 to 30 thousand rubles. After repair, the problem may recur. Other periodic malfunctions are failures in the operation of the ignition coils and the gas distribution system. Definitely, the best choice will be a time-tested 16-valve engine with a working volume of 1.4 liters and a capacity of 75 hp, which provides decent dynamics and acceptable fuel consumption: 12.9 s to 100 km / h and 6.3 l / 100 km. If the dynamic characteristics are not exciting, then you should look for a 101-horsepower version of the engine, which allows you to accelerate to 100 km / h in 10.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 km / h. The 1.4 FSI direct fuel injection engine is a problem. For those looking for a small sports hatchback, you can recommend a GTI version with a 20-valve 1. 8T engine, which, thanks to the turbocharger, generates 150 hp. Later, the GTI Cup Edition version appeared, in which the same engine was already “bloated” to 180 hp. Diesel engines have always been the strong point of the Volkswagen Group.

Suspension

The Polo suspension design is simple - in front of the McPherson rack, and behind the torsion beam. The reliability of the suspension is average. Excessive wear is exposed, first of all, to the Silent blocks of the front transverse levers and shock absorbers. Due to the well-developed spare parts market, the cost of repairing the Polo IV is small.

Steering and brakes

The big problem is the unreliable steering rack. This applies to cars with gasoline and diesel engines. However, its condition is easily diagnosed by the presence of backlash and knocks in the steering mechanism, with a rapid swaying of the steering wheel from side to side on the spot. Another unpleasant feature is the relatively rapid wear of the elements of the brake system.

Bodywork

• The advantages of the body are very good corrosion protection and a high level of safety, rated by EuroNCAP at 4 stars.

Salon

• But as it turned out, these conclusions were premature, because today in many instances you can see serious traces of wear.
• The list of disadvantages included also often the failure control unit of the supply fan of the ventilation system, electric windows, immobilizer and headlight corrector.
• The advantages include, first of all, a large amount of space for passengers and luggage - 270 liters and 430 liters for the sedan.

Engine

• Choosing the right powertrain for the Polo IV is a key moment in the context of its future without a problem.
• Regardless of mileage, you should stay away from both versions of the 1.2-liter petrol engine due to a manufacturing defect.
• This motor has problems with exhaust valves that burn out – usually in the 3rd cylinder, which leads to reduced compression.
• When this happens, you need to be ready for repairs costing from 10 to 30 thousand rubles.
• After repair, the problem may recur.
• Other periodic malfunctions are failures in the operation of the ignition coils and the gas distribution system.
• Definitely, the best choice will be a time-tested 16-valve engine with a working volume of 1.4 liters and a capacity of 75 hp.
• If the dynamic characteristics are not exciting, then you should look for a 101-horsepower version of the engine, which allows you to accelerate to 100 km / h in 10.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 km / h. Engine 1.

Suspension

• Excessive wear is exposed, first of all, to the Silent blocks of the front transverse levers and shock absorbers.
• Due to the well-developed spare parts market, the cost of repairing the Polo IV is small.

Steering and brakes

• The big problem is the unreliable steering rack.
• However, its condition is easily diagnosed by the presence of backlash and knocks in the steering mechanism, with a rapid swaying of the steering wheel from side to side on the spot.
• Another unpleasant feature is the relatively rapid wear of the elements of the brake system.

The Volkswagen Polo 4 is surprising by the scale of the problems that have prevented the model from succeeding. Low quality finishing materials, weak front suspension and common defects of 3-cylinder gasoline engines allow us to understand how much the quality and reliability of VW Group cars has fallen. To avoid becoming onerously expensive, you should opt for 1.4-liter gasoline engines (except FSI) and 1.9 SDI. A little more expensive in operation 1.8T and 1.9 TDI, but they can also be safely recommended. If the money is enough only for Polo with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine, it is better to abandon this idea and look at cars of other brands.

• Body: The advantages of the body are very good corrosion protection and a high level of safety, estimated by EuroNCAP at 4 stars.
• Salon: But as it turned out, these conclusions were premature, because today in many instances you can see serious traces of wear.
• Engine: Choosing the right powertrain for the Polo IV is a key moment in the context of its future without a problem.
• Suspension: Excessive wear is exposed, first of all, to the Silent blocks of the front transverse levers and shock absorbers.
• Steering and brakes: A big problem is unreliable steering rack.

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