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VOLKSWAGEN Polo Variant Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1997
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Wagon (station wagon, estate, combi, touring)
VOLKSWAGEN Polo Variant photo gallery

Volkswagen introduced the third generation of the Polo in 1994, and in the following year, the German carmaker introduced the station wagon version, and, in 2000, it refreshed the entire lineup.

The little Polo was no longer the smallest member of the Volkswagen family and continued to increase its size. With a successful launch for the station wagon shape, the German carmaker decided to continue offering it after the 2000 life-cycle refresh.

There were just slight modifications for the 2000 Polo Variant just by looking at the car compared to its non-facelifted version. Yet, Volkswagen stated that only 30% of the car remained the same as before. Due to new pollution regulations, the carmakers had to use water-based colors, which weakened anti-rust treatments. To prevent that, the Polo received a full-galvanized treatment. Also, there were new headlights and taillights, which gave the small-sized Polo a more premium appearance. Both bumpers were also redesigned and got slightly bigger to decrease repair costs for accidents under 5 kph (3 mph).

Inside, there is a new design with inspiration from the car's smaller brother, the VW Lupo, but with better materials. Its instrument cluster, for instance, featured a binocular style for the speedometer and tachometer, with an LCD on the bottom of each dial. Above them, centered, the carmaker placed the fuel and temperature gauges. The owner could increase the trunk size from 390 liters (13.8 cu-ft) to 1250 liters (44.1 cu-ft) by completely folding down the rear seats.

Under the hood, Volkswagen installed the same engine lineup as on the rest of the Polo range. Their power ranged between 75 hp and 100 hp.

full description and technical specifications
VOLKSWAGEN Polo Variant photo gallery

Volkswagen didn't really need a smaller station wagon vehicle since it had the Golf and the Passat to cover most of the market, but it was cheap for them to do it, and the results were good.

In the late '90s, the market share for station wagons decreased, but there was still some demand for such a vehicle. Volkswagen already had a good platform on the Polo. Thus, it allowed them to increase the profit from the same base and, after the sedan, hatchback with three and five doors, the station-wagon was the next logical step.

Up to the B-pillar, the Polo Variant looked similar to the 5-door version. While most of its competitors already started to sweeten the car's lines with more curves imposed by the biodesign trend, Volkswagen decided to just soften the edges. It was a form-follow-function vehicle without too much imagination in its look. The tailgate was unusually wide for a car of its class, and the small taillights were mounted right above the rear bumper, on the D-pillars.

Inside, the Polo Variant featured the same dashboard as the rest of its range, with a rounded, small instrument cluster. The odometer was no longer on a regular counter but displayed on an LCD placed at the tachometer's bottom. The fits and finishes were above its competitors. Since it was a station wagon, it was normal to feature a folding rear bench seatback.

For the engine bay, Volkswagen installed a choice of gasoline and diesel engines ranged between 60 hp and 100 hp. An important novelty was the 1.9-liter diesel unit with direct fuel injection, which provided a great fuel-efficiency.

full description and technical specifications