What engine does the Polo use?
4 Answers
Polo uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a maximum power of 83kw and a maximum torque of 145nm. The maximum power speed is 6000 revolutions per minute, and the maximum torque speed is 3900 revolutions per minute. This engine is matched with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6AT transmission. Polo is a small car with a body size of 3970 mm in length, 1682 mm in width, and 1462 mm in height. In terms of suspension, the Polo rear suspension adopts a torsion beam non-independent suspension. The torsion beam non-independent suspension is a type of car rear suspension, and the structure of this non-independent suspension is relatively simple.
I've driven my friend's Polo several times, and the power delivery is quite interesting. The main engine powering Polos on the street now is the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, codenamed EA211-DMB, with 112 horsepower which is perfectly adequate for daily commuting, and it's exceptionally fuel-efficient, consuming just over 6 liters per 100 km with the AC on in the city. Older models used 1.4L and 1.6L naturally aspirated engines, and back in 2018, there was even a three-cylinder 1.5L version. The most powerful is the GTI version, equipped with a 2.0T engine producing 200 horsepower, though it's relatively rare in China. In terms of durability, the EA211 series all-aluminum engine is indeed much lighter than the previous cast iron ones and cools down faster, but it's crucial to use the right oil viscosity—0W-20 is the most suitable.
Once a mechanic was chatting with me about the Polo engine, saying the EA211 series is indeed quite cleverly designed. The integrated valve cover and cylinder block reduce the probability of oil leaks, and the cast iron cylinder liners embedded in the aluminum block enhance durability. The new 1.5L engine features cylinder deactivation technology, which can shut down two cylinders at constant speeds to save fuel. However, the base model's 1.5L is a simplified version, with 10 horsepower less than the high-end version. The early domestically produced Polo's 1.4L engine still used a timing belt, but now the entire lineup has switched to a maintenance-free chain. The turbocharged 1.2T version has more punch but higher maintenance costs, while the naturally aspirated 1.5L remains the most sought-after in the used car market.
A decade ago, my uncle's four-eyed Polo was still equipped with the older EA111 engine, featuring a heavy cast iron block but renowned for its durability. The current models have all switched to the EA211 series, shedding over 20 kilograms in weight. The combination of a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission may be a bit sluggish in acceleration, but it excels in smoothness. Volkswagen's throttle tuning is quite responsive at the initial stage, making city driving feel far from underpowered. Surprisingly, the turbocharged 1.2T version is even more fuel-efficient, achieving as low as 4.9L/100km on highways. The engine start-stop system can be a bit jarring, so I've made it a habit to turn it off upon entering the car. The long-standing issue of the crankcase ventilation tube freezing has been addressed in the newer models, offering peace of mind for users in northern regions.
