The Mark III Polo or Typ 6N, (sometimes referred to as the “Mark 4” by enthusiasts as it is the Polo’s fourth guise) appeared in 1994, and was a completely new model (on a new chassis), available as 3- and 5-door hatchback versions, the latter making VW the last major European manufacturer to finally offer four doors in this class. It shared its platform with the SEAT Ibiza Mark 2. This platform actually used the floorpan of the Volkswagen Golf Mk3 (a multitude of mechanical parts and all of the suspension components were interchangeable among the three models). Although the dashboard and a number of mechanical components, including engines, were shared with the Ibiza, outwardly the two cars were different, with no shared body panels
The saloon and estate versions of the Mark III were essentially rebadged SEAT Córdobas, which were launched a year earlier. They were referred to internally by Volkswagen as the Typ 6KV, and shared body panels with the SEAT model rather than the Polo hatchback models, with some cosmetic alterations such as new rear and front bumpers and headlights. The Volkswagen Caddy 9K van also shares the same platform and front-end styling as the 6KV models.
The Volkswagen Lupo and SEAT Arosa city cars were based on a shortened version of the Typ 6N platform, and shared many components.
The car was available with the following engines:
- 1043 cc straight-4 petrol 33 kW (45 PS) (1995–96)
- 1272 cc straight-4 petrol 40 kW (55 PS) (1995–96)
- 1.6 L straight-4 petrol 55 kW (75 PS) (Engine Code – AEE)
- 1.4 L straight-4 16-valve petrol 74 kW (100 PS) (Engine Code – AFH)
- 1.4 L straight-4 petrol 60 PS (44 kW)(1996–)
- 999 cc straight-4 petrol 50 PS (37 kW) — all-new aluminium block multi-point injection (1996–)
- 1.6 L straight-4 16-valve petrol 88 kW (120 PS) (LHD European GTI model only)
- 1.6 L straight-4 petrol 74 kW (100 PS) (6K saloon and estate models only)
- 1.6 L straight-4 petrol 55 kW (75 PS) (6K saloon and estate models only)
- 1.9 L straight-4 diesel 47 kW (64 PS)
Polo Mark III Facelift (Typ 6N2, 2000–2002)
| Volkswagen Polo Mark IIIF (6N2) | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2000–2002 (Mark IIIF) |
| Assembly | Navarra, Spain Martorell, Spain Bratislava, Slovakia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 4-door saloon |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group A03 |
| Related | SEAT Ibiza Mk2 SEAT Cordoba Mk1 SEAT Inca VW Caddy VW Polo Classic |
The facelifted Mark III Phase II (or Typ 6N2; sometimes referred to as the Mark IIIF or “Mark 5” by enthusiasts) was released in 2000.[The hatchback models featured updated styling including new headlights and bumpers and an all new interior based on that of the Lupo. Although the car was similar in appearance to the Mark III, Volkswagen claimed that 70% of the components were new. The bodyshell was fully galvanised and stiffened but not fully redesigned, although some panels were changed. Twin airbags were made standard. The saloon and estate versions received the new interior, but not the full exterior facelift. Also, the 3-cylinder 1.4 TDI engine was introduced for the 3 and 5-door hatchbacks as well as a 1.6 16v GTI version. The Mark IIIF Polo Classic is still sold in Argentina.
Both versions of the Mark III Polo were strong sellers in the UK and strong competitor for the likes of the Fiat Punto and Nissan Micra. At the time of its launch, it was arguably the best small car on sale in Britain in terms of build quality and “upmarket” feel. The 1.4 TDI was considered the best in the range due to its reliability, fuel consumption, and relative power, for a small engine.
Awards
- 1999 Used Car Buyer “Greatest Used Car Buy Awards” – Best Economy Car
- 1998 Top Gear Magazine “Top Cars” – Best Supermini
- 1997 Auto Express “New Car Honours” – Best Supermini
- 1997 “Complete Car of the Year Awards” – Best Supermini
- 1995 Which? Magazine “Best Buys” – Best Supermini
- 1996 Semperit Irish Car of the Year
- 1995 What Car? – Car of the Year
Polo Playa (1996–2002)
The Volkswagen Polo Playa was a model for the South African market. It was sold instead of the European Polo Mark III from 1996 until 2002, and was effectively a rebadged SEAT Ibiza Mark II. In 2002, the Mark IV Polo was adopted in South Africa, and the separate Polo Playa model was dropped.
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