Volkswagen Polo III / Typ 6N (1994–2002)

De Volkswagen Polo III / Typ 6N (1994-2002) It was the first five-door Polo and the first with a genuine GTI badge, with 3,5 million units built worldwide. Based on the Golf Mk3 platform with SEAT Ibiza components, engines ranging from 50 hp to 125 hp in the GTI 6N2 with xenon headlights, and the iconic Harlequin edition as a publicity stunt — the Polo III definitively established the Polo as a serious competitor in the European supermini segment.

Volkswagen Polo Mk3

History and background

The Volkswagen Polo III — internally designated as Typ 6N — was introduced in 1994 as a completely new model on a completely new platform. It shared its floorpan with the Volkswagen Golf Mk3, and its platform with the SEAT Ibiza Mk2, which allowed for the interchangeability of a large number of mechanical parts and all suspension components between the three models.

Upon its introduction, the Polo III was the first Polo available in a five-door version — Volkswagen was the last major European manufacturer to finally offer rear doors in the supermini class. This had long been a point of criticism: families with children had difficulty getting in and out of the back of the Polo I and II.

At its launch, the Polo III was considered the best-built small car in Europe — with an “upmarket” finish and build quality that stood out above its class. However, its handling was not as good as that of the Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 206. Nevertheless, it sold exceptionally well: in 1998, 426.341 units were registered in Europe, the peak year of the Mk3.

In 1999, the Polo III underwent a major facelift as the Typ 6N2. Volkswagen claimed that seventy percent of the parts were new. Power steering, ABS, and two airbags became standard. The interior was completely redesigned to the level of the Golf of those years.

Volkswagen Polo Mk3 Interior

Design and interior

The Polo III had rounder, more modern lines than the angular Mk2 — with a Cd value of 0,32, a significant improvement over the 0,39 of its predecessor. The length was 3.715 mm, width 1.661 mm, and height 1.420 mm.

The dashboard was shared with the SEAT Ibiza of that generation, featuring a central instrument pod and symmetrically arranged air vents. After the 1999 facelift, the Polo III received a completely new interior inspired by that of the Lupo, with blue-lit instruments evoking the Golf atmosphere.

The Harlequin Edition — a publicity stunt in which twenty examples were built with every panel in a different color — became so popular that Volkswagen built a small limited series for the public. One of the most iconic color specials in Polo history.

Model variants

Polo III 6N hatchback (1994–1999) — the base range:

Three-door and five-door hatchback as launch body styles. Available in N, CL, GL, and GLX trim levels. At introduction, it carried the 1,0-liter and 1,3-liter engines from the Polo II; in October 1995, the 1,4-liter replaced the 1,3-liter, and in September 1996, the 1,0-liter was replaced by an entirely new 999cc aluminum block with multipoint injection and 50 hp.

Polo Classic (sedan, 1995–2002) — four-door sedan:

The four-door sedan version of the Polo III was essentially a rebadged SEAT Córdoba. With a trunk capacity of 455 liters — expandable to 760 liters with the rear seats folded down — the Classic was considerably more spacious than the hatchback and was successfully sold in several non-European markets.

Polo Variant (estate, 1997–2001) — station wagon:

Also based on the SEAT Córdoba, but as a five-door station wagon. Not available in all markets.
Polo Open Air (1995–1999) — electric sunroof:
A special variant: the Polo Open Air had an electrically operated folding roof that slid back along almost the entire length of the roof — comparable to the panoramic sunroof of the Volkswagen Corrado. Not a full convertible, but much airier than a standard sunroof.

Polo GTI 6N (1998–1999) — the limited GTI:

The first true Polo GTI ever, but only 3.000 examples for continental Europe — not available in right-hand drive markets. 1,6-liter 16v engine with 120 hp, 15-inch BBS wheels, 0-100 km/h in 9,1 seconds. More expensive than its competitors, but the first Polo with a genuine GTI badge.

Polo III 6N2 facelift (1999–2002) — the revised version:

Power steering, ABS, and two airbags as standard. Completely new interior based on the Lupo. 1,4-liter TDI three-cylinder diesel engine as a new addition for the three- and five-door hatchback. The GTI Mk3F had 125 hp, xenon headlights as standard, and 10 mm lowered suspension.

Polo GTI 6N2 (2000–2002) — the full-fledged GTI:

The definitive Polo GTI Mk3: 1,6-liter 16v, 125 hp, xenon headlights with washers, honeycomb grille, 10 mm lowered suspension, five-spoke 15-inch BBS wheels, and 195 mm tires. Recognizable by the unique front details and the deeper front splitter. Top speed 200 km/h.

The Harlequin Polo — with every body panel in a different color — began as an advertising experiment by Volkswagen apprentices. Twenty examples were built for exhibitions; the enormous public response prompted Volkswagen to produce a small, limited series for the public. Today, authentic Harlequin Polos are highly sought after.

Volkswagen Polo Harlequin

Competitors

The Polo III competed in the European B-segment of superminis in the second half of the 1990s. Direct competitors were:

• Ford Fiesta Mk4 (better driving dynamics)
• Peugeot 206 (better driving dynamics, more stylish)
• Renault Clio Mk2
• Opel Corsa B / C
• Fiat Punto Mk1 / Mk2