Volkswagen Polo Mk2

The Volkswagen Polo Mk2 is the second generation of the Volkswagen Polo supermini. It was produced from late 1981 until 1994. It received a major facelift in 1990 and was available in three different body styles, including a distinctive kammback-styled hatchback, nicknamed "breadvan" in the UK but referred to as a Steilheck in Germany. The sedan version typically received the name of Volkswagen Derby.
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Body type | Hatchback |
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Volkswagen Polo Mk2 (from registration data). 14 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 l ยท 3-cyl | โ | โ | 186 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.0 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 147 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.2 l ยท 3-cyl | โ | โ | 165 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.2 l ยท 3-cyl | โ | โ | 161 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.2 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 186 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.3 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 154 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.4 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 175 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.4 l ยท 3-cyl | โ | โ | 179 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.4 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 180 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.5 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 216 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.6 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 183 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.8 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 231 km/h | โ | โ |
| 1.9 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 195 km/h | โ | โ |
| 2.0 l ยท 4-cyl | โ | โ | 238 km/h | โ | โ |
Source: RDW (NL). European engine variants.
Generations
Other Volkswagen models
Similar Hatchback models
Common problems & reliability
In the UK, 68% of Volkswagen Polo Mk2s pass their MOT test first time, based on 1,528 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data โ not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
No recorded recalls for the Volkswagen Polo Mk2 in EU Safety Gate or NHTSA (US).
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Volkswagen recalls.