Volkswagen Polo 1999–2001 car dimensions: 3743 mm long, 1632 mm wide and 1418 mm high. Unladen weight is 982 kg. Braked towing is 800 kg.
The cabin uses a Lupo-style dashboard with blue backlighting and a height-adjustable steering wheel. Power steering is standard along with driver and passenger airbags. ABS is standard. Manual air conditioning is offered on mid and higher trims or as an option, while full automatic Climatronic climate control is standard on the GTI. No cruise control, parking sensors, touchscreen, reversing camera or later driver aids such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning or lane keep assist are available.
Boot space measures 245 litres with the rear seats up and expands to 975 litres when the split-folding rear bench is folded down.
Braked towing capacity is 800 kg and unbraked towing capacity is 450 kg. Payload is 531 kg. The car suits light everyday use with its flexible rear seats but no heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages are listed.
The cabin uses a Lupo-style dashboard with blue backlit instruments and more comfortable seats than the pre-facelift model. Interior quality matches larger VW cars. Tinted heat-insulating glass is standard. Higher trims add height-adjustable front seats, electric front windows, central locking, cup holders, and an electric sliding/tilting glass sunroof.
ABS standard on all models
Dual front airbags standard
Euro NCAP adult occupant rating 4 stars
Fully galvanised body with 12-year rust-through warranty
Fuel tank capacity 45 litres
Oil and filter change every 15000 km or once a year
Fuel economy varies by engine. The 1.0 petrol returns a combined 5.7 l/100 km. The 1.4 TDI achieves 4.4 l/100 km combined. Petrol versions typically use 5.7 to 7.1 l/100 km combined depending on power output.
Oil and filter changes are due every 15000 km or once a year. Brake fluid needs changing every 2 years. Air filter and spark plugs (petrol) are every 60000 km. Timing belt intervals depend on the engine, often 90000 to 120000 km for diesels.
Safety kit includes dual front airbags, ABS with all-disc brakes on many models, height-adjustable front head restraints, three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Isofix mounts for two child seats, rear fog light, third brake light, and electronic immobiliser. Side airbags were optional. The body is stiffened and fully galvanised.
The galvanised body and 12-year rust warranty help long-term durability. Keep the service book stamped for better resale. Regular checks of brakes, suspension boots, and fluids keep the car reliable as a daily hatchback.
Length 3743 mm, Width 1632 mm, Height 1418 mm, Wheelbase 2407 mm (Polo 1999–2001)
Sources: manufacturer data, vwgolf.pl, autoevolution.com and CarExpert.