top of page

Volkswagen Polo G40 (1981-90)

86C
All Models Production Total: 2,000,000
Recorded in UK 2024
Licensed=54 SORN=205

Volkswagen Polo G40 (1981-90)

1. **Charger Maintenance**:
- If you're rocking a G40, the supercharger is the star of the show. Keep an eye on its history—regular servicing (about every 50,000 miles) is crucial. Neglecting it could lead to your wallet going on an involuntary diet.
- Also, pay attention to fuel pump and injector health. They're like the engine's nutritional intake; if they're not happy, your G40 won't be either.
- Oh, and speaking of stress, G40 chassis frames can sometimes develop cracks during restoration. So, when you're inspecting your G, give those welds a friendly nod and check for any suspicious lines.

2. **Gearbox Gremlins**:
- Gearboxes can be a bit temperamental. Here are some symptoms that might indicate trouble:
- Shaking or juddering: Your Polo shouldn't be doing the cha-cha during gear changes.
- Grinding noises: Unless you're at a dubstep concert, this isn't normal.
- Loss of reverse gear: Not ideal when you're trying to back out of a tight spot.
- Sudden power loss: Your Polo isn't auditioning for "Vanishing Act of the Year." If it feels like it is, something's up with the gearbox.

3. **Electrical Woes**:
- Polos, like moody artists, sometimes have their electric tantrums. Keep an eye out for:
- Failed solenoids: These little fellas can misbehave and cause all sorts of issues.
- Electric motor failures: When your windows refuse to roll down, blame the motor.
- Mechatronic leaks: Sounds fancy, right? Well, it's not a good thing. Transmission fluid leaking from the mechatronic unit can lead to trouble.
- General electrical faults: If your Polo starts acting like it's possessed by a glitchy AI, it's time to investigate.

4. **Brake Drama**:
- Brakes are essential—like coffee in the morning. If your Polo's brakes are throwing a fit, get them checked pronto.
- And hey, if you notice oil leaks, don't just pretend it's the car crying—it's probably something more serious.

5. **Suspension Surprises**:
- Suspension problems can turn your smooth ride into a bumpy rollercoaster. Keep an ear out for clunks, rattles, and other suspicious sounds.
- If your Polo starts moonlighting as a maraca, it's time to investigate those shocks and struts.

Remember, every car has its quirks, but with a little TLC, your Polo G40 can keep zipping around like a caffeinated squirrel.
*****
Trim Levels

During the 1981-1990 period, the Volkswagen Polo Mk2 graced the streets with its presence. So, what were the trim options for this spunky hatchback?

1. **Fox**:
- Engine Options: Available with 1.0-liter, 1.3-liter petrol, and 1.3-liter diesel engines.
- The Fox trim was like the Polo's quirky cousin—maybe not the most popular, but it had character.

2. **C**:
- Engine Options: You could choose from 1.0-liter, 1.1-liter petrol, and 1.3-liter diesel engines.
- The C trim was practical and no-nonsense—a reliable companion for everyday driving.

3. **CL**:
- Engine Options: This trim offered 1.0-liter, 1.1-liter, and 1.3-liter petrol engines, as well as the trusty 1.3-liter diesel.
- The CL was like the sensible friend who always remembered to bring an umbrella.

4. **GL**:
- Engine Options: Sporting 1.1-liter and 1.3-liter petrol engines, along with—you guessed it—the 1.3-liter diesel.
- The GL trim added a touch of sophistication to the Polo lineup. It probably knew which fork to use at fancy dinners.

5. **GT**:
- Engine Options: Exclusively powered by a 1.3-liter petrol engine.
- The GT was the sporty sibling—the one that revved its engine at stoplights just for fun.

6. **S**:
- Engine Options: Solely equipped with a 1.3-liter petrol engine.
- The S trim was straightforward and uncomplicated—like a good cup of black coffee.

7. **CX** (Added Bonus!):
- Engine Options: Fitted with a 1.0-liter petrol engine.
- The CX trim was the underdog—the one that surprised you with its zippiness.
*****

Engine

The Volkswagen Polo GT G40, produced during the 1980s, was all about that supercharged goodness. At its core was the **1.3-litre G40 engine**—a feisty little powerplant that made this Polo stand out like a neon sign at midnight.

Here are the juicy details about the G40 engine:

- **Displacement**: The engine displaced 1,272 cubic centimeters (that's 1.3 liters, in case you're counting). It had a cylinder bore of 75.0 mm and a piston stroke of 72.0 mm. Sounds like a symphony of precision, doesn't it?

- **Supercharger Magic**: The G40's pièce de résistance was its "G-Lader" supercharger. Picture a tiny wizard inside your engine, cranking up the power. Well, not exactly, but close! The G-Lader had a displacer width of 40 mm (hence the "G40" name). It spun faster than a caffeinated squirrel, force-feeding air to the engine like a determined personal trainer. 💨

- **Power Output**: Brace yourself! The G40 engine belted out a maximum power of **85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp)** at 6,000 rpm. That's like strapping a rocket booster to your morning commute.

- **Torque**: Torque, the twisty force that pushes you back into your seat, measured a respectable **148 N⋅m (109 lbf⋅ft)** at 3,600 rpm. Hold on tight!

- **Braking Upgrades**: To keep all that power in check, the Polo GT G40 sported uprated front disc brakes—now radially ventilated. These beefier discs were sized at 239 mm in diameter by 20 mm thick, with ATE single-piston sliding calipers. Translation: When you hit the brakes, it stopped like a well-mannered gentleman at a red light.

So, there you have it—the G40 engine was the beating heart of this zippy Polo. It didn't just move; it danced.
*****
Performance

The **Volkswagen Polo G40** was like that unassuming kid in school who suddenly shows up with a superhero cape. You see, it wasn't renowned for its potency until the clever engineers at VW decided to attach a supercharger to the 1.3-liter engine under its modest bonnet. And voilà! The Polo G40 was born—a brawny GTI basher that could give its rivals a run for their money.

Here's the lowdown on its performance:

- **Peak Power**: The G40's supercharger worked its magic, raising the peak power to **113 bhp (brake horsepower)** at 6000 rpm. Not bad for a 1300cc engine, right? It was like giving a squirrel a double espresso and watching it zoom up a tree.

- **Torque**: Torque—the twisty force that pushes you back into your seat—was a respectable **111 lb-ft** at 3600 rpm. Imagine that little Polo flexing its muscles at the stoplight.

- **Top Speed**: Hold onto your driving gloves! The Polo G40 could hit a top speed of **119 mph** (that's about 192 km/h). Not too shabby for a pocket-sized rocket.

- **Acceleration**: When it came to sprinting, the G40 was embarrassingly quick. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in just **8.4 seconds**. That's like challenging a cheetah to a short-distance race and winning.

Now, let's hit the road. The gearchange? Well, it was a bit sticky and imprecise—like trying to find the right emoji in a hurry. But fear not! The chassis handled the power well. Torque steer was mild, traction was consistently good, and the steering was accurate (although it had a curious over-center action that pulled on to lock under power—like a stubborn shopping cart).

And the verdict? The Polo G40 was "a lot of fun." It had mild understeer, a dash of throttle adjustability mid-corner, and a neutral balance that made it dance through bends. Grip was good, although the ride was better at high speeds than in town. As for the brakes, well, they suffered from dead initial travel and felt a tad spongy—like stepping on marshmallows.
*****
Spares

1. **Heritage Parts Centre (UK)**:
- If you're on a mission to restore your Polo G40 to its former glory, the **Heritage Parts Centre** is your trusty sidekick. They specialize in classic VW parts, including those for the Polo Mk1 and Mk2.
- Their online store is like a candy shop for VW enthusiasts. You'll find everything from body panels to engine components, all neatly organized. Plus, they offer handy project bundles—think of them as DIY kits for your Polo.
- So, grab your virtual shopping cart and head over to [Heritage Parts Centre's VW Polo Mk1/Mk2 section](https://www.heritagepartscentre.com/uk/volkswagen/polo-mk1-mk2.html). It's a treasure trove waiting to be explored!

2. **FindaPart.ie (Ireland)**:
- Our Irish friends can join the hunt too! **FindaPart.ie** is where you'll discover dismantlers and breakers across Ireland. They're like the detectives of car parts—always on the lookout for hidden treasures.
- Specifically for Volkswagen Polo spare parts, check out their [Volkswagen Polo section](https://www.findapart.ie/cars/VOLKSWAGEN/POLO/FRONTENDPARTS.html). Who knows? You might stumble upon that elusive G40 component you've been seeking.

3. **Volkswagen Classic Parts**:
- For a touch of nostalgia, visit **Volkswagen Classic Parts**. They're the keepers of the VW heritage, and lucky for us, they still have a stash of original Polo parts.
- Whether you need wheels, speedometers, seals, fabrics, or chrome bits, they've got you covered. Explore their [Polo section](https://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.com/catalog/en_uk/nav/polo) and feel the vintage vibes.
*****

Racing
The **Volkswagen Polo G40** wasn't content with just zipping around town—it also had a need for speed on the racetrack! Let's rev up the engines and explore its racing adventures:

1. **Volkswagen Polo G40 Cup**:
- Imagine a bunch of Polo G40s lined up, superchargers humming, ready to battle it out. Well, that's exactly what happened in the **Volkswagen Polo G40 Cup**.
- This was a one-make race series specifically for the Polo G40. Picture race-modified G40s producing **82 kW (111 PS; 110 bhp)** (with a catalytic converter) tearing around the track.
- The Polo Cup championship kicked off in 1987, and these little pocket rockets were a support race at rounds of the **Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft** (DTM). It was like the G40s were saying, "Hey, GTIs, hold my supercharger!"

2. **Endurance Records**:
- Before hitting the racetrack, the Polo G40 flexed its muscles in endurance speed records. Back in 1985, Volkswagen used three prototype G40s to set world records.
- These included the **1.3-liter class records** for speed over 24 hours and speed over a distance of **5,000 km (3,107 mi)**. Yep, the G40 proved it could go the distance—like a marathon runner with a supercharger strapped to its back.

3. **Three Seasons of G40 Glory**:
- In March 1992, Volkswagen announced a ten-round racing series featuring—you guessed it—the Polo G40. They named it the **'Volkswagen Polo G40 Cup'**.
- This thrilling cup series ran for **three seasons**, giving G40 enthusiasts plenty of heart-pounding action on the track.
- And guess what? The saloon version of the Polo was dropped from production. The G40s were the stars of the show!
*****

bottom of page