When choosing a battery for the VW Polo III (6N2, facelifted) model years 1999-2001, several important factors need to be taken into account to ensure proper operation, reliability, and longevity of both the battery and the car’s electrical system. It is essential to select an accumulator that is well-matched to the car’s engine type, fuel system, and any special features such as Start-Stop technology, although for this generation of Polo Start-Stop is not present in any variant. The selection process is influenced by the engine size, fuel type, battery dimensions, required cold cranking amps (CCA), and the physical space available under the hood. Furthermore, the choice of battery technology plays a role, but for these particular Polos, the conventional lead-acid (lead-acid) batteries are the standard and recommended option.
For gasoline engines, the VW Polo III 6N2 was offered with a few different options including 1.0, 1.4, 1.4 16V, and the sportier 1.6 16V GTI. For the smallest 1.0 petrol engine, the recommended battery capacity ranges from 41Ah to 52Ah with a CCA between 360A and 520A. One important detail for this engine is the physical height of the battery; it is necessary to select a battery with a reduced height of 175mm to fit properly in the battery compartment. Some example compatible models for this engine include Bosch S30 01, Bosch S40 01, Bosch S50 01, Exide EA472, Exide EB442, Exide EC412, Halfords HB 063, Halfords HCB 063, Lucas LP063, Lucas LS063, Varta A17, Varta B18, and Varta C6. These batteries are all within the required electrical parameters and fitment specifications.
Moving up to the 1.4 and 1.4 16V gasoline engines, the recommended battery capacity increases slightly to a range of 44Ah to 58Ah, with a CCA requirement spanning from 360A to 540A. This means that you have a bit more flexibility in battery choice, but it remains crucial to stay within these recommended values for both capacity and cold cranking performance. Example compatible batteries for these engines include Bosch S30 02, Bosch S40 02, Bosch S50 02, Exide EA530, Exide EB500, Exide EC440, Halfords HCB 012, Lucas LP012, Lucas LP079, Lucas LS012, Varta B19, Varta C22, and Varta C30.
For the 1.6 16V GTI, which is the sportiest petrol variant, the recommendation is a 50Ah to 58Ah battery, with a higher minimum CCA of 420A up to 540A. The extra performance demands of this engine require a battery that can deliver more starting power, especially in colder conditions. Some example batteries suitable for the GTI include Bosch S40 02, Bosch S50 02, Exide EA530, Exide EB500, Halfords HCB 012, Lucas LP079, Lucas LS012, Varta C22, and Varta C30.
For diesel variants, which generally require more cranking power due to higher compression ratios, suitable batteries for the 1.7 SDI engine should be in the 55Ah to 65Ah range with a CCA between 460A and 640A. Example batteries that fit these criteria are Bosch S30 05, Bosch S40 05, Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, Exide EB620, Exide EC550, Halfords HB 027, Halfords HCB 027, Lucas LP027, Lucas LS027, Varta C14, Varta D15, and Varta D24.
The 1.4 TDI diesel engine has a slightly narrower range, with 60Ah to 62Ah capacity and a CCA from 540A to 600A. Like the 1.0 petrol, it also requires a battery of reduced height (175mm), so careful attention must be paid to the dimensions when choosing a replacement. Example compatible models are Bosch S40 04, Bosch S50 04, Exide EA612, Exide EB602, Halfords HCB 075, Lucas LP075, Lucas LS075, Varta D21, and Varta D59.
Lastly, the 1.9 D and 1.9 SDI diesels also require batteries in the 60Ah to 65Ah range with a CCA from 540A to 640A, with compatible examples such as Bosch S40 05, Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, Exide EB620, Halfords HCB 027, Lucas LP027, Lucas LS027, Varta D15, and Varta D24.
A particularly interesting aspect of choosing a battery for these cars is that, while newer vehicles often come equipped with AGM or EFB batteries for Start-Stop systems, the Polo III uses traditional lead-acid batteries. This makes replacement simpler and often less expensive, but it also means that careful attention must be paid to physical size, especially height, due to the under-hood space constraints of compact cars from this era. It’s also fascinating to note that even minor differences in battery height or terminal layout can make the difference between a quick installation and a frustrating experience, so always double-check the specifications before purchase.
In summary, selecting the right battery for your VW Polo III 6N2 involves matching the ampere-hour capacity, CCA, and physical dimensions to your specific engine and always verifying that the battery technology is compatible. Sticking with recommended lead-acid batteries from trusted brands and referencing example models as listed above will ensure reliable starting and electrical performance for years to come.
VW Polo in version III (6N2, facelifted) was produced in the years 1999 – 2001. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for VW Polo (1999-2001):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
VW Polo III (6N2, facelifted) – petrol engines:
- 1.0
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 01 | 41 Ah 360 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 01 | 44 Ah 440 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 01 | 52 Ah 520 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC412 | 41 Ah 370 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB442 | 44 Ah 420 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA472 | 47 Ah 450 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 063 | 41 Ah 360 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 063 | 45 Ah 440 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP063 | 44 Ah 420 A | 210x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS063 | 50 Ah 500 A | 210x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic A17 | 41 Ah 360 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic B18 | 44 Ah 440 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C6 | 52 Ah 520 A | 207x175x175 mm | More |
VW Polo III (6N2, facelifted) – petrol engines:
- 1.4
- 1.4 16V
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 02 | 45 Ah 400 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC440 | 44 Ah 360 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB500 | 50 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA530 | 53 Ah 540 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 012 | 52 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP012 | 45 Ah 390 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS012 | 58 Ah 520 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic B19 | 45 Ah 400 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo III (6N2, facelifted) – petrol engines:
- 1.6 16V GTI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB500 | 50 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA530 | 53 Ah 540 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 012 | 52 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS012 | 58 Ah 520 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo III (6N2, facelifted) – diesel engines:
- 1.4 TDI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 04 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 04 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB602 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA612 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 075 | 60 Ah 550 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP075 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS075 | 62 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D59 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D21 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
VW Polo III (6N2, facelifted) – diesel engines:
- 1.7 SDI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 05 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC550 | 55 Ah 460 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 027 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic C14 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
VW Polo III (6N2, facelifted) – diesel engines:
- 1.9 D
- 1.9 SDI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your VW Polo , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!