The facelifted Mark III Phase II (or Typ 6N2; sometimes referred to as the Mark IIIF or "Mark 5" by enthusiasts) was released in 1999.
The hatchback models featured updated styling including new headlights and bumpers and an all new interior based on that of the Lupo.
Although the car was similar in appearance to the Mark III, Volkswagen claimed that 70% of the components were new.
The bodyshell was fully galvanised and stiffened but not fully redesigned, although some panels were changed.
Twin airbags were made standard.
The saloon and estate versions received the new interior, but not the full exterior facelift.
Also, the 3 cylinder 1.4 TDI engine was introduced for the 3 and 5 door hatchbacks.

Volkswagen also introduced a GTI version of this facelift, this time also available outside of Germany.
The GTI is equipped with a further developed 1.6l 16v engine from the 6N with 92 kW (125 hp), this time with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) which activates from 5,000 revs, making the engine sound more exuberant.
The GTI is recognizable by original Xenon lighting with headlight washers (the only one in the 6N2 range), honeycomb grills, 10mm factory lowered suspension, a thicker front lip and original 15" BBS rims with 195mm wide tires.

The Mark IIIF Polo Classic is still sold in Argentina.

Both versions of the Mark III Polo were strong sellers in the United Kingdom and strong competitor for the likes of the Fiat Punto and Nissan Micra.
At the time of its launch, it was arguably the best small car on sale in Europe in terms of build quality and "upmarket" feel, although its ride and handling was generally not considered to be as good as that of the Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 206.
The 1.4 TDI was considered the best in the range due to its reliability, fuel consumption, and relative power, for a small engine.

Awards
1999 Used Car Buyer Greatest Used Car Buy Awards – Best Economy Car
1998 Top Gear Magazine Top Cars – Best Supermini
1997 Which?
Magazine Best Buys – Best Supermini
1997 Auto Express New Car Honours – Best Supermini
1997 Complete Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
1996 Semperit Irish Car of the Year
1995 What Car? –
Car of the Year
The facelifted Mark III Phase II (or Typ 6N2; sometimes referred to as the Mark IIIF or "Mark 5" by enthusiasts) was released in 1999. The hatchback models featured updated styling including new headlights and bumpers and an all new interior based on that of the Lupo. Although the car was similar in appearance to the Mark III, Volkswagen claimed that 70% of the components were new. The bodyshell was fully galvanised and stiffened but not fully redesigned, although some panels were changed. Twin airbags were made standard. The saloon and estate versions received the new interior, but not the full exterior facelift. Also, the 3 cylinder 1.4 TDI engine was introduced for the 3 and 5 door hatchbacks.
Volkswagen also introduced a GTI version of this facelift, this time also available outside of Germany. The GTI is equipped with a further developed 1.6l 16v engine from the 6N with 92 kW (125 hp), this time with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) which activates from 5,000 revs, making the engine sound more exuberant. The GTI is recognizable by original Xenon lighting with headlight washers (the only one in the 6N2 range), honeycomb grills, 10mm factory lowered suspension, a thicker front lip and original 15" BBS rims with 195mm wide tires.
The Mark IIIF Polo Classic is still sold in Argentina.
Both versions of the Mark III Polo were strong sellers in the United Kingdom and strong competitor for the likes of the Fiat Punto and Nissan Micra. At the time of its launch, it was arguably the best small car on sale in Europe in terms of build quality and "upmarket" feel, although its ride and handling was generally not considered to be as good as that of the Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 206. The 1.4 TDI was considered the best in the range due to its reliability, fuel consumption, and relative power, for a small engine.
Awards
1999 Used Car Buyer Greatest Used Car Buy Awards – Best Economy Car
1998 Top Gear Magazine Top Cars – Best Supermini
1997 Which? Magazine Best Buys – Best Supermini
1997 Auto Express New Car Honours – Best Supermini
1997 Complete Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
1996 Semperit Irish Car of the Year
1995 What Car? – Car of the Year
Volkswagen Polo