VW Polo 9N / 9N3: two extra gauges in place of the ashtray, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW Polo 9N without drilling?
In the ashtray of the centre console. A panel plugs into the slot with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds two 52 mm gauges flush side by side; the cables run through the plug into the slot. It is designed for the Polo 9N (2001–2005), including GTI and Cup Edition; the fit in the 9N3 (facelift 2005–2009) is not confirmed.
- Car
- VW Polo 9N 2001–2005, incl. GTI, Cup Edition, Fun, Cross Polo
- Not confirmed
- Polo 9N3 (facelift 2005–2009)
- Gauges
- 2 × 52 mm flush, versions for 45, 50 and 55 mm depth
- Mounting
- hollow 69 × 66 mm plug with crush ribs in the ashtray slot
- Material
- PETG, ASA or ABS; no supports
- Fit
- not tested in a car; dimensions taken from a freely published third-party model
How the panel sits
The ashtray slot in the Polo 9N centre console is about 70 × 67 mm. A hollow plug with crush ribs clamps in it, and the panel in front holds two 52 mm gauges flush side by side. Crush ribs hold the gauges without screws, and the cables run through the plug into the slot.
Which Polos fit
- Designed for: Polo 9N (2001–2005), including GTI, Cup Edition, Fun and Cross Polo.
- Not confirmed: Polo 9N3 (facelift 2005–2009).
What is tested and what isn’t
To be clear: our panel has not yet been tested in a car. The slot dimensions come from a freely published Polo 9N cupholder (wuetr, Printables 602479, CC0) that was tested in the car; we only took over the dimensions. If the plug is too tight, file the crush ribs a little; if it is too loose, add felt tape. The gauge bore is 52.79 mm; the tolerance test ring shows whether your printer hits it.
Safety
The ashtray is outside the airbag zones. The panel must not get in the way of the gear lever, handbrake or heater controls – check in every gear – and cables must not be pinched. Always use a fused power supply.
Printing
The panel prints with the front face on the bed for a smooth visible side; no supports are needed. In the centre console PETG is enough, ASA or ABS work too, PLA does not (PETG or ASA in a car). The panel weighs about 130 g and takes about 11 hours.
Fitting the gauge panel in a Polo 9N
- Print the fit test set or tolerance test ring in the final material and test-fit a gauge.
- Print the panel (front face on the bed, no supports).
- Remove the ashtray insert and keep it.
- Feed the cables from the front through the cups and the plug into the slot, fit the gauges.
- Press the panel into the slot and check in every gear that gear lever, handbrake and heater controls stay clear.
FAQ
Does the panel fit the Polo 9N3 or the GTI?
It is designed for the 9N, including GTI and Cup Edition. For the 9N3 (facelift from 2005) it is not confirmed that the ashtray slot is the same. Measure first (slot about 70 × 67 mm) or print the fit test set.
Why does the panel stick out from the console?
Two 52 mm gauges side by side are wider than the slot. Only the plug goes into the slot; the panel with the gauges sits in front of it and sticks out by the gauge depth.
Which gauges make sense on the 1.8T (GTI)?
Boost and oil temperature are typical. Any gauge with a 52 mm body fits as long as its depth matches the chosen version (45, 50 or 55 mm). The connections should be close to the centre so the cables pass easily through the plug.
Can I still use the cigarette lighter?
We have not checked that in a car yet. Depending on its position the protruding panel may sit in front of it; mock it up with card at the right depth first.
Updated: 1 November 2026
