Since 1975, the VOLKSWAGEN Polo has enchanted entire generations and become a pioneer in its category: it has always been synonymous with affordable mobility, timeless design and avant-garde technology. With more than 20 million vehicles sold in six generations, the Polo has established itself as one of the flagship models in its category. In 2025, Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its “ant”.
In the 1970s, when the Beetle had to be replaced, VOLKSWAGEN had several models in reserve: the Passat arrived on the market in 1973, followed a year later by the Golf, while the Polo debuted in 1975. No vehicle had been this short and sophisticated before.
Positioned one category below the Golf, the Polo perfectly complemented the new family of front-wheel drive models. 50 years later, now in its sixth generation, it has proven that a small car can assert itself with confidence and please. The more than 20 million models sold bear witness to this.
A car for everyone
The Polo is not only synonymous with technical innovations, but also affordable mobility for everyone. With cutting-edge technology and fair value for money, the city car has contributed to individual mobility over generations. Whether for the first driving lessons, the pleasure of sporty driving or as a family car, the Polo has created memories and will continue to be a versatile companion in the future too.
The small car presented in March 1975 was based on the Audi 50. Slightly modified, it was mass-produced in Wolfsburg under the name VOLKSWAGEN Polo and quickly brought a breath of fresh air to the small car segment. With its sleek design and great functionality, it is in keeping with the times.
Efficient, practical and affordable, this light vehicle was also characterized by its agility, its very good handling and its economical engines. Essential values that have allowed the model to continue its success story ever since.
Evolution over six generations
With each generation, the city car has developed further. Starting in 1981, the Polo II brought a number of improvements, including more space and comfort, as well as modernized engines.
In 1987, the special limited edition of the Polo Coupé GT G40 saw the appearance of the scroll compressor, which made it possible to increase the engine’s power.
The third generation, from 1994, took another leap forward, particularly in terms of technology: the Polo III was one of the first vehicles in its class to feature innovative safety features, such as airbags . In 1998, the Polo was available for the first time in a GTI version.
Thanks to a significant increase in size, the fourth generation offered a new level of comfort and safety from 2002, with front and side airbags, power steering and ABS as standard.
The Polo V saw the introduction of a host of digital innovations: from 2009, infotainment and assistance systems made driving more comfortable than ever. The Polo V has also impressed in motorsport: with the Polo R WRC, VOLKSWAGEN won the world rally champion title four times in a row starting in 2013.
The sixth generation is based on the Modular Platform (MQB) and set new standards already in 2017 in terms of connectivity, safety and driving dynamics. In its latest version in 2021, the Polo has become even more digital and innovative. The city car is equipped with assistance and comfort systems that are normally reserved for higher vehicle categories.
A story that lasts
VOLKSWAGEN Classic accompanies the Polo in its anniversary year and will present historic models from its own collection in the coming months. The Bremen Classic Motorshow will kick off from January 31 to February 2, 2025. Two historic models will be on display: an ‘Oceanic Blue’ Polo L from 1975 and a unique hillclimb Polo from 1977.
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