Volkswagen Polo
Developed as a sibling model of the Audi 50
The first-generation Polo debuted in 1975 as a new generation Volkswagen model, following the Passat and Golf. It was developed based on the Audi 50, which was released in 1974.
Since its debut in 1975, the Volkswagen Polo has captivated people of all ages and countries, becoming a pioneer in the B-segment. With over 20 million units sold across six generations, the Polo is the most successful model in its class, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
In the 1970s, Volkswagen planned to introduce a new generation of models to replace the long-standing Beetle, with the Passat debuting in 1973, the Golf in 1974, and the Polo in March 1975. The Polo, introduced below the Golf in the segment, was developed to complete a new family of front-wheel drive models.
The first-generation Polo was based on the Audi 50, a car from the same group, with minor modifications made specifically for Volkswagen and mass-produced at the Wolfsburg plant. When it was released to the market, it instantly brought a breath of fresh air to the compact car segment. Its clean design and high functionality captured the trends of the times.
Over the past 50 years, the Polo has evolved to its sixth generation, and has gained popularity not only through various technological innovations but also as a symbol of affordable mobility for everyone. The cutting-edge technology, reasonable price, and sufficient performance that are on par with those in the higher segments have been passed down to every generation of the Polo.
The Polo has evolved over six generations
The Polo has evolved over six generations since its debut in 1975. The current sixth-generation Polo was released in 2017 and underwent a major overhaul in 2021.
With each generation, the Polo has evolved even further. The second-generation Polo, launched in 1981, featured a variety of improvements, including increased space and comfort, and a modernized engine. In 1986, the Polo Coupe GT G40 was introduced as a high-performance model, featuring a 1.3-liter inline-four supercharged engine.
The third-generation Polo, which debuted in 1994, was the first car in its class to come equipped with airbags as standard. In 1998, the first Polo model, the GTI, was released. The fourth-generation Polo, which saw a significant increase in size, debuted in 2001. It came equipped with front and side airbags, power steering, and ABS as standard, achieving a new level of comfort and safety. From 2009, infotainment and assistance systems were installed, making driving even more comfortable than ever before.
The fifth-generation Polo, which debuted in 2009, has been active in motorsports. The Polo R WRC has won the World Rally Championship (WRC) title for four consecutive years since 2013. The current sixth-generation Polo, developed based on the MQB (Modulare Quer Baukasten), had its world premiere in 2017. It can be said that it has set new standards in its segment in terms of connectivity, safety, and driving dynamics.
To celebrate the Polo anniversary in 2025, Volkswagen Classic will be showcasing its precious Polo collection at various events. First, at the Bremen Classic Motor Show, which will be held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, a 1975 Polo L in Oceanic Blue and a unique 1977 Hillclimb Polo will be on display.
[Related Links]
Volkswagen Polo 50th Anniversary Website
