Volkswagen Polo celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025

50 years of the Volkswagen Polo

When the Volkswagen Beetle was due for replacement in the 1970s, Volkswagen already had several models behind it: the Passat entered the market in 1973, and a year later the Golf debuted. In 1975, the compact Volkswagen Polo made its debut, completing Volkswagen’s new front-wheel-drive model range. That the Polo still exists after 50 years says enough about the success story of this B-segment hatchback.

Audi 50

The first-generation Polo presented in March 1975 was based on the Audi 50. In slightly modified form, it went into series production in Wolfsburg as the Volkswagen Polo. Efficient, practical and affordable, the lightweight car was also characterized by agility, very good handling and fuel-efficient engines. Core values that served as a blueprint for all the generations that followed.

Six generations of Volkswagen Polo

With each generation, the Volkswagen Polo was further refined. Starting in 1981, the Polo II brought a number of improvements, including more space, comfort and modern engines. In 1987, the limited special series Polo Coupe GT G40 saw the light of day. Another leap forward followed in the third generation from 1994, also in terms of technology.

The Polo III was one of the first cars in its class to come standard with airbags. In 1998, the Polo was first available as a fast GTI. Beginning with the fourth generation, the larger grown Polo offered a new level of comfort and safety, with standard front and side airbags, power steering and ABS.

The Polo V saw the introduction of a host of digital innovations: starting in 2009, infotainment and assistance systems made driving more comfortable than ever. The Polo V also impressed in motorsport: with the Polo R WRC, Volkswagen won the World Rally Championship title four times in a row from 2013.

Sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo

The sixth generation was based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and set new standards in connectivity, safety and driving dynamics in 2017. The Polo became even more digital and innovative with the 2021 product upgrade.

History Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Classic is kicking off the Polo’s anniversary year with vigor, presenting historic models from its own collection in the coming months. The Bremen Classic Motorshow kicks things off from January 31 to February 2, 2025. Two early examples are on display here: an Oceanic Blue Polo L from 1975 and a unique hill-climb Polo from 1977.