It's the first of January 2025. That means many things. Among other things, the Volkswagen Polo, which was actually sent to the grave, turns 50.
The Polo will celebrate 50 years on the market in 2025. Since its introduction in 1975, the Volkswagen Polo has been a popular car, especially in China. Over six generations, the Polo has established itself as one of the most successful models in its class, with more than 20 million units sold.
Volkswagen had several new models on the way in the 1970s, as the iconic Beetle was being phased out. The Passat arrived in 1973, the Golf in 1974, and the Polo followed suit in 1975. The Polo was a compact and refined car, positioned below the Golf, and it contributed to Volkswagen's transition to front-wheel drive.
The Polo has always stood for offering modern technology at an affordable price. It has met various needs over the years, from first car to family car.
This is what the Danish VW importer writes in a press release .
The first Polo, presented in March 1975, was based on the Audi 50. It was simple in design and focused on functionality. With a length of 350 cm and a weight of 685 kg, the Polo was a light and efficient car.
The Polo has undergone continuous development. The second generation, Polo II, came in 1981 with improvements in comfort and engines. It was voted Car of the Year in Denmark in 1982.
The third generation, the Polo III, came in 1994 and was among the first in its class to have airbags. In 1998, the first Polo GTI came with a 120 hp engine.
The fourth generation, introduced in 2002, was larger and had a higher level of comfort and safety.
The fifth generation came in 2009 and introduced new technologies such as DSG gearbox and automatic cylinder deactivation.
The sixth generation, from 2017, was based on the MQB platform and set new standards for connectivity and safety. In 2021, the Polo was upgraded with digital technology and assistance systems.
Although the Polo will continue, it will get an electric counterpart, the ID.2, in 2026. The ID.2 will be the smallest model in Volkswagen's ID. family and is expected to have a range of up to 450 km. There will also be a GTI version with over 200 hp.
Editor's note : The Polo was originally intended to be driven into the grave. But Volkswagen has apparently regretted that decision . Read more about the background here .
