Volkswagen celebrates the 50th Anniversary of their beloved hatchback

Since its debut in 1975, taking over the legacy of the VW Beetle along with the Passat and Golf, the Polo was set in a class below the Golf and was the perfect addition to the then-model-car family in the 1970s. The short, refined front-wheel drive car took over the automotive world with over 20 million sales.

Now, 50 years later and in its 6th generation, the Polo has shown that a small car can also be fun, reliable, and safe and has asserted itself very confidently in a fun, likeable way.

The Polo has become an international best-seller across six generations.

Image courtesy: Volkswagen Media

A car for everyone

It is well known for its fun front-wheel drive powertrain, cutting-edge technology and a good price-to-performance ratio.

This means that it can offer mobility which is affordable to people from all walks of life hence, keeping the legacy of the "people's car" alive.

"Whether for first driving lessons, sporty driving pleasure or as a family car – the Polo has created memories and will continue to be a versatile companion in the future also." Quotes Volkswagen.

A glimpse into the past

The hatchback, based on the Audi 50 debuted in March 1975. In slightly modified form it went into series production in Wolfsburg as the Volkswagen Polo and became a new addition to the small car segment. With its clean design and high functionality, it caught the spirit of the times.

Efficient, practical and affordable, it was also famed for its agility, very good handling characteristics and economical engines.

Evolution over six generations

The latest generation of the Polo is the result of countless hours of innovation and advancement in technology over the years.

The second generation Polo was launched with a lot of improvements from 1981 onwards and had more space, comfort and a modernized engine.

In 1987, the limited special series Polo Coupé GT G40 debuted the scroll-type supercharger, which provided more power.

The Polo III set new safety standards in its class for its time with the inclusion of airbags.

The GTI version was first made available in 1998.

With an increase in size and space, and also advanced safety features and engine refinement, the fourth generation Polo debuted in 2002 with front and side airbags, ABS and power steering as standard.

The Polo V made its mark in the motorsport world with the Polo R WRC, winning the World Rally Championship title four times in a row for Volkswagen starting in 2013.

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

The compact car boasts assistance and comfort systems that are otherwise known only from higher vehicle classes.

Image courtesy: Volkswagen Media

Volkswagen celebration plans for the anniversary year of the Polo

Volkswagen Classic will present the Polo and its historic models in its anniversary year from its own collection in the coming months.

The Bremen Classic Motorshow, starting from 31 January to 2 February 2025 will initiate the proceedings. Two early examples can be spotted in the show: an Oceanic Blue Polo L from 1975 and a unique hill climb Polo from 1977.

Image courtesy: Volkswagen Media

Cover image courtesy: Volkswagen Media