Volkswagen launches celebrations to mark 50 years of the Polo

In 2025, Volkswagen will be celebrating its next big anniversary as the little Polo will be a proud 50 years old. Even if it certainly doesn't quite match the popularity and cultural significance of its big brother Golf, there will hardly be anyone in this country (and many other countries too) who hasn't sat in a Polo at some point or even owned one. 

With over 20 million vehicles sold in six generations, the Polo has established itself as one of the most successful models in its class. It has coined the term "small car" like few others.

When the time came to replace the VW Beetle in the 1970s, Volkswagen had several arrows in its quiver. The Passat was launched in 1973, followed a year later by the Golf and the Polo took off in 1975. 

Photos by: Volkswagen

According to Volkswagen, the Polo "not only stands for technical innovation, but also for affordable mobility for all". Affordable mobility is certainly a debatable point, especially given the prices of the current generation, but the statement is certainly true for the majority of the five decades. 

Only recently, we also celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Audi 50 here at Motor1. The first Polo is effectively the twin of the Ingolstadt model. The small car presented in March 1975 is based on the Audi 50. Slightly modified, it goes into series production in Wolfsburg as the VW Polo. With its clear design and high functionality, it hits the nerve of the times. From 1977, it was also available as the Derby notchback saloon, although this only lasted two generations and was discontinued in 1985. 

VW Derby (1977)

Volkswagen Derby

From 1981 the Polo II brought with it a series of improvements including more space and comfort as well as modernised engines. The G-Lader supercharger made its debut in 1987 in the limited special series Polo Coupé GT G40, turning the small car into a veritable racing car with 113 PS. The third generation from 1994 saw a further leap forward, also in terms of technology. The Polo III is one of the first vehicles in its class with safety features such as airbags. In 1998 the Polo is available for the first time as a GTI still with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine and 120 PS. Today, a good 27 years later, the Polo GTI with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and 207 PS ensures extremely sporty driving performance, such as a top speed of 150 mph. 

From 2002, the significantly larger fourth generation offered a new level of comfort and safety with front and side airbags, power steering and ABS as standard. Digital innovations are introduced in the Polo V: infotainment and assistance systems make driving more comfortable than ever from 2009. The Polo V also impresses in motorsport with the Polo R WRC as Volkswagen wins the World Rally Championship title four times in a row from 2013.

The sixth generation is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and sets new standards in terms of connectivity, safety and driving dynamics in 2017, while also outgrowing its original segment in terms of driving comfort and appearance. The last major facelift will take place in 2021. Did you know that the Polo for Europe is currently being manufactured in South Africa?

Gallery: Volkswagen launches celebrations to mark 50 years of the Polo

9

Source: Volkswagen

The next statement that Volkswagen gives us in the press release for the Polo 50 is also interesting. It says, "Whether first driving lessons, sporty driving fun or family car - the Polo has created memories and will continue to be a versatile companion in the future". What the Polo's future will look like has so far been more than unclear. There was never any talk of an electric Polo. The sixth generation is entering its eighth year and small cars are more unprofitable than ever and are becoming increasingly extinct. We are curious to see whether and how things will continue with the Polo. 

In the meantime, the celebrations to mark the big little Polo's milestone birthday are about to begin in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Classic is accompanying it in its anniversary year and will be presenting historic models from its own collection over the coming months. The first event will be the Bremen Classic Motorshow, from 31 January to 2 February 2025, where two early examples will be on display: an oceanic blue Polo L from 1975 and a unique hill climb Polo from 1977.

The Polo is certainly a classic of the future:

VW Polo III (1994-2001): Classic of the future?

VW Polo 86C 2F (1990-1994): Classic of the future?