When the first new Polos were on sale at dealerships, they were part of a new Volkswagen model family that took over the streets in the early 1970s. In the spring of 1975, the angular small car followed the Passat (1973) and Golf (1974) of the then still young water-cooled model generation, which succeeded the legendary VW Beetle. Throughout six model generations, it is clear that the overall concept – consisting of a fair price-performance ratio, high utility value, pioneering technology for the small car class and, of course, its attractive design – is still popular today and has made the model a bestseller. In addition, the Polo has succeeded in shaping the compact car segment for decades. Recognition from national and international trade media includes awards such as Car of the Year 2010, World Car of the Year 2010 and World Urban Car 2018.
Polo I – The first Polo, presented in Geneva in March 1975, was a simply equipped two-door model compared with the Audi 50, on which the new Volkswagen was technically based, and which was offered in parallel by Audi. The Polo, initially available with a 29 kW (40 PS) engine, impressed with an outstanding price-performance ratio and high utility value. With a length of 3.50 metres, it offered space for four people plus luggage. The original version of the Polo was produced until 1978, the updated version until 1981. More than 1.1 million vehicles were produced, including the Derby notchback version with spacious load compartment, built from 1977 to 1981.
Polo II – In September 1981, Volkswagen presented the second generation of the Polo with a completely redesigned body that grew to 3.66 metres. This squareback Polo model was a two-door small estate with generous space. Only one year later, a fastback coupé with more powerful petrol engines followed. The Polo Coupé GT40 was launched as a limited-edition model in 1987, the most powerful variant to date with 85 kW (115 PS). As an economical variant, the smallest diesel engine with an output of 33 kW (45 PS) also made its debut in the Polo in 1987. The Polo II was produced for a total of 13 years, with more than 2.7 million units sold.
Polo III – The third completely revamped generation followed in 1994: with a new body, chassis and engines. This was also available as a five-door model for the first time. The increased exterior dimensions ensured improved space, and modern safety systems such as airbags, belt tensioners and ABS were introduced. In 1995, one of the most curious Polo models was launched: the Polo Harlequin, whose four colours could be combined in a modular design. From 1997, the Polo was available as an estate. A limited special series made its debut in 1998: the Polo GTI with 92 kW (125 PS), which now also featured the three magical letters for the first time. A total of 3.5 million Polo III models were produced.
Polo IV – The fourth-generation Polo, introduced in 2001, had a new design with four large clear-glass headlights and was 15 centimetres longer and five centimetres wider than its predecessor. It now offered a luggage compartment volume of 1,030 litres with the rear seats folded down. New engines, including three-cylinder engines and powerful turbocharged engines in the Polo GTI, provided more power. Safety features such as front and side airbags, power steering and ABS were on board as standard. The Polo GTI (now with 110 kW/150 PS) followed in 2006, along with the CrossPolo in a robust off-road look and the Polo BlueMotion (with CO2 emissions of only 99 g/km). A total of 4.1 million fourth-generation models left the factory gates.
