The VW Polo will be 50: a car that wrote the story!

The VW Polo celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. The premiere of the popular small car took place in 1975 at the automotive salon in Geneva. Since its introduction, the Polo has been built around 20 million times in six model generations. The technical basis of the VW Polo comes from NSU in Neckarsulm. The prototype K50 led to the series production of the Audi 50 in 1974 and the Polo in 1975.

The VW Polo was originally designed as the successor to the VW Beetle and is part of a successful model Trio, which also includes the Passat (1973) and the Golf (1974). Incidentally, the name "Polo" was chosen six months before the market launch; Alternative names that were available were Bonito, euros, mini-golf or pony. With a length of about 3.50 meters, the VW Polo front -wheel drive offers and is powered by four -cylinder engines with a displacement between 800 and 1300 cm³, which have an output between 29 and 44 kW (40 to 64 hp).

Development of the VW Polo over the years

In the early years, the Polo did without a automatic start, so that the driver had to start the engine over the choke. Technical features of the first generation included cardboard door panels, the lack of a locking cylinder on the passenger side, no sun visors, drum brakes and diagonal tires. By 1981, over 750,000 units were sold, including higher -quality versions such as the Polo GLS, which was introduced in 1978.

with the Polo II, which was produced from 1981, Volkswagen brought improvements to space, comfort and engines. The Polo Coupé G40 debut in 1987 with a G-loader, while the third generation, Polo III, was one of the first vehicles in its class with airbags from 1994. In 1998 the Polo was offered as GTI for the first time and was another milestone in the history of the model.

modern developments and successes

The fourth generation, from 2002, was characterized by increased comfort and security. With the introduction of Polo V in 2009, digital innovations, infotainment and assistance systems were also integrated into the model. The Polo R WRC won the Rally World Championship four times in a row between 2013 and 2016. The sixth generation that came onto the market in 2017 is based on the modular transverse modular kit (MQB) and now exceeds the four-meter brand. A revision in 2021 also led to further digital assistance and comfort systems.

like planet-polo.de , the VW Polo experienced numerous model variants and special editions over the years that have always been adapted to the requirements of market conditions. Starting with the introduction of the special model "Polo Open Air" in Norway in January 1995 to other special designs and technological progress, the Polo offers a rich legacy that extends to the current models.