SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 13, 2025 – The Volkswagen Polo is celebrating a remarkable milestone this month—50 years of making compact mobility more accessible, stylish, and fun for drivers around the globe. Since its debut in May 1975, the Polo has transformed from a modest two-door vehicle into one of the world’s most beloved small cars, with over 20 million units sold worldwide.
A compact classic that redefined mobility
What started with the slogan “Small on the outside. Big on the inside.” quickly turned into a global phenomenon. Designed to be efficient, affordable, and practical, the Polo carved out a lasting place in the automotive world by championing entry-level mobility without compromising on quality or innovation.
From the outset, the Polo promised more than just a compact design—it delivered pioneering features, award-winning design, and versatility that kept pace with changing lifestyles. Over six generations, the Polo has earned accolades like Car of the Year 2010, World Car of the Year 2010, and World Urban Car 2018.
A colorful journey through six generations
The Polo's evolution showcases its commitment to progress and personality:
- Polo I (1975–1981): A two-door, 3.5-meter-long vehicle with space for four and smart functionality, it set the tone for affordable utility.
- Polo II (1981–1994): Brought a squareback design and the GT40, the most powerful Polo of its time, plus the introduction of diesel.
- Polo III (1994–2001): Added five-door options, bold Harlequin color variants, and the sporty Polo GTI.
- Polo IV (2001–2009): Offered more room, power, and safety, including innovations like side airbags and ABS.
- Polo V (2009–2017): Introduced sharper styling and greener engines, including the BlueMotion with ultra-low fuel consumption.
- Polo VI (2017–present): Took a major step with digital features, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a refined GTI version with a 207 PS turbo engine.
Big performance in a small package
The Polo’s GTI models have long catered to driving enthusiasts, and the latest versions push the envelope with features like deactivatable ESC, sport suspension, and performance tires. Even after 50 years, the Polo continues to deliver the fun and flexibility consumers crave—without breaking the bank.
Built across the globe, loved everywhere
First built in Wolfsburg in 1975, Polo production now spans several continents, including Spain, Argentina, South Africa, Slovenia, China, Brazil, and India. Volkswagen’s global commitment to the Polo highlights its enduring appeal and adaptability to diverse lifestyles and markets.
Celebrating 50 years and looking ahead
As Volkswagen keeps the Polo fresh with updates throughout 2025, fans can expect even more reasons to celebrate. From the iconic Polo Harlequin to the rally-winning Polo R WRC, each version reflects a moment in automotive history that connected with drivers on a personal level.
Learn more about the Polo's history and special anniversary content at volkswagen-newsroom.com.