In the rear-view mirror: The third in the group
Just one year after the Golf, Volkswagen opened another new chapter in its post-Beetle era with the Polo. With over 20 million vehicles sold in six generations, the small car has proven to be one of the most successful models in its class and is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
When it came to replacing the VW Beetle in the 1970s, Volkswagen had several arrows in its quiver: the Passat was launched in 1973, followed by the Golf a year later and the Polo in 1975. One step below the Golf, it rounded off the then new model family with front-wheel drive.
The small car presented in March 1975 was based on the Audi 50. Slightly modified, it went into series production as the VW Polo in Wolfsburg and quickly brought a breath of fresh air to the segment. With its clear design and high functionality, it struck a chord with the times.
From 1981, the Polo II brought with it a series of improvements, including more space and comfort as well as modernized engines. The second generation is also built for a while as a notchback variant called the Derby. In 1987 the Polo Coupé GT G40 made its debut in the limited special series, providing more power. The third generation from 1994 saw a further leap forward, also in terms of technology. The third-generation Polo is one of the first vehicles in its class with safety features such as airbags. In 1998, the Polo is available as a GTI for the first time.
From 2002, the significantly larger fourth generation offers a new level of comfort and safety, with front and side airbags, power steering and ABS as standard. Digital solutions are introduced in the Polo V: infotainment and assistance systems make driving more comfortable from 2009. It also impresses in motorsport: with the Polo R WRC, 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. With the 2021 revision, the Polo comes with assistance and comfort systems that are otherwise only known from higher vehicle classes. (aum)
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Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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There are 50 years and over 20 million vehicles built between the first and sixth generation Polo.
Photo source: Volkswagen via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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