Last year, we celebrated 50 years of the Volkswagen Golf. In 2025, it’s the Volkswagen Polo turning 50.
The Volkswagen Polo celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking half a century of pioneering achievements in the compact car segment. Since its introduction in 1975, the Polo has sold over 20 million units across six generations, cementing its position as one of the most successful small cars in automotive history.
Emerging during a pivotal transition period for Volkswagen in the 1970s, the Polo joined the manufacturer’s new front-wheel-drive lineup alongside the Passat and Golf. Based on the Audi 50 platform, the original Polo stood out for its compact dimensions and refined engineering, establishing a new benchmark in the small car category.
Throughout its six generations, the Polo has consistently evolved while maintaining its core promise of accessible mobility. The second generation, launched in 1981, brought enhanced comfort and space, while introducing the innovative GT G40 variant with its groundbreaking scroll-type supercharger. The third generation, debuting in 1994, pioneered safety features like airbags in the small car segment, followed by the introduction of the iconic GTI variant in 1998.
The fourth-generation Polo arrived in 2002, featuring standard equipment including power steering, ABS, and comprehensive airbag systems. Digital innovation became a cornerstone with the fifth generation in 2009, which also achieved remarkable success in motorsport, securing four consecutive World Rally Championship titles from 2013 with the Polo R WRC.
The current sixth-generation model, introduced in 2017, leverages Volkswagen’s sophisticated MQB platform architecture. A significant update in 2021 further enhanced its digital capabilities and driver assistance systems, offering technology typically found in higher vehicle segments. The Polo was sold in Malaysia officially throughout the 2010s with both Mk.4 (limited numbers, CBU) and Mk.5 (CBU and CKD) models available in various configurations (MPI, TSI, GTI, 3 door, 4, door, 5 door). We also got the sedan version, which was later sold as the Vento. The 6th gen model was not introduced here.
To commemorate this milestone, Volkswagen Classic will showcase historic Polo models throughout 2025, beginning with the Bremen Classic Motorshow. The exhibition will feature two significant early models: a 1975 Polo L in Oceanic Blue and a rare 1977 hill climb variant.
