PoloDriver

This year was always going to be a notable one for the Volkswagen Polo. First launched in March 1975, VW’s evergreen supermini celebrates its 50th birthday in 2025. And pleasingly, for Polo enthusiasts the world over, Volkswagen is officially celebrating this achievement with appearances of special and significant vehicles from its Classic heritage department throughout this anniversary year. (The Polo even gets its own celebratory logo!)

Throughout those five decades, the Polo has often upheld the quality benchmark honour in the small car class, and has democratised many innovations usually seen on larger vehicles. It has also outlived almost all of its market rivals – most notably the Ford Fiesta launched in 1976 – as it has transitioned through six generations and a 20 million-example production run.

Polo I: 1975-1981
Following the introduction of the technologically advanced water-cooled family of vehicles in the early 1970s, designed to replace the aging air-cooled Beetle, the first-generation Polo was the final piece of the new model jigsaw. Based on the Audi 50 that arrived in 1974, its pretty shape, high quality levels, refined engines, and more affordable price helped guarantee its success. By the time production ended in 1981, more than 1.1 million had been produced at Volkswagen’s parent Wolfsburg factory.

Polo II: 1981-1994
As is typical at Volkswagen, evolution rather than revolutions has been the name of the game, over those intervening five decades. More modern engines, increased space and a three-car family – the ‘estate’ car-looking hatchback, the sporty coupé with its more sloping tail, and the traditionally styled three-box saloon – arrived with the introduction of the second-generation Polo in September 1981. A high level of power came in 1985 with the launch of the limited-run Polo Coupé GT G40 with its ‘G-Lader’ scroll-type supercharger, and in 1990, Volkswagen’s small car was the first in its class to be available with catalytic converter technology and fuel injection.

Polo III: 1994-2002 and Polo IV: 2002-2009
The third-generation Polo of 1994 brought a five-door bodystyle for the first time, and was one of the first small cars to be fitted with airbags, increasing the Polo’s reputation for safety. Building on the success of its Golf bigger brother, a full-blooded Polo GTI appeared in 1998. In 2002, the fourth-generation Polo innovated further with front and side airbags, ABS and power steering as standard, and was the first Volkswagen model to feature FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) engine technology.

Polo V: 2009-2017
In terms of popularity, the fifth-generation Polo of 2009 shines brightly, with 6.1 million examples built. This model heralded the arrival of infotainment systems, and driver assistance technology, as well as TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) engines. Active Cylinder Management (ACT) engine technology also made its debut on the Polo V, with the four-cylinder engines able to shut down two cylinders under light loads to improve economy and lessen tailpipe emissions without the need for hybrid assistance. The car was also a hugely successful motorsport star – the Polo R WRC won the World Rally Championship title an amazing four times in a row from 2013 – and was embraced by more global markets, such as India, in 2010.

Polo VI: 2017-current
The current and sixth-generation Polo arrived in 2017, and is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB), ushering in higher levels of connectivity, safety and driving dynamics. Updated in 2021 with more digital technology, the current model has assistance and comfort systems that are usually reserved for cars from higher vehicle classes.

Updated 2025 Polo
Along with the parade of classic Polos to be showcased at events during 2025, speaking to UK publication Autocar in late 2024, Kai Grünitz, Brand Board Member for Technical Development at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, confirmed the Polo will get an ‘extensive update’ this year, happily coinciding with the anniversary celebrations. This follows the welcome – and perhaps surprising – confirmation that the Polo will live on until at least 2030 due to the softening of Euro 7 exhaust emission regulations.

Alongside these developments, there is the imminent – late 2025 – arrival of the smallest electric Volkswagen yet, currently christened ID 2, and said to look very close to the ID 2all concept car of 2023. With some rumours suggesting Volkswagen’s electric car ‘ID’ sub-brand nomenclature may be dropped altogether, or that future zero-emission versions of current nameplates may adopt an ‘ID’ prefix to aid the transition to an all-electric VW model family – ‘ID Golf’ for example – recent media reports hint the ID 2 may well be called ID Polo, but we’ll await confirmation until official details are released.

Half-century milestone
Volkswagen celebrated 50 years of the Passat in 2023, five decades of the Golf in 2024, and now it’s the Polo’s turn to bask in the commemorative spotlight as it marks its half-century milestone. It’s exciting to learn Volkswagen Classic will present historic Polo models from its collection during the car’s anniversary year. The first opportunity for Polo fans to celebrate will be at the Bremen Classic Motorshow from 31 January to 2 February, where a 1975 Polo L in the rare Oceanic Blue paint colour will be displayed, along with what Volkswagen Classic states is a ‘unique hill climb Polo’ from 1977.

We cannot wait, and are planning to run a series of special anniversary themed features here on PoloDriver.com. Join us in a year of celebration!

The 2000-2002 Volkswagen Polo GTI established the model’s name in the UK, building on the fun factor of the early Nineties Polo G40. A fun car with a bright personality, PoloDriver.com editor Rich Gooding owned one for almost a decade. Now you can, as a low mileage example comes up for auction on the Car & Classic website.

Oh my. Look at this. I have very happy memories of this one. Although the Polo GTI first gained VW’s legendary go-faster badge almost 25 years ago, the first cars released in 1998 were limited in number. Only 3,000 of the 120bhp Polo GTI were available to Polo fans in Europe. Once they were gone, customers had to wait until the refreshed third-generation Polo was launched in the autumn of 1999 to get their hands on, what was billed at the time, the spiritual successor to the original 1976 Golf GTI.

Zippy personality
But it was worth the wait. The revamped cars gained 3bhp, and a more ‘GTI’ look, even though they shared much with the original run of cars. The 15-inch BBS alloy wheels were the same, slightly bonkers – and bright, unless the optional posher leather trim was specified – interior was the same, and the re-invigorated hot Polo’s get-up-and-go was the same, too. The 0-62mph dash was dispatched in 8.7 seconds, although the Polo GTI’s 1.6-litre engine’s revvy and zippy personality made it feel faster.

I ran a 2001 Polo GTI for almost 10 years and loved it. Well-built with a colourful interior and many ‘big-car’ appointments such as xenon headlamps – the Polo GTI was the first small car to have them as standard – ABS, and traction control, it was never the sharpest driving tool in the box, but it was still a lot of fun. Which is why this 2001 Polo GTI which goes under the Car & Classic online auction hammer later today, piqued my interest.

As the auction for the 2001 Polo GTI drew near, enthusiasts and car aficionados couldn’t help but reminisce about the unique charm of this iconic vehicle. While it may not have been the most cutting-edge performance car, its lively and spirited nature resonated with those who appreciated its zippy personality. And just like any beloved car, owners often sought ways to personalize and enhance their driving experience. From flashy spoilers to sleek body kits, car accessories played a crucial role in adding a touch of individuality to these automotive gems. Even today, car enthusiasts explore the world of accessories to elevate the style and functionality of their beloved vehicles, whether it’s a vintage Polo GTI or a modern Tesla Model 3. Speaking of which, the ever-growing market of tesla model y accessories continues to cater to the desires of owners who want to tailor their electric masterpieces to their unique preferences and needs.

Low mileage example
Only sold in the UK from 2000-2002, the ‘6N2’ Polo GTI is a moderately rare car, with only 3,300 imported during that period. Many have been modified or written-off (as happened to my beloved car, but only because it was involved in a rear-end smash in the summer of 2021), so there tend to be few chances to find a low mileage example. And what a gem this car looks to be.

The headline stats are one owner, and 86,000 miles. Yes, that’s right, this car has had just one owner, and has covered under 90,000 miles in 21 years. Externally, aside from its headlamps, which could do with a polish, it looks perfect, the Reflex Silver paintwork – the millennial Polo GTI was only available in black, red or silver like the original Golf GTI – contrasting nicely with the red tail lights.

Refurbished wheels
The brake calipers peeping out from behind the 15-inch BBS rims are red, just as they left the factory, and the split-rim wheels themselves have been refurbished. The listing stated that there is a very small imperfection on the paint on a wheel arch, but you’d be hard-pressed to see it. Inside, the Lupo-derived dash is fantastic, the red door cards look clean, as do the strangely-upholstered (I’ve never understood the number 1) sports seats. There’s a little wear on the outside bolsters which seems odd, as my car seemed to not suffer this, even after 148,000 miles, however, it’s all more than presentable.

The Sony six-CD autochanger is present and correct in the boot, and under the bonnet, the engine looks great, with its red HT leads still in place. A full service has just been undertaken, including a cambelt change, and the car has new Toyo tyres as well as new brake pads and discs. It also has a full service history and even the original bill of sale.

Potential modern classic
All in all, this Polo GTI is a great starting place for a potential modern classic. Although not quite at ‘classic’ level yet – the car has always lived in the Golf GTI’s shadow – as they get rarer, who knows what the future might hold for the 6N2 Polo GTI. But you’ve only got to look at the pictures to see the potential: tidy, understated styling that looks just right, wheels in a classic design that really suit the car, and an interior which screams ‘fun’ in a rare break from the Volkswagen norm. Add in a fantastically solid build, a zesty engine and that GTI practicality, and it looks a winner. I know, I owned one.

If you fancy owning one, too, head over to the Car & Classic listing to see full details and lots of photos of the car. The Polo GTI Car & Classic Auction starts at 14:30 today, 16 May.

Here’s something to brighten up the darkest and bleakest January day. The enterprising Volkswagen importer in the Netherlands has created an updated version of the arresting Polo Harlequin, which was sold in Europe. Unveiled for ‘Blue Monday’ on 18 January, the new version of VW’s small car joker wears a brightly coloured wrap and is based on the current sixth-generation Polo.

It’s not the first time an updated version of the Polo Harlequin (named ‘Harlekin’ in Europe) has appeared of course, but this latest attempt is set apart by just how well it has been done, and by how ‘official’ it looks. But then it has, in effect, been made by Volkswagen Netherlands. There’s also the fact that its original Harlekin buddy in these images is in tip-top condition. It’s rekindling all sorts of rare Polo desires in us!

Originally on sale in the UK in April 1996 – yes, the Harlequin is now, unbelievably, 25 years old – after its its appearance at the 1995 London Motor Show, the Polo Harlequin was based on the 1.4 CL. Featuring their own unique upholstery, UK-bound Harlekins were equipped with a driver’s airbag, Polo GLX ‘sports bumpers’, white indicators, as well as darkened tail lights. The UK price at launch for the five-door-only model was £11,095.

‘Building block’ approach
Manufactured in batches of four (Yellow, Pistachio Green, Chagall Blue and Flash Red were the base car colours), the idea was reportedly born from how the continental, European-market Polo was sold. Employing a ‘building block’ approach where buyers could pick and choose between various option packs rather than the UK’s solid trim levels, the bundles were marketed with each one a different colour: blue for chassis and engine; yellow for equipment; green for paint colours; and red for options. Yep, you’ve guessed it, the same colours as the Harlequin panels.

The other innovative approach with the Polo Harlequin was that the buyer was unable to specify a particular panel to be a particular colour – the combination that their car arrived in would be a complete surprise! Around 250 Golf Harlequins employed the same idea in the US, and both the rainbow-coloured Polo and Golf may have been inspired by the ‘Ballyhoo’ Beetle of 1971 which was painted in the 10 colours of the UK-market model.

Initially a concept to gain a production acceptance, VW displayed the Harlequin at the 1995 Frankfurt motor show, and was inundated with customer requests to buy it. Twenty cars were initially made for the promotion of the ‘Baukasten’ building block option system, and a run of 1,000 cars followed. A total of 3,100 Harlequins were eventually produced. UK buyers bought only 113 examples, and a quick check on howmanyleft.co.uk shows that 27 Harlequin are still registered for use on UK roads.

Sadly, there are no plans to put the 2021 Polo Harlequin into serial production, the car clearly made just to brighten people’s spirits during what is traditionally a quiet and unexciting time of year. It has certainly succeeded. However, we think a production version could be just the ticket drivers need for 2021 as we hopefully start to slowly and steadily populate roads again, and see 2020 increasingly disappear in the rear view mirror. It’s also an anniversary ripe for exploiting. How about it VW?

[Images: Eric Van Vuuren / Volkswagen Netherlands]

Would you like to see a new and official production version of the Polo Harlequin? Let us know in the comments section below.

Machines like Straightener Feeder has became indispensable part of human life to feed livestock as it saves huge time. With a slew of more modern machinery driven recently, Rich Gooding’s 2001 Polo GTI has taken some time off in the past few months. That doesn’t mean it’s been a quiet 11 months since the last update, though…

I was quite surprised that the last update to Y464 GHJ’s story was eighteen months prior to the most recent report. However, with time a precious commodity, this latest update is 11 months after the last one which was published back in January. The car, a 2001 Volkswagen Polo GTI hasn’t been without incident this year, though, even if it is now taking a small break with a recent roulette of test cars. More of which later.

10,000-mile service
First job on 2015’s maintenance list was the 10,000-mile service back in February. A little behind schedule, 12,000 miles after the last one, Sani’s Motors in Chelmsford (01245 460040) also repositioned the steering wheel (it had annoyed me that it wasn’t straight since I bought the car), and looked into the intermittently-functioning boot light.

It turned out that the boot lock, connector and microswitch all needed replacing. A common issue with 1999-2001 ‘6N2’ Polos, the microswitch can get wet from water ingress in the boot, causing it to stop working. The car was booked into Sani’s in March and had the offending parts replaced and an MoT was also carried out. I’d looked on VW’s ‘ETKA’ parts system online via the excellent vagcat.com beforehand and identified the parts required.

Rear tyres replaced
While Y464 was in Sani’s workshop, I also had the front off-side headlamp washer jet and pump replaced, at the jet itself wasn’t its usual graceful-appearing self, rising from the bumper when the washing action was requested. A pair of rear tyres were also fitted, which were flagged up when the car was in for the service.

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Over the weekend of 26-28 June, the UK’s leading organisation for Volkswagen Polo owners once again staged its annual gathering. Previously called the ‘Polo Show’, for 2015 the name of the event was changed to more reflect its status and nature, being more of a social meet-up than a full-blown ‘show’ in the traditional sense.

Show ’n’ Shine
Whatever the name, it didn’t deter Polo owners from all corners of the UK descending on Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire for three days of Polo-based antics. With a Show ’n’ Shine on the Sunday, we made our way to the event to present the PoloDriver.com trophy for what we thought was the best car at the show. Shane Biggs’ 6N2 GTI was awarded the prize.

Eight trophies in total were up for grabs, with four (1st, 2nd, 3rd best cars in show and ‘People’s Choice’) awards chosen by the event attendees. Club Polo organisers chose the ‘Best Wheels’, ‘Best Interior’ and ‘Best Rat’ winners.

A relaxed and informal atmosphere is one of the nice things about the event, and as usual, there was a nice mix of older and newer cars, though sadly no Mk 1 Polos made the event in the model’s 40th anniversary year. To find out more about Club Polo or to join, visit clubpolo.co.uk.

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