The Volkswagen Polo marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. Since launching in 1975, it’s become one of the most successful compact cars in the world, with over 20 million sold.
It’s known for being small, practical, well-built, and good to drive. It’s still one of the best small cars or superminis to lease in the UK.
Launched with the slogan “Small on the outside. Big on the inside” the Polo was initially seen as a budget-friendly option in VW’s growing water-cooled line-up, sitting alongside the Passat and Golf. But its combination of low running costs, clever packaging and progressive tech meant it quickly carved out a lasting place in the market. Six generations later, the formula remains: compact design, class-leading safety and convenience tech, and a strong price-to-spec ratio.
Key Milestones:
- Over 20 million units sold since 1975
- Six model generations, each adding performance, efficiency and comfort
- Global production footprint, with cars built in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America
- Award-winning heritage, including World Car of the Year 2010
Generation | Key Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Polo I | 1975–1981 | Compact and simple. Budget-focused |
Polo II | 1981–1994 | Roomier estate and coupe versions added |
Polo III | 1994–2001 | 5-door option, airbags, ABS, and first GTI |
Polo IV | 2001–2009 | CrossPolo and low-emission BlueMotion introduced |
Polo V | 2009–2017 | Cleaner design, new engines, and the Polo R WRC |
Polo VI | 2017–present | Bigger, smarter, and full of premium features |
The Polo GTI, BlueMotion, and R WRC editions have all helped push the car’s boundaries, from efficient eco cars to rally-winning performance machines. The Polo has also been a gateway car for new drivers for decades. If you're a first-time driver, check out our guide: Best First Cars for New Drivers.
The Polo wasn’t just built for commuting. From the supercharged G40 in the ‘80s to today’s 207 PS Polo GTI, it’s offered real hot hatch thrills in a compact shell.
Highlights include:
- Polo R WRC Street: A 220 PS road-going rally version (2013)
- WRC domination: Four consecutive World Rally Championship titles (2013–2016)
- Modern GTI: Turbocharged power, track-tuned suspension, and everyday usability
Volkswagen has always used the Polo to introduce new features ahead of its time. Across generations, it’s brought premium-class tech to small car buyers.
Examples include:
- Airbags and ABS in the 1990s
- BlueMotion low-emissions engines in the 2000s
- Adaptive cruise and LED matrix lights in the 2020s
- Fully digital cockpit and IQ.DRIVE systems since 2021
The Polo has always offered more than just affordability. Across six generations, it’s introduced technology, safety, and features that were once reserved for larger models.
Here’s why it still stands out:
- Compact size, ideal for urban driving and parking
- Comfortable, refined interior for its class
- Strong residual values, keeping leasing costs competitive
- GTI variant for drivers who want a sportier option
- Up-to-date tech, including digital cockpit and driver assistance
Whether you want a daily commuter or a small car with a premium feel, the latest Polo continues to be a great choice.
The latest Polo rides on VW’s MQB platform (same as the Golf and Audi A1), giving it big-car refinement in a smaller footprint.
Recent updates include:
- Digital cockpit with 10.25-inch display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- IQ.DRIVE with adaptive cruise, lane assist and more
- Matrix LED headlights
- Polo GTI with sports suspension and 207 PS
These features bring big hatchback convenience to a supermini format, making the Polo a solid value option for lease customers.
The Volkswagen Polo remains one of the strongest players in the compact car market. A 2025 refresh is expected to bring even more connectivity, efficiency and driver-focused upgrades.
In a world shifting rapidly toward electrification, it’s unclear how long petrol-powered Polos will remain. But for now, the Polo continues to serve as a benchmark for small car quality, value and usability.
The Volkswagen Polo remains one of the best small cars to lease in the UK. It’s easy to drive, comfortable for daily use, and offers premium features in a compact package.
Explore our latest Volkswagen Polo lease deals to find a contract that suits your needs.
Want more advice on small cars? Read our Why You Should Lease a Small Car blog. We also publish weekly blogs on a variety of topics, browse them all in the blog section of our website.
As one of the UK’s top car leasing brokers, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers a wide range of leasing deals to suit different needs. For more information, visit our car leasing guides or speak to one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
Originally posted: 13th May 2025
