VW Polo generations
There have been a few different VW Polo generations, but exactly how many, and what makes each one so unique?
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Full list of VW Polo generations
The Volkswagen Polo has been around since 1975 and the fact it’s still popular today proves its worth in VW’s lineup of ever-evolving models.
There have been seven different VW Polo generations over the last 40+ years, each with its own perks and style.
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Mk1 - 1st VW Polo generation
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The first-gen VW Polo was launched in 1975, hot off the press following the MK1 Golf’s popularity from the year before.
It’s small by today’s standards, but back then in its first iteration, it was actually smaller than the VW up! – just let that sink in.
This small hatchback was popular for city use and rivalled the likes of the Honda Civic and Ford Fiesta of the time.
Mk2 – 2nd VW Polo generation
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Following shortly after was the second-gen VW Polo, which launched in 1981, and offered a new body style – a breadvan-like shape with a large rear window.
VW also gave it a spruced-up interior and expanded production to Spain following VW’s takeover of the SEAT brand in the late 1980s.
Mk3 – 3rd VW Polo generation
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With a completely new design and a more grown-up look, the Mk3 Polo was born in 1994 and ran into the early 2000s.
This car not only looked completely different to before, but it also introduced a new engine and chassis for added rigidity and fuel efficiency.
Sharing its platform with the SEAT Ibiza and borrowing parts from the Mk3 VW Golf, it was more grown up and more refined. A no-brainer for those after quality little city car.
Mk4 – 4th VW Polo generation
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In 2001, Volkswagen introduced the fourth generation of Polo, still sharing its platform with the Ibiza but now the Skoda Fabia, too.
To fit in line with the rest of the brand’s range of cars, it got similar rear lights to the VW Passat and headlights from the Lupo.
Looking back, it may not have been the most favourable of the generations, similar to the Mk4 Golf, but that’s probably because its successor stole the show.
Mk5 – 5th VW Polo generation
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The Polo most of us are familiar with is the Mk5, which launched in 2009 and was instantly popular among new drivers and those downsizing from a Golf.
After the slightly underwhelming Mk4, this was a car worth buying, packed full of features, tech and a handsome exterior design.
And for the first time in the Polo’s history, it was named European Car of the Year in 2010, ahead of the facelift in 2014.
Mk6 – 6th VW Polo generation
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With a strong emphasis on practicality, efficiency and comfort, the sixth-generation Polo was born in 2017 and lived until 2021.
By this point, the Polo was no longer just for short journeys – opening up a whole new audience, making it a genuine family car option thanks to more interior space.
There was also a GTI variant which proved very popular among enthusiasts.
Mk7 – 7th VW Polo generation
 "Volkswagen Polo front three quarters")
The current seventh-generation Volkswagen Polo came out in 2021 and sharpened the styling from the old car and added a bunch more interior tech.
Some of the features include matrix LED headlights, a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a large 315-litre boot.
Polo GTI generations
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The Polo GTI was born with the facelifted fourth-gen car as a proper little mini-me of the iconic Golf GTI.
It had more power, a sleek red stripe around the front grille (just like its big brother), along with a host of other styling cues, and was three-door only.
Inside it added a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, lots of GTI badges and aluminium pedals.
After this was the Mk5 Polo GTI, which was most popular with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG automatic gearbox for faster shifting.
This added extras such as sportier wheels, more aggressive styling and a classic Tartan seat upholstery – also made famous by the Golf GTI.
There was also a facelifted version of the Mk5 that fine-tuned the styling and stiffer suspension for an even sportier touch.
Following this came the Mk6 Polo GTI, which introduced a slimmer honeycomb grille, different wheel options, and better sports seats that hugged you when cornering.
Today we have the Mk7 Polo GTI – essentially a refresh of the previous model with more refinement, in the classic VW style.
What’s the best VW Polo generation?
Picking your favourite Polo generation is a bit like choosing a favourite child, but like children, some Polos are just better than others.
The fan-favourite would have to be the Mk5 because it’s the one most of us remember the best. Not only this but it’s powerful, efficient, and simply great to live with.
As cult classics go, the Mk1 Polo is in with a great shout because it signified a time when the small car really was small, really small.
VW may not have known it at the time, but the Polo went onto become one of the most successful hatchbacks in history, selling more than 18 million units and counting.
Explore the latest VW Polo cars for sale
With so many years under its belt, there’s no wonder the Volkswagen Polo is one of the most popular hatchbacks in history.
With new car prices on the rise, there’s never been a better time to snag a used Volkswagen Polo deal.