What is the Volkswagen Polo?
The Polo is Volkswagen’s small hatchback, sitting below the Golf in the range. Its compact shape and practical cabin suit city journeys, commuting and everyday use. Over its history, the Polo has also appeared as a coupé, estate and saloon, as well as in sportier versions.
Volkswagen launched the Polo in 1975 as part of a new generation of front-wheel-drive cars, following the Passat and Golf. The small car gradually gained space and equipment. The sixth generation, introduced in 2017, moved to Volkswagen’s MQB platform, bringing features such as a more digital cabin and optional driver-assistance technology.
Polo generations
The generations covered here begin with Polo III (1994–2002) and Polo IV (2001–2009). Polo V ran from 2009 to 2017, followed by Polo VI from 2017 to today. Each generation developed the car’s design, space and equipment; the sixth generation’s MQB platform enabled a wider range of technology.
As the Polo evolved, features such as airbags and ABS became part of its equipment. Volkswagen introduced the MQB platform with Polo VI, which also brought a more digital cockpit and driver-assistance features.
Engines and power
EU figures cover engines from 1.0 L to 2.0 L and outputs from 44 kW (60 PS) to 152 kW (207 PS). Recorded fuels include petrol, natural gas, diesel, flex-fuel E85, LPG and other types. In the UK, the range spans 1.0 L to 1.9 L and 41 kW (55 PS) to 141 kW (192 PS), with petrol and diesel versions.
France’s recorded Polo range spans 44 kW (60 PS) to 141 kW (192 PS), with petrol and diesel versions. Engine and output choices have varied across markets and model years.
How economical is the Volkswagen Polo?
The lowest stated EU consumption for petrol and diesel versions is 4.1 L/100 km on WLTP. In the UK and France, the lowest stated figure is 3.1 L/100 km on NEDC. WLTP and NEDC are different European test procedures, and results can vary with the version being tested.
Where was the Polo sold?
The Polo appears in official figures for the EU, UK and France. EU registrations total 6,694,844 from 2010–2025. The UK figures cover 2000–2026, while France’s cover 2012–2015. Volkswagen has produced the Polo in several regions around the world, and fuel and engine choices have varied by market.
Questions and answers
Where does the Polo sit in Volkswagen’s range?
It is Volkswagen’s small hatchback, positioned below the Golf.
Which Polo generations are listed?
Polo III (1994–2002), Polo IV (2001–2009), Polo V (2009–2017) and Polo VI (2017–today).
What is the lowest stated Polo consumption in the EU?
4.1 L/100 km for petrol and diesel versions on WLTP.
Does the Polo have diesel versions?
Yes. Diesel versions appear in the EU, UK and France figures. The EU figures also include other fuel types.
