Polo III 1994-2001
The third generation was extensively revamped: body, running gear, and engines were completely new. “So big and yet so small” was the advertising slogan, reflecting the fact that the car’s exterior dimensions had increased, providing even more space.
3.5 million total production worldwide
At 3,715 millimetres in length, the Polo III now had similar dimensions to the Golf I. More materials was being used in the safety structure, and there was more equipment, increasing the kerb weight to 915 kilogrammes. In terms of design, the car had taken a quantum leap forward. What was particularly striking on the new model was its rounder look, as well as the pronounced C-pillar and the raised rear end.
The Polo now had modern safety systems such as driver and front passenger airbags, seat belt tensioners, and the anti-lock brake system had now appeared on the scene.
A breath of fresh air: in 1995, an open-top version of the Polo III offered a completely new perspective with the Open Air special edition. The Polo Open Air was characterised by an electrically operated sunroof that could be pushed back to in front of the C-pillar. The folding fabric sunroof was so large that even passengers in the rear seats enjoyed a clear view of the sun and blue skies. No Polo has ever been closer to offering the cabriolet experience. And this is what the original Volkswagen advertising text promised: “Fun and driving pleasure. Get in, open the roof, and enjoy driving under the open sky.”
It is one of the most curious and iconic models Volkswagen has ever launched on the market: the Polo Harlekin (“Harlequin”). When the third generation of the Polo was introduced in 1995, it brought about something new: equipment packages that could be freely combined. The sales brochure illustrated the modular system with four colours: Pistachio Green stood for the paintwork, Chagall Blue represented the engine and chassis, Ginster Yellow symbolised the equipment, and Flash Red indicated special equipment. In order to visualise the principle on the Polo as well, 20 vehicles were initially repainted in four colours and distributed to the showrooms of Volkswagen dealerships. Demand was high and exactly 3,806 units rolled off the production line.
Volkswagen decided to also launch a Harlequin model on the American market. The Golf III was chosen for this. But demand for the Golf Harlequin was limited. Nevertheless, the Harlekin is cult.
The Polo variant made its debut. The five-door model went down in the product line’s history as a genuine space miracle – the stowage capacity increased from 390 to 1,250 litres when the rear bench seat was folded down.
1998 was the first time the Polo sported the three iconic letters more commonly associated with its “big brother”, the Golf: the limited edition Polo III GTI sold out quickly.
In September 1999, the Polo was given another makeover: the new model had a redesigned front end, clear glass headlights, modified bumpers, redesigned tail light clusters, and a more high-quality interior with blue backlit instruments. Two airbags and the anti-lock brake system were now fitted as standard, while ESC (Electronic Stability Control) was available as an optional feature.
