Polo VI 2017-present
When it comes to small cars, it’s one of the greats: by now, the Polo had sold more than 17 million units worldwide and was one of the most successful vehicles in its class. The sixth generation was launched in 2017 with a completely new design: for the first time, the Polo was built on the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB).
2.5 million total production worldwide*
*from 2017 to October 2024
The MQB concept was evident in the amount of space available: the Polo’s length had increased by 81 millimetres and its wheelbase by 92 millimetres. It was longer and flatter on the outside than its predecessor, but managed to be larger on the inside. Particularly impressive was its luggage compartment capacity, which had increased to 351 litres. The design aimed to evoke emotional, expressive dynamism.
The new MQB resulted in a number of features that were previously found only in higher vehicle classes, such as Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System (fitted as standard) and Pedestrian Monitoring, the lane change system with Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, and LED headlights. The Polo VI is also the first Polo to include digital instruments: the second generation of the Active Info Display made its debut in this model.
Polo Beats: The name of the special model says it all: a 300-watt sound system delivers rich sound.
The flagship GTI model impresses with features including the new Sport Select chassis.
In spring 2021, the Polo was comprehensively revamped, giving it an even more high-quality feel: it now boasted a sharper body design and new features such as a light strip and LED headlights on the front grille, plus LED tail light clusters on the modified rear bumper.
In terms of safety and ride comfort, the Polo was equipped with assist and comfort systems that were usually reserved for higher vehicle classes. These included, for example, the optional IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist – which enabled partly automated driving for the first time, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking, and main-beam control.
The cockpit had gone digital, with screen diagonals of 20 cm as standard and up to 25 cm on request. The new generation of infotainment systems was also on board. There were a number of digital features such as wireless charging, App Connect and features on demand (e.g. for retrofitting the navigation function).
The new offering included the Polo, Polo Life, Polo Style, and Polo R-Line. In addition, in the summer saw the launch of the new Polo GTI; under the bonnet was a two-litre turbocharged petrol engine providing 152kW (207 PS).
In 2023, a quarter of a century after the first Polo GTI was launched, VW presented the Polo GTI Edition 252 special model – an anniversary edition limited to 2,500 units. The anniversary model impressed fans with its powerful drive, sports running gear, XDS differential lock, and a number of eye-catching design features.
