The third-generation Polo was launched in Europe in 1994. The Polo Variant based on this model made its debut in 1997. The five-door model entered the history books as an astonishingly spacious car. With the rear seat folded down, the cargo capacity rose from 390 to 1,250 liters. An update for the third Polo generation followed in 1999, when the Electronic Stability Program ESP became an option. The Polo Variant was available until 2001.