The compact small car covered the customer spectrum from economical to comfortable, acting as a sparring partner for the Golf (and initially the Volkswagen Beetle as well). The Golf for the A-segment was developed at the same time and went into mass production in 1974 – along with the new A0 vehicle, which had been christened the Audi 50. The modular principle was advanced during this time, which allowed the same components to be used in different Group models with largely identical vehicle technology and was intended to ensure the company’s long-term profitability. And this is how the small Audi car from Ingolstadt came to be pro duced at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg from the summer of 1974. The almost identical Volkswagen Polo followed suit, albeit with a slight delay, and went into production on 05 March 1975. Looking good, with a compact body and a practical boot lid, the Polo perfectly reflected the spirit of the times. Agility, excellent vehicle handling, and economical engines were the new core virtues that shaped the overall positive image. The car sold well right from the get-go, with the larger Golf having already done some good groundwork with customers. Passat, Scirocco, Golf, and Polo – the new Volkswagen model family was now complete. When the new small car, the Volkswagen Polo, was born in March 1975, it already had a twin brother. The almost identical Audi 50 had been on the market since October 1974. However, both small cars rolled off the assembly line exclusively at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY 6 750 YEARS OF POLO DEVELOPMENT POLO II 1981–1994 In September 1981, Volkswagen launched the second-generation Polo. The completely redesigned body increased to a length of 3.66 metres and boasted a unique look. The steeply sloping rear made the Polo a two-door estate, small but with plenty of space. The headroom in particular had increased substantially compared with the first model series.