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 the length to 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. Once again, the Polo II was a lightweight car, weighing only 770 kilogrammes in its base version. Following the introduction of the squareback, the fastback Coupé was added to the range in 1982. Under the bonnet were stronger petrol engines, which gave the car faster acceleration. And Germany’s smallest diesel engine providing 33 kW (45 PS) made its debut in the VW Polo in 1987. In 1984, the Polo range was supplemented by an entry-level model, the Fox. The limited-edition Polo Coupé GT G40 was launched in 1987. Offering 85 kW (115 PS), this was the most powerful variant of the Polo so far. It was also the first model to feature the scroll-type supercharger, a new style of compressor developed by Volkswagen. In 1990, the Polo II received an extensive model update: it now sported eye-catching rectangular headlights, as well as aerodynamically designed, integrated bumpers and a modified radiator grille. The Polo II would remain in production for 13 years. 2.7 MILLION TOTAL PRODUCTION WORLDWIDE POLO FOX, 1984 Inexpensive entry-level model for a younger target group. “It’s just come out, but it’s already in.”