Volkswagen Polo wins Best Car of the Half Century award

​The Volkswagen Polo has kicked off 2025 with a major accolade, being named Best Car of the Half Century as part of the Best Cars of the Year – The New Car World Championships. This prestigious title highlights the Polo’s lasting impact on the automotive industry, cementing its status as an evergreen favorite among drivers worldwide.

A Milestone 50th Anniversary

2025 marks 50 years since the Polo first hit the roads, and with over 20 million units sold globally across six generations, it remains one of the most successful superminis ever produced. The award also ensures back-to-back wins for Volkswagen, following the Golf’s recognition with the same title last year.

The Polo’s achievement will be celebrated at the British Motor Show, held at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre from 15 to 17 August 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Polo up close and discover what has made it a best-seller for half a century.

A Panel of Industry Experts

The Best Car of the Half Century award was determined by a distinguished panel of international motoring experts, including car designers, engineers, journalists, broadcasters, automotive consultants, and industry leaders. Among them was award founder and automotive journalist Mike Rutherford, who praised the Polo’s enduring appeal:

“The 20 million motorists who’ve been buying Volkswagen Polos since 1975 can’t be wrong. It’s been the most consistently credible supermini of the past 50 years, striking the perfect balance between design, dimensions, quality, pricing, efficiency, and running costs.”

He added that the Polo has evolved from a compact city car into a premium-quality small family hatchback, maintaining its reputation for durability and affordability.

A Legacy of Performance and Innovation

Since its debut in 1975, the Polo has consistently set new benchmarks in its class, offering a blend of everyday practicality, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling GTI performance. Its motorsport pedigree includes four consecutive World Rally Championship titles with the Polo R WRC from 2013 to 2016.

Volkswagen’s continued success in the UK market is reflected in its sales performance. In 2024 alone, 166,304 Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK, making Volkswagen the country’s best-selling new car brand for the fourth consecutive year. The Polo remains a key contributor to this success, with nearly 29,000 units sold in 2024, second only to the Golf.

As the Polo embarks on its next chapter, this latest accolade reinforces its legacy as one of the most enduring and beloved models in Volkswagen’s lineup.