The small sedan will not face the ax on the Old Continent, despite the tightening of emissions regulations

For a car that is rumored to be nearing its curtain call, the VW Polo appears to be getting a surprising second wind. Earlier this year, Volkswagen has stopped production of the Polo in Europe after an impressive 40 years, sparking speculation that superminis could retire entirely in favor of the brand’s growing range of electric vehicles.

Turns out the plucky ICE-powered pillar is sticking around. A VW executive has confirmed plans for a major update in 2025, proving that reports of the Polo’s demise were, to borrow a phrase, greatly exaggerated.

As one of the oldest nameplates in the supermini category, the Polo has been an integral part of VW’s portfolio since its debut in 1975. The current sixth-generation model, launched in 2017 and refreshed in 2021, was considered threatened by the imminent threat from Europe. emissions regulations, even if the The South American version continues to operate. It looked like VW might let this chapter close quietly.

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However, Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen brand board member for technical development, set the record straight in an interview at the Los Angeles Auto Show. He said automobile car that the Polo is due for a “thorough update” in 2025, timed to coincide with the rollout of strict Euro 7 emissions standards. Grünitz did not detail the changes, but hinted at a wider adoption of mild hybrid technology in VW’s ICE range.

2025 Update: Mild Hybrids and More?

For the future, this is probably the update VW Polo will mix cleaner, mild-hybrid iterations of its existing 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI powertrains with a refreshed design and interior tech upgrade. This would help to justify prices which will necessarily be higher.

However, not all polo shirts will be selected – there is a good chance that the GTI variant will not survive the transition. If true, it would mean the curtain would fall on Europe’s latest ICE-powered supermini. His spiritual successor? The all-electric VW ID.2 GTI, due in 2026, promises sporty styling and enough punch to please performance enthusiasts even without the noise.

The current Polo shares its MQB A0 underpinnings with a host of models from VW Group brands, which are expected to benefit from similar lifecycle extensions. A Seat Ibiza renovated will arrive by the end of 2025, while Skoda could follow a similar path with the Fabia. The same platform serves as the basis for several existing and upcoming small sedans, SUVs and SUVs aimed at global markets, including India and South America.

A slimmer ICE range, bigger decisions

Grünitz acknowledged that compliance with stricter emissions regulations would inevitably reduce VW’s ICE engine range. Although he left details vague, he clarified that the Polo is safe for now. The recently refreshed Golfas well as the Tiguan, Tayron and Passat, will also continue on their way, while the T-Roc compact SUV will soon be available for a new generation model. Question marks remain over small crossovers like the T-Cross and Nivus, and even the flagship Touareg may not escape unscathed beyond 2025.

Balancing two architectures – MQB for ICE/hybrids and MEB for EVs – represents a significant challenge for VW, especially with the tepid pace of EV adoption. Grünitz suggested that the company could integrate EV powertrains into a future evolution of the MQB platform, a move that could expand the viability of the platform.

Meanwhile, development of VW’s all-electric SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) bases is proceeding as planned, now with help from Rivian.