In 2025, Volkswagen celebrates not just one, but two major milestones: 87 years of automotive innovation and the 50th anniversary of the iconic Volkswagen Polo.
Few brands can claim to have shaped global mobility quite like Volkswagen — a name synonymous with engineering excellence, timeless design, and a forward-thinking mindset.
As the brand reflects on nearly nine decades of history — from the legendary Beetle to the futuristic ID. series — it continues to evolve with bold strides toward electrification, digitalisation, and sustainable mobility.
Let's explore the heritage, the highlights, and what's next for this automotive trailblazer.
Table of Contents
A Legacy That Shaped Generations
Volkswagen was founded in 1938 with a singular vision: to create a "people's car" — affordable, reliable, and accessible. The result was the Beetle, a vehicle that went on to become one of the best-selling cars of all time, with over 21 million units sold worldwide.
Under British control after WWII, production resumed at the Wolfsburg plant in 1945, igniting a legacy that would redefine the global automotive landscape.
Image: First Volkswagen Beetle
Key historical milestones include:
- 1955: The one-millionth Beetle rolls off the line.
- 1973: Launch of the Passat — signalling a new era of family-friendly sedans.
- 1975: The Volkswagen Polo debuts, offering urban drivers a compact, capable alternative to the Golf.
- 1998–2000s: Volkswagen acquires Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini, expanding its influence in the premium segment.
- 2015: After the diesel emissions crisis, Volkswagen pivots sharply toward electrification and transparency.
Image: 1973 Volkswagen Passat
Today, Volkswagen blends this rich legacy with cutting-edge innovation, proving that a brand born in the 1930s can thrive in the 2030s and beyond.
Polo at 50: "Small on the Outside, Big on the Inside"
While Volkswagen celebrates 87 years of innovation, 2025 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Polo, a model that redefined compact car practicality.
First introduced in 1975, the Polo became a global favourite thanks to its nimble handling, build quality, and efficient performance — racking up over 20 million units sold.
Notable Polo Generations
- 1st Gen (1975–1981): Simple, reliable, and affordable — the perfect urban car.
- 3rd Gen (1994–2001): A major leap in quality and refinement.
- 5th Gen (2009–2017): Winner of the 2010 European Car of the Year.
- 6th Gen (2017–present): Packed with digital features and driver assistance systems, including mild hybrid variants.
Image: Polo First Generation
Image: Polo 6th Generation
2025: Volkswagen's Modern Line-Up
Far from resting on its laurels, Volkswagen's 2025 line-up demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful evolution rather than flashy reinvention. The brand's refreshes this year are grounded in feedback, function, and forward-thinking design.
Golf Mk8.5
- Refined Design: Slimmed-down LED lights and elegant contours.
- Tech Overhaul: New 12.9" infotainment screen, faster software, improved voice control.
- Greener Powertrains: Updated mild-hybrid and PHEV options improve efficiency.
Tiguan (3rd Gen)
- New Platform: Built on MQB Evo for better comfort and agility.
- Premium Interior: Minimalist cockpit, smart storage, ambient lighting.
- Plug-In Hybrid: Up to 62 miles of electric range — ideal for eco-conscious families.
.jpg)
Image: Volkswagen Tiguan 2025
Electric Expansion
- ID.7 Tourer: Spacious electric estate with a projected 435-mile WLTP range.
- ID.3 Facelift: Enhanced materials, sharper design, and improved driving dynamics.
- Passat Redesign: Smarter, sleeker, and more efficient than ever before.
Image: Volkswagen ID7 Tourer 2025
And beyond 2025, the horizon includes:
- Project Trinity: An ultra-efficient EV with advanced autonomy and ultra-fast charging.
- ID.2all: A €25,000 compact EV continuing the "mobility for all" mission of the original Beetle.
What Volkswagen Owners Are Saying
Feedback from Motorfinity surveys shows just how much Volkswagen drivers value the brand's enduring strengths:
"It's built to a standard that feels a step above."
"The new infotainment system finally feels premium."
"Understated excellence — reliable without needing to shout."
Common critiques:
"Touch sliders were frustrating — glad they're fixing that."
"Prices are creeping up — but the quality still makes it worth it."
Despite critiques, 9 in 10 owners say they'd buy a Volkswagen again, citing trust, reliability, and driving comfort as key factors.
Electrifying the Future: VW's Green Vision
Volkswagen's future is electric — and purposefully so. With its ACCELERATE strategy, the brand aims to make 70% of its European sales fully electric by 2030. Key focus areas include:
- ID. Family Growth: ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID. Buzz — each built on the modular MEB platform.
- Affordable EVs: The upcoming ID.2all aims to democratise electric driving.
- Sustainable Production: Volkswagen is investing in closed-loop battery recycling and climate-neutral manufacturing, aiming for full carbon neutrality by 2050.
Why It All Still Matters
From the post-war Beetle to the urban-friendly Polo and the boundary-pushing ID.7, Volkswagen has always built more than just vehicles — it has shaped eras, sparked memories, and consistently redefined what the "people's car" can be.
In celebrating 87 years of trusted innovation and 50 years of the Polo, Volkswagen proves that legacy and leadership are not opposites — they are partners in progress.
Drive Into the Next Chapter with Motorfinity
At Motorfinity, we pride ourselves on offering exclusive discounts across all Volkswagen makes and models.
Whether it's the timeless Golf, the versatile Tiguan, the iconic Polo, or a future-ready ID. electric model, we'll help you drive into Volkswagen's next chapter — with confidence and value.
We offer flexible financing options, including Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), and leasing deals. These plans are tailored to suit different driving habits and budgets.
Are you eligible?
Our nations Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
Related Car Reviews and Articles
Why Buy New? 5 Benefits of Buying a New Car
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Whether you've just passed your test, are starting a new job or have welcomed a new family member, purchasing a new car is always an exciting time. It's also a big investment, so you want to know that you're making the right choice before you pick up the keys.
Read More
Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Established by the Department of Transport in the 1960s, the MOT has been a mainstay in assessing vehicle safety for decades. The MOT test is a yearly examination for vehicles older than three years conducted in the UK. It is designed to ensure that cars, motorcycles, and other road vehicles meet environmental and road safety standards.
Read More
The Difference between Plug-in, Mild, and Hybrid Vehicle Technologies: A Detailed Guide
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
If you've recently started learning about hybrid cars, but are confused by the many types, you're not alone. In this easy-to-understand guide, we will carefully go through the differences. We will look at why hybrids exist, what makes each one different, and what special features make each one stand out.
Read More