For car lovers, anniversaries don’t get much more exciting than this.
Volkswagen has released a breathtaking video to mark 50 years of the iconic Polo, and it’s already making waves around the world.
Titled 50 Years of Polo: Project Drift, the video dropped this past weekend and has quickly gone viral, showing just how much love there is for South Africa’s favorite hatchback.
Filmed Where the Polo Story Lives
The film isn’t just about the cars—it’s also about the places that shaped the Polo legacy.
Shot in and around Nelson Mandela Bay, it takes viewers inside the Volkswagen Plant in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), where the Polo has been rolling off the production line since 1996.
It also features the Transnet Port Terminal in Gqeberha, which plays a crucial role in exporting locally made Polos to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
A Motorsport Showcase
To bring the story to life, Volkswagen roped in Sweden’s Johan Kristoffersson, a seven-time FIA World Rallycross Champion.
Kristoffersson takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the Kariega plant, drifting past different versions of the Polo, from the legendary Polo R WRC to the flashy Polo R Supercar in Harlequin colors, and even the futuristic electric Polo RX1e.
A Glimpse of the Future
Fans were also treated to something new: the first look at the ID. Polo, a near-production concept electric vehicle that will officially debut at the IAA Mobility show in Munich.
This signals that while the Polo is celebrating its proud history, it’s also gearing up for the next generation of driving.
Capturing the Spirit of Polo
Jens Katemann, Head of Communications at Volkswagen, summed up the project perfectly: “We not only wanted to look back but forward, too.
The Polo is a small car that can do great things and is geared for the future.”
Kristoffersson echoed the excitement, saying the shoot was a thrill as he pushed each Polo model to its limits, discovering their unique personalities while appreciating their shared strengths.
Andile Dlamini, Head of Group Communications at Volkswagen Group Africa, added that the video is also a source of pride for the thousands of employees who help build these cars every day, calling the project a true team effort.
A Tribute to Fans Everywhere
Beyond being a marketing spectacle, the video is also a love letter to Polo enthusiasts worldwide.
For five decades, the Polo has been more than just a car—it’s been a companion, a performance star, and now, a symbol of innovation for the future.
So, the real question is: after watching 50 Years of Polo: Project Drift, which moment is your favorite?