Volkswagen Polo Brand Revival: Possible Return to India as SUV

Volkswagen may be planning to revive the Polo brand in India, but not necessarily as the hatchback we remember. The company discontinued Polo around the same time as VW Group's India 2.0 strategy was implemented, but brand director Ashish Gupta has hinted at its potential return in a different body style—likely as a sub-4m SUV.

The Polo has been one of India's most iconic hatchbacks. Despite never receiving major design updates during its Indian run, it remained a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts. In global markets, Volkswagen offers variants like the Polo Sedan (known as Virtus in India) and the Polo Robust in Brazil, an off-road version of the hatchback.

While reintroducing the Polo hatchback isn't officially confirmed, Gupta's comments suggest Volkswagen is exploring ways to leverage the Polo's strong brand recall in India. One possibility is a sub-4m SUV that could share platform modifications similar to those seen with the Skoda Kylaq. This approach could help Volkswagen establish a new entry-level model that delivers both volume and profitability.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen is preparing to launch the Golf GTI and Tiguan R Line through select dealerships in India. In the mainstream segment, the Polo continues to be the company's most significant vehicle, especially regarding after-sales service.

Of the 700,000 Volkswagen cars sold in India to date, the Polo accounts for approximately 400,000 units—roughly 60% of the company's total sales in the country.

Despite being discontinued in 2022, the Polo remains popular in the pre-owned segment. Resale values have increased by up to 30%, with some owners able to sell their vehicles for the same price they paid a couple of years ago. Volkswagen's pre-owned car business has grown significantly, with sales increasing from 3,000 units in 2019 to 33,000 units in 2024—a tenfold increase in five years.

The company has yet to officially confirm any developments regarding Polo's return to India.