This is the Volkswagen ID. Polo Before You’re Supposed to See it

The Golf’s Equally Important Baby Brother

Even though the Polo was never sold in the U.S and Canada, it’s a hugely important vehicle for Volkswagen. Introduced in 1975, it was a supplement to the Golf, released a year earlier, and was essentially a rebadged, decontented Audi 50.

The formula has been simple for over 50 years, and with over 20 million sold, the Polo is a tried-and-true recipe that simply works. It’s adapted with the times but has remained affordable for millions of Europeans. But the subcompact hatchback is getting a major makeover. Soon, there will be an ID. Polo, and it’s not long before that one comes out.

The ID. Polo, Unmasked

Instagram page Wilco Blok managed to obtain photos of the ID. Polo, but the original ones have subsequently been taken down. But as the saying goes, what goes on the internet stays on the internet. The photos have been shared many times since, and let’s just say that Volkswagen’s PR department isn’t having a great time right now.

But what’s out is out, and we now have clear photos of the subcompact hatchback. There are just a few, but it’s more than enough for a good look at it.

Typical VW Styling

Previously, VW shared photos of the car still wrapped in camo, so the look of the production ID. Polo doesn’t really come as a huge surprise. In typical VW fashion, the brand didn’t try to rock the boat with the electric Polo. For those who live where this subcompact hatch is sold, the styling cues are very familiar, just as the brand intended.

The front end is a fresh take on the current Polo’s look, and there are more defined character lines on its flanks. No photos of the rear were taken, but we can safely say that this is where the electric model differs significantly from the fuel-fed version.

The GTI’s Been Snapped, Too

The photos showed what could be the standard and R-Line exterior packages for the ID. Polo. For the standard model, it is smaller alloys with rather chunky tires, and not much in the way of decorative elements. The R-Line gets larger wheels, though it’s hard to tell what else has changed.

Aside from those, the GTI model was also photographed, and it has more notable exterior differences. It rides on even bigger wheels, and there are red exterior highlights as this is a GTI, after all. An illuminated grille is also present, further differentiating it from less powerful models. With that, we know that there might be at least three trims for the ID. Polo.

What We Know So Far

Well, VW released official photos of the interior, and we’re glad to report that there are loads of physical buttons. There’s an actual panel that houses the buttons, too, and it’s the company making good on its promise to bring those back. It’s also worth mentioning that the digital cluster is customizable and can even display retro-inspired gauges if the driver so chooses.

The ID. Polo rides on VW’s MEB+ architecture and will form the basis for future, more affordable EV models from the brand. Unlike the ID.3, this one will be front-wheel drive, and it’s assumed to be single-motor only. Even the GTI will be front-drive, as VW claims it sticks to tradition.

The best part? The company has also revealed power figures for the junior EV hot hatch. It’s rated at 166 kW, which is 223 hp if we’re sticking with more familiar measurements. An electronically-controlled front differential lock will also be fitted to the ID. Polo GTI. It’s something familiar to Golf GTI owners these days, but it’s the first-ever application for an electric model.