What Makes the VW Polo’s 50th Anniversary Gymkhana Video So Special?
There’s something undeniably thrilling about seeing a car that’s usually pegged as practical and unassuming suddenly let loose in a full-throttle Gymkhana spectacle. That’s exactly what Volkswagen pulled off to celebrate the Polo’s 50th birthday—a milestone that could’ve been marked with a simple press release, but instead, VW went all-in with tire smoke, jumps, and a dash of nostalgia. The result? Pure magic.
Why Did VW Choose Gymkhana to Celebrate the Polo?
For decades, the Polo has been a staple of city streets and family driveways, especially in Europe and South Africa. But behind that sensible image lies a motorsport pedigree that’s easy to forget. The Polo has claimed multiple World Rally Championship titles, and its WRC variants have wowed fans with their agility and speed. By choosing a Gymkhana-style video—think high-speed stunts, precision driving, and a touch of showmanship—VW reminded everyone that the Polo’s roots run deeper than daily commutes.
The video isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s a statement: even as the Polo heads toward an all-electric future, its spirit of fun and performance is alive and well.
Who’s Behind the Wheel, and Why Does That Matter?
Johan Kristoffersson, a name that carries serious weight in rallycross circles, takes center stage in this film. He’s not just any driver—he’s a multiple-time world champion, and his familiarity with the Polo WRC and RX1e is obvious from the first drift. Watching Kristoffersson fling the Polo WRC over jumps and thread it through obstacles is a reminder of what happens when you pair top-tier engineering with world-class talent.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Kristoffersson doesn’t just stick to the rally-bred monsters. He hops into the current Polo GTI and even the new ID.Polo prototype, showing off the versatility and evolution of the nameplate. It’s a clever way to bridge the gap between past, present, and future.
What’s the Story Behind the Cars Featured in the Film?
The Gymkhana video is a showcase of three distinct Polos:
– The Polo WRC: Decked out in a special anniversary livery, this car is a nod to the Polo’s rallying glory days. It’s loud, fast, and not afraid to get dirty.
– The RX1e Rallycross Car: This all-electric beast pumps out a staggering 670 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its dual electric motors. Kristoffersson knows this car intimately—he’s won world championships with it in 2022 and 2023.
– The Current Polo GTI and ID.Polo: The GTI brings hot-hatch energy, while the ID.Polo hints at what’s next for VW’s small car lineup. The ID.Polo, set to launch soon, will be VW’s new electric hatchback, signaling a major shift for the brand.
How Does the Video Reflect VW’s Vision for the Polo’s Future?
It’s easy to see this film as just a fun marketing stunt, but there’s a deeper message. Jens Katemann, VW’s head of communications, summed it up: the goal was to celebrate the Polo’s legacy while generating excitement for its future. By introducing the ID.Polo in such a dynamic way, VW is telling fans that electrification doesn’t mean the end of excitement. Instead, it’s a new chapter—one where small cars can still do big things.
The video’s final scenes, with the Polo GTI pulling up alongside the ID.Polo prototype, are a visual passing of the torch. It’s a reminder that innovation and tradition can coexist, and that the Polo’s story is far from over.
What Can Enthusiasts and Everyday Drivers Take Away from This?
For car enthusiasts, the Gymkhana film is a treat—a rare chance to see the Polo unleashed. But even if you’re not a motorsport diehard, there’s something relatable here. The Polo’s journey mirrors the evolution of the auto industry itself: from humble beginnings, through racing triumphs, and now into the electric age.
If you’re considering a Polo, or just curious about where VW is headed, this celebration is a good sign. The brand is embracing change without forgetting what made the Polo special in the first place—agility, reliability, and a surprising dash of fun.
The big takeaway? The Polo’s legacy isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments and embracing new challenges. Start with one change this week, whether it’s learning more about EVs or just taking your daily driver on a new road, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.