Volkswagen Polo II (Mk2) gallery (1981–1994)

The second-generation Polo remained in production for 13 years, featuring a unique vertical-hatch silhouette and the G40 supercharged variant.

All photos 547 I (Mk1) 0 1975–1981 II (Mk2) 0 1981–1994 III (Mk3) 0 1994–2002 IV (Mk4) 35 2001–2009 V (Mk5) 265 2009–2017 VI (Mk6) 195 2017

The Volkswagen Polo II (Typ 86C) debuted in October 1981. It stood out thanks to its practical 'Steilheck' squareback body styling, offering extraordinary cargo capability for a subcompact vehicle. It was accompanied by a sleek Coupe trim and a two-door Derby sedan. In 1990, a major mid-cycle refresh (86C 2F) redesigned the front fascia with rectangular headlamps and rounded bumpers.

Engine choices contained 1.0 to 1.4-liter gasoline engines and naturally aspirated 1.3/1.4-liter diesels. The engineering highlight was the Polo GT G40, powered by a supercharged 1.3-liter engine generating 113 hp. The Mk2 proved to be a major commercial triumph, produced through 1994.