In 1975, Volkswagen introduced the inaugural Polo model, followed by the Scirocco GTI in the subsequent year. Despite the long-standing presence of these two names for nearly fifty years, it wasn't until 1998 that the GTI version made its way to the third generation of Polo. Since then, this vehicle has gained recognition in the compact category for its practicality, efficiency, and racing aspirations.

Based on the 7th generation of the regular Polo, the new Polo GTI was a comfortable and refined hot hatch.

After the facelift for the entire generation of the Polo family, the GTI was refreshed too. Since it is the best super-mini German vehicle, it had to come with some features to stand out of the crowd. On the front, a honeycomb grille and a red stripe are showing the car's sporty intentions. On the front fenders, there are red and chromed GTI badges like those found on its bigger brother, the Golf GTI.

The little Polo GTI aimed high at the small-segment leader, the Renault Clio RS, with a turbocharged four-banger and an automatic DSG gearbox.

When Volkswagen introduced the fourth generation of the Polo in 2002, it didn't make it a GTI, and the small hot-hatch fans remained disappointed until 2005.