This Small Train Filled With Miniature Polos Could Be VW’s Most Impressive Birthday Tribute So Far | Carscoops

      The intricate scale model is displayed at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany.

      April 29, 2025, at 06:11

      by Thanos Pappas

      A miniature car carrier featuring 70 Polo models has debuted at Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland.

      This exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original Polo.

      The latest sixth generation of the supermini is set to undergo a significant update in 2025.

      Reaching half a century in the automotive realm is a noteworthy milestone, especially for a model that was never designed to be extravagant yet has quietly become an iconic figure. This year, the Polo celebrates its 50th anniversary, and Volkswagen is honoring the heritage of its supermini with a fitting homage: a scale model car carrier train, constructed at 1:87 scale and completely loaded with miniature Polo models.

      The display is part of 'Miniatur Wunderland,' a renowned attraction located in Hamburg's Speicherstadt district, Germany. Recognized globally for its detailed and intricate miniature exhibits, the venue showcases everything from buildings and bridges to cars, trucks, airplanes, and ships, all presented with remarkable realism. It has long been an essential stop for both scale model enthusiasts and casual visitors.

      The new Polo-themed train consists of 12 carriages, transporting a total of 70 Polo models available in various colors. The majority are fifth-generation versions sold between 2009 and 2017. However, attentive visitors will notice a blue first-generation Polo from 1975 among them. The absence of the latest sixth-generation Polo is likely due to the limited availability of 1:87 scale replicas.

      The train is situated within the miniature “City of Hamburg” section, which includes scaled-down replicas of local landmarks such as the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, Elbe bridges, and the vibrant port. To enhance the celebration, the model train stations along the route are adorned with "50 Years of Polo" billboards.

      A Supermini Celebrates 50 Years

      The Polo has been available for five decades, making it one of the oldest and most well-known names in the supermini category. In conjunction with the Golf and Passat, it serves as one of Volkswagen's most identifiable badges. Over its six generations, launched in 1975, 1981, 1994, 2001, 2009, and 2017, the Polo has achieved total sales exceeding 20 million units globally.

      Volkswagen has confirmed that the Polo will undergo an “extensive update” in 2025, marking the second facelift of the sixth generation following the 2021 refresh. This update will ensure alignment with the more stringent Euro 7 emission regulations, thereby securing the Polo's future in Europe for at least a few more years.

      The updated Polo will still utilize internal combustion engines but will soon share dealership space with Volkswagen’s upcoming generation of electric hatchbacks. The fully electric ID.2 is slated for release in 2026, followed by the even smaller ID.1 in 2027.