The Volkswagen Polo remains one of the brand’s best-sellers in Europe. In 2019, it was Europe’s third best-selling model behind the VW Golf and Renault Clio. However, sales have been decreasing since 2018, the sixth-generation Polo’s first full year on the market. Back then, the subcompact hatchback saw 295,403 sales, followed by a drop to 257,804 sales in 2019.

As expected given the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, sales during the first eight months of 2020 have seen an abrupt fall to 106,994 units and it’s highly unlikely the Polo will manage to end the year with more than 150,000 sales. That would make 2020 the worst year for the Polo in Europe since 1997 when accurate sales statistics began. In this context, VW is preparing a mid-cycle update for the sixth-generation Polo, which launched in the summer of 2017. When we first saw these spy shots taken in the Alps, we naturally assumed the test prototype with a camouflaged front end was the 2021 Polo.

 

However, there’s also a good chance it is actually a mule for the next-generation Skoda Fabia, which the company’s new CEO recently confirmed. Why do we say that? Well, the future generation model will use the current Polo’s MQB-A0 platform, making the bodywork of the Polo the most logical choice for a test mule. Another reason is this particular prototype featured Czech Republic license plates (censored in these images), whereas VW prototypes almost always sport German plates.

On top of that, one of the photographers told us the test driver spoke Czech. f this is not the Fabia and is actually the 2021 Polo, it looks like most of the changes will be made at the front, where there’s a new bumper with a larger lower grille and new vertical vents on the sides. Unless the camouflage is deceiving us, we can’t spot any changes made to the headlights and grille. Mind you, VW will likely make modifications to these elements and will add the new logo as well – though this particular car features the old logo at the back.

 

The car looks identical to the 2020 model when seen from the side, while the rear end appears unchanged as well. It’s safe to assume the 2021 Polo will get revised graphics for the taillights and a refreshed bumper. Inside, the VW Polo looks untouched for the moment but the infotainment system should get some software updates. As for the engine lineup, it’s likely to remain largely the same, unless VW decides to add mild-hybrid assistance to the 1.0-liter TSI and 1.5-liter TSI engines. The facelifted VW Polo will launch early next year in Europe while the all-new Skoda Fabia will arrive before the end of 2021.