Sometimes a facelift brings some minor changes that can be noticed only by advised experts.
For some others, the modifications are so big that you can barely call that car a facelift. The facelifted version for the third generation of the Polo is a mix of two. From the outside, it is hard to tell the differences. But Volkswagen claimed that up to 70% of the car was new. First of all, the entire bodywork was galvanized, to give better protection against rust. Then there is the improved engine range and, in the end, some new engines.

Some body panels were modified on the 1999 Polo. New headlights and new taillights were installed to give the car a more premium appearance. Its customers were demanding some features from the Audi brand. The headlights received more rounded parts than before. The front bumper was redesigned too. New, bigger taillights were installed in the rear and the bumper was extended up for better protection during parking maneuvers.

Inside, there is a new design with inspiration from the car’s smaller brother, the VW Lupo, but with better materials. As for the engines, the three-cylinder 1.4-liter TDI engine was installed in the 5-door version. It was the same unit with 75 hp that had achieved record fuel-efficiency on the Lupo 3L, but with different settings and still featuring very good fuel consumption.