Live from the Lyon Motor Show, ECO MOTORS NEWS witnessed the first appearance in France of two models of vital importance to Volkswagen: the new T-Roc and, above all, the eagerly-awaited ID. Polo 100% electric.
It was a long-awaited announcement, and it was sure to be one of the highlights of the 2025 Lyon Motor Show. At the heart of its imposing stand in the centre of Eurexpo, Volkswagen presented, for the first time in France, the new version of its two best-sellers in France: the T-Roc, in second place, and the Polo, in first place.
The 2026 version of the T-Roc crossover is being described as a ‘baby Tiguan’, as it benefits from technological improvements that bring it closer to its more upmarket companion – Park Assist, augmented reality head-up display – and shares its platform. 12 cm longer than the previous version, the ‘little’ SUV will be offered with a full hybrid engine.
ID. Polo, small but strong
But what interested us most was when the tarpaulin went up to reveal the new ID. Polo. Well, unveiling is a big word, as it retains its camouflage, in this case a nod to the iconic Polo Harlequin of the 1980s. During the presentation, VW did not mince its words: it was a ‘revival’, but also ‘a return to the source’. A new backlit light signature has been added to the Polo’s emblematic sturdy wheel arches and inverted C-pillar. It’s hard to say much more about the design, as this is still a camouflaged version, and the interior is not yet in its final form. But we do know that it will be just over 4 metres long and, despite a wider front end, will still be the city car we’ve been waiting for.
As for the technical specification, there’s not much to go on here either, but this electric ID. Polo electric, in its most powerful version, will offer, according to Volkswagen, a range of up to 450 kilometres. What’s more, it will be the group’s first electric traction car!
« Quality, robustness and accessible innovation« .
The group is very enthusiastic, and insists that the ID. Polo, whose launch coincides with the model’s 50th anniversary, will retain everything that has made previous generations so successful: « quality, robustness and accessible innovation« . As far as the first two points are concerned, we’ll have to wait for more information and, why not, the car in our hands.
In terms of affordability, Volkswagen says its ID. Polo will start at €25,000 for the French market. Manufactured in Spain at Volkswagen’s Pamplona plant, it will go on sale in May 2026, with deliveries scheduled for the following autumn. Just in time for a new social leasing campaign? That seems to be the brand’s objective…
