Volkswagen Derby 86 1.1 (50 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Derby:
Volkswagen Derby was the name first given by German automaker Volkswagen for the commercialization of the booted saloon version of its Volkswagen Polo Mk1 supermini, between 1977 and 1981 in Europe. Later, the Derby name was used by the Mexican Volkswagen subsidiary for the Polo Classic Mk3 saloon on its domestic market in the mid-1990s.
With 72,412 sold in 1977 alone the car was initially popular, outselling the Polo sister model in that year, but sales quickly tailed off in subsequent years....(Read more on Wikipedia)
86 Overview:
Volkswagen Derby (86). With 77 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.1 l/100km). Weighing only 700 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volkswagen Derby (86) was produced before modern safety testing standards like Euro NCAP were established. Safety features were basic by contemporary standards, focusing on fundamental structural integrity rather than advanced occupant protection systems.
1.1 (50 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offering a slight improvement over the 0.9L, the 1.1-liter engine provides a more usable power output for varied driving conditions, though still not designed for spirited performance.
Fuel Economy
This engine strikes a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday use without excessive running costs.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

3.7 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 12 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Economical to run (fuel, maintenance)
- • Compact and easy to maneuver
- • Reliable and simple mechanics
- • Practical sedan body style
- • Good for urban environments
Cons:
- • Limited performance, especially with smaller engines
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Dated interior and comfort features
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
- • Lack of modern amenities
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Derby |
| Generation: | 86 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.1 (50 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1977 |
| End of production: | 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 50 Hp @ 5900 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 45.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 77 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | HB |
| Engine displacement: | 1093 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 69.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.4 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14 kg/Hp, 71.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.1 kg/Nm, 110 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 700 |
| Max. weight: | 1130 |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 515 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 650 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 36 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 380 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3914 mm mm |
| Width: | 1557 mm mm |
| Height: | 1351 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2329 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1295 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1313 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 97 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.6 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 4.5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm, Torsion |












Describe your experience with the Volkswagen Derby using only emojis!