Volkswagen Derby 86 0.9 (40 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). A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 0 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.
0.9 (40 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 0.9-liter engine provides very modest power, suitable primarily for city driving where speed is less critical. Highway performance would be strained.
Fuel Economy
As the smallest engine, it likely offers the best fuel economy in the lineup, making it a highly economical choice for urban commuters.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

3.8 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 13 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): | 0.9 (40 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1977 |
| End of production: | 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 40 Hp |
| Engine Model/Code: | HA |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |












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