Volkswagen Derby 86C 1.3 (55 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)
86C Overview:
Volkswagen Derby (86C). It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.5 l/100km). Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. 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 86C was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP testing. Safety standards of the era were significantly different, focusing on basic structural integrity rather than modern crash test ratings.
1.3 (55 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A modest performer, the 55 Hp 1.3-liter engine (HK code) provides adequate power for city driving and occasional longer journeys, though acceleration is uninspiring.
Fuel Economy
Offers reasonable fuel economy for its time, with an urban consumption of 9.5 l/100 km and extra-urban of 6.6 l/100 km, making it a cost-effective choice.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

3.5 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 13 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Economical to run (especially lower-powered engines)
- • Compact and easy to maneuver in city traffic
- • Simple, robust mechanicals for good reliability
- • Practical sedan body style for its size
- • Affordable to purchase and maintain
Cons:
- • Limited performance, especially with smaller engines
- • Basic interior comfort and features
- • Outdated safety features by modern standards
- • Loud cabin at higher speeds
- • Rear suspension dependent spring suspension (less refined)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(86C: 1981 - 1984).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Derby |
| Generation: | 86C |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 (55 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1983 |
| End of production: | 1984 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 55 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 43.2 Hp/l |
| Engine Model/Code: | HK More details about the engine HK |
| Engine displacement: | 1272 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| 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 [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 145/80 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension |














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