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Volkswagen Polo I (Mk1) gallery (1975–1981)

The first generation of the compact front-wheel drive Volkswagen Polo was introduced in 1975 as a rebadged sister model to the Audi 50.

All photos 547 I (Mk1) 0 1975–1981 II (Mk2) 0 1981–1994 III (Mk3) 0 1994–2002 IV (Mk4) 35 2001–2009 V (Mk5) 265 2009–2017 VI (Mk6) 195 2017

The first-generation Volkswagen Polo (Typ 86) launched in March 1975. Created as a budget-conscious version of the Audi 50 styled by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, it offered a functional three-door hatchback body layout with front-wheel drive. In 1977, a notchback sedan derivative joined the range under the Volkswagen Derby nameplate.

Engine offerings were centered around compact four-cylinder gasoline engines ranging from 0.9 to 1.3 liters delivering between 40 and 60 hp, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. A 1.1-liter Polo GT model launched in 1979 with sporty interior accents. Production surpassed 500,000 units by the time the Mk1 was retired in 1981.