Volkswagen Polo, 1975–1979

Volkswagen Polo 1st generation specifications

The Volkswagen Polo 1st generation was built from 1975 to 1979. This page lists all 3 versions (hatchback) with 44–59 hp and 61–93 Nm of torque.

44–59 hp
Power (33–44 kW)
61–93 Nm
Torque (45–69 lb-ft)
12.9–21.2 s
0–100 km/h (fastest to slowest version)
154 km/h
Highest top speed (96 mph)

All versions

From least to most powerful. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market and model year.

Power, torque and performance for each version of the Volkswagen Polo 1st generation.
VersionEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/hTop speedGearboxDrive
0.9 L MT Hatchback0.9 litre gasoline44 hp 33 kW61 Nm21.2 s135 km/hManual, 4-speedRear wheel drive
1.1 L MT Hatchback1.1 litre gasoline49 hp 37 kW76 Nm15.5 s145 km/hManual, 4-speedRear wheel drive
1.3 L MT Hatchback1.3 litre gasoline59 hp 44 kW93 Nm12.9 s154 km/hManual, 4-speedRear wheel drive

Dimensions and weight

Typical values for the 1st generation, hatchback.
Length3,604 mm142 in
Width1,559 mm61 in
Height1,343 mm53 in
Wheelbase2,330 mm92 in
Boot space285–900 litres10–32 cu ft
Seats5
Turning circle9.6 m31 ft
Fuel tank36 litres10 US gal

Questions about the Volkswagen Polo 1st generation

What is the most powerful Volkswagen Polo 1st generation?

The 1.3 L MT hatchback, with 59 hp (44 kW) and 93 Nm of torque.

How fast is the Volkswagen Polo 1st generation from 0 to 100 km/h?

The quickest version, the 1.3 L MT hatchback, takes 12.9 seconds; the slowest takes 21.2 seconds. 0–60 mph is about 0.3 seconds quicker than 0–100 km/h.

What engines does the Volkswagen Polo 1st generation have?

Engines from 0.9 to 1.3 litres, running on gasoline. The table above lists the power, torque and gearbox of each version.

How big is the Volkswagen Polo 1st generation?

About 3,604 mm long, 1,559 mm wide and 1,343 mm tall (142 in long). Figures vary slightly by body style.

Every Volkswagen Polo generation

  1. 1st generation 1975–1979
  2. 1st generation, facelift 1975–1988
  3. 2nd generation 1981–1994
  4. 2nd generation, facelift 1990–1994
  5. 3rd generation 1994–2002
  6. 3rd generation, facelift 1999–2001
  7. 4th generation 2001–2005
  8. 4th generation, facelift 2005–2009
  9. 5th generation 2009–2015
  10. 5th generation, facelift 2014–2020
  11. 6th generation (EU market) 2017–2021
  12. Plus (China market) 2019–2024
  13. 6th generation 2020–2022
  14. 6th generation, facelift (EU market) 2021–present

Volkswagen Polo overview: current engines, dimensions and markets

Sources: manufacturer data for each version. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market, model year and equipment.