The original Polo (known internally as the Typ 86), a rebadged version of the Audi 50, was introduced in 1975 on mainland Europe and was launched in the UK and the Isle of Man in 1976.

In 1977, the Derby sedan was released, which was simply a Polo, identical to the hatchback from the C-pillar forward, with a large boot attached (an old Audi proposal, but never sold by this brand[citation needed]).

When first on sale the range topping car, the LS model, featured the 50 PS (37 kW) 1043 cc engine found in the Audi 50.

Other specifications included parking lights, rear wash wipe, sun visors, chromed bumpers and 4.5J X 13" wheels.

[2] The Swedish model was discontinued after 1977, as sales of the underpowered car were sluggish, but the HE engine option continued to be mentioned in period journals (also for the Derby) until the Mark I was replaced in 1981.