Which model was the basis for the first Volkswagen Polo?

The first Volkswagen Polo was based on the Audi 50. Volkswagen launched the Polo as a cheaper, more simply equipped rebadged version of Audi’s small front-wheel-drive hatchback, sharing its internal Typ 86 designation and much of its engineering.

The Audi 50 arrived in 1974 as Audi’s entry into Europe’s emerging supermini market. It used a transverse engine, front-wheel drive and a practical three-door hatchback body. Volkswagen introduced its closely related Polo shortly afterward, giving buyers a lower-priced alternative while the two cars were sold alongside each other.

The distinction between the cars was mainly branding, equipment and positioning rather than an entirely separate design. Early Polos used engines related to those in the Audi 50, and the Polo was assembled at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant. Audi discontinued the 50 in 1978 after producing about 180,812 examples, while the Polo continued through successive generations.

A common mix-up is to identify the Golf as the Polo’s basis. The Golf was a larger family car; the original Polo belonged to the smaller supermini class and was the Volkswagen counterpart to the Audi 50.