The “Facelift” has always been one of the great strengths of the Wolfsburg engineers. Hardly a year, in which the guy 1 not revised, has been modified and improved. The rotund one
Volkswagen has crawled over time. At the same time, new models based on the Beetle were created. The VW range had something on offer for every taste and requirement. The same tactic will 1977 pursued with the new VW generation. Passat, Scirocco and Golf are being revised, receive a fresh cell treatment. The polo is presented in a Derby sheet metal dress.
Clothes make the man, and tin makes cars. 1977 The competition from Opel and Ford mainly builds notchback models, a segment, that from
Volkswagen is hardly developed. The derby, an independent model range between the Polo and Golf, should provide a remedy. Independent? The relationship to polo can hardly be denied, both cars come from the same series, the technical components are identical with a few exceptions. The body shape makes the difference. The Derby is a notchback in its purest form. Compared to the polo, it is around in length 34 Grown inches, a conventional trunk with a practical capacity of 425 Liters the result.
In terms of motorization, the notchback model is one step ahead of its dissimilar brother. With the introduction of the Derby in March 1977 a new 1.3 liter machine is used. The four-cylinder draws 60 PS (44 kW) out 1272 ccm displacement. The engine belongs to the EA series 801, so is similar to the previous ones 0,9- and 1.1-liter engines from Polo and Audi 50. Enlarged bore, new camshaft with modified valve lift and optimized filling through a more generously dimensioned carburettor cross-section provide better key data compared to the previous 60 PS model (1,1 Liter displacement). The 1.3 liter engine achieved its 44 kW at 5600 Rpm (1,1 Liter: 6000 Rpm), the maximum torque is included 95 Nm and 3400 Rpm (1,1 Liter: 85 Nm at 3500 Rpm) an. The increase in displacement makes the engine more flexible, eats normal gasoline without any problems and becomes quieter. Because the engine has proven itself in the Derby, it becomes the model year “78 also serves the polo. This means that three engines are available for each Derby / Polo: 1,3-Liter (60 PS), 1,1-Liter (50 PS) and 0.9 liter (40 PS).
In terms of top speed and acceleration, the Polo has an almost identical nose.
While a new sheet metal dress is being tailor-made for the polo, the Passat gets a facelift to freshen up. It appears more imposing, nobler and wider. The new bumpers play a major role in this look (Europe bumper). Thanks to a matt plastic coating, they are up to 8 km / h insensitive to rough touch. Other distinguishing features of the embellishment (or. renovation) are the dashboard and the trunk lid. Under the sheet metal, a newly tuned and revised chassis ensures “butterweichen” Driving comfort.
The wind companion Scirocco also gets an appointment with the stylist. While at the rear only the bumper is covered with plastic, the front gets smoother transitions from the bonnet and fenders to the radiator grille. Side indicators and the larger bumper round off the facelift. In addition to a successful noise isolation and a modified strut suspension, a reduction in engine power is to be recorded. The previous 1.6-liter machine with 75 PS is through a new one, low-vibration 1.5 liter short-stroke motor with 70 PS replaced. This slimming diet also applies to the Scirocco brother, the Golf.
Family derby in Wolfsburg? Definitely not! Although the new VW is clearly derived from the Polo, the models do not dig each other's customers off. The sales are with 128.358 (Polo / Audi 50) to 112.783 balanced, the models complement each other. The facelifts on the Passat and Scirocco underline the Volkswagen claim, Something to stop in the future too- and doing prestige. Because: Other corporate mothers also have beautiful daughters, pardon, Autos.