Volkswagen Golf vs. Volkswagen Polo: The difference between them

Comparing the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Polo is like comparing the smallest tablet to the second smallest — they have a lot in common but are also different in so many ways. These two are among the most popular and enduring Volkswagen cars.

You can find your perfect used Polo and Golf models at great prices, much cheaper than buying one new. But deciding which one is right for you needs some thought because each car has its own strengths, depending on what you need. Let’s see how they stack up across the range.

What about prices

The Volkswagen Polo has a lower price than the Golf because it’s smaller. The Polo starts at £19,000 new and £4,000 for a used Polo. The price tag for the Golf starts at £25,610, sinking to around £4,300 on the used Golf market.

Running costs

Insurance for the Polo is cheaper, ranging from group 1 to 12. The Volkswagen Golf falls into groups 14 to 24. The Polo GTI and Golf GTI, GTD, GTE, and especially the Golf R models will have higher insurance costs. In terms of road tax, both cars cost £165 per year unless the car costs £40,000 or more, which is unlikely to happen with these models.

Driving

The Golf is widely known as the people’s car because it’s easy and pleasant to drive. It handles smoothly on all kinds of roads and is very comfortable to drive and just be in. Plus, newer models come with lots of driver aids, which make long trips less of a hassle.

The VW Polo is also a lot of fun to drive. Its compact size makes it nimble on country roads, in the city, and even on the motorway. It competes with cars like the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta, and it does a great job at all kinds of driving.

Performance and fuel economy

The VW Polo and Golf each have a selection of petrol and diesel engines, but the Golf offers more variety. The Polo range includes several petrol options, such as a 1.0-litre 80bhp engine and a 2.0-litre 207bhp GTI engine. The 80bhp engine is slower but cheaper to insure, but it’s the 95bhp and 110bhp engines that balance performance and efficiency.

The Volkswagen Golf provides a wider choice of petrol and diesel engines, with petrol engines like a 1.0-litre 110bhp and a 2.0-litre 320bhp Golf R and diesels like a 2.0-litre 150bhp and a 2.0-litre 200bhp GTD. Additionally, the Golf offers plug-in hybrids with a 1.4-litre eHybrid and a 1.4-litre GTE, and it features a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

On the whole, both the VW Polo and Golf are fuel-efficient. The VW Golf R gets 36.2 mpg, and the 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel achieves 62.8 mpg. The plug-in eHybrid is the most efficient, getting up to 313.9 mpg, but this assumes you charge it regularly. The Polo doesn’t have a diesel or plug-in hybrid option, but the 95bhp 1.0-litre model still gets a good 54.3 mpg.

What you find inside: Interior and technology

Volkswagen Golf

In typical VW style, both the Polo and Golf are solidly built with high-quality materials. Neither car stands out for its design, but both offer a practical and well-organised interior.

The latest VW Golf takes a minimalist approach with fewer physical buttons. It relies heavily on its infotainment system for most controls, which is a challenge to use while driving. The Polo, though older, has been updated to include features similar to the Golf, such as heated front seats and touch-activated controls for climate control.

Volkswagen Polo

Both cars now feature digital driver displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Polo comes with an 8-inch display, which can be upgraded to a larger display if desired, and the Golf features a 10-inch version across all models.

Styling and exterior design

Volkswagen Golf

Both the Volkswagen Polo and Golf look stylish. The Golf has kept a consistent design over the years, gradually growing in size while staying true to its classic look. The latest models are even more impressive, with more defined lights and wheels.

The smaller Polo has a more youthful appearance with its narrower body and softer LED headlights. But don’t be fooled by its appearance — with the right driver, the GTI trim can handle twisty roads like a pro. For either car, the R-Line trim is the best choice; it adds a sporty body kit and stylish alloy wheels.

Volkswagen Polo

You can pick from a range of colours, but keep in mind that the more eye-catching options will increase the car’s price. For instance, the Golf’s Lime Yellow Metallic adds £665, and the Polo’s Vibrant Violet Metallic costs an extra £610.

Boot space and practicality

At the back of the Volkswagen Golf, you’ll find a generous boot size of 380 litres, which sets a high standard in the car world. The Polo’s boot is slightly smaller at 351 litres but still offers a lot of space for a couple of suitcases, shopping, or even golf clubs.

When it comes to rear seat space, the Golf does a good job and comfortably accommodates passengers over six feet tall, with some extra space to spare. The VW Polo doesn’t offer quite as much rear legroom or headroom, but it still provides enough comfort for two adults in the back.

Volkswagen safety and reliability features

If not for design or performance, the VW Golf and Polo stand out for their safety and reliability. Both models earned a top five-star Euro NCAP rating during their last tests (2017 for the Polo and 2019 for the Golf).

Both the VW Golf and Polo are equipped with essential safety features such as front and rear parking sensors, braking and stability systems, tyre pressure indicators, and anti-theft systems. The Golf goes a step further with cutting-edge safety aids, including rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, and park pilot.

In terms of reliability, the Volkswagen Golf and Polo models share many components, and owner reviews claim they can handle tens of thousands of miles without problems. Their engines are well-built and designed for long-term durability. Volkswagen offers a three-year warranty on all its vehicles. The first two years come with no mileage limit, but the third year covers up to 60,000 miles.

Dimensions and specifications

The Golf is slightly larger, offering more space overall:

• Length: 4,284 mm
• Width: 1,789 mm
• Height: 1,458mm

The Polo is more compact and better to drive in tight spaces:

• Length: 4,074 mm
• Width: 1,751 mm
• Height: 1,431 mm

All the numbers can be confusing, so let’s finish with a breakdown of the key figures for these cars:

Who is Volkswagen Polo for?

Volkswagen Polo

The VW Polo is a great choice if you need a small, affordable car for city driving and short trips. It’s still the best for new drivers or anyone looking for a practical vehicle that’s easy to park and budget-friendly.

While it’s a good fit for small families and daily errands, those who need more room or do a lot of long-distance driving won’t enjoy the car as much.

Who is Volkswagen Golf for?

Volkswagen Golf

The VW Golf is ideal if you’re looking for a used car with more space and comfort. It’s great for families, long drives, or anyone who wants a roomier, more comfortable ride.

Verdict: Volkswagen Golf vs. Volkswagen Polo - which should you choose?

Rather than a head-to-head competition, they complement each other. The Volkswagen Polo and Golf serve different needs, so the right choice depends on how you plan to use the car.

If you need a budget-friendly, compact vehicle for city driving and can live with a bit less space, the VW Polo is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for something in the family car segment or something more comfortable for longer trips, the VW Golf is likely the better option.

Regardless of your choice, both are excellent for short trips, motorway drives, and city commutes, thanks to their comfort and practicality.