Compare the Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Polo

Not the most exciting, but a brilliant all-rounder
Carwow’s own expert rating out of 10 - how our reviewers rate this car overall for value, comfort, kit and driving experience
wowscore
8/10
Compact on the outside, and big on posh comfort
Carwow’s own expert rating out of 10 - how our reviewers rate this car overall for value, comfort, kit and driving experience
wowscore
8/10

AI generated from our expert reviews

Both hatchbacks are easy to drive around town, soaking up bumps in the road well, and both make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. If you choose a model with the seven-speed automatic gearbox, both can feel slightly jerky at lower speeds when parking. Beyond that, the longer Volkswagen Golf can tow more and gives you a broader spread of engine options, ranging from petrols and a diesel to a plug-in hybrid. The Volkswagen Polo, by contrast, comes only with 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol units.

AI results may contain inaccuracies. Please check the details before making any financial decisions.

'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.

'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.

Compare the specs

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Life 1.5 TSI Petrol Manual

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Life 1.0 Petrol Manual

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Standard kit

  • Android Auto
    Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
  • Apple CarPlay
    Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
  • Climate control
    Automatically keeps the cabin at a set temperature, rather than a manual heater dial.
  • Cruise control
    Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
  • Navigation
    Built-in sat nav on the car's own screen, no phone needed.
  • Parking Sensors
    Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
  • Android Auto
    Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
  • Apple CarPlay
    Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
  • Climate control
    Automatically keeps the cabin at a set temperature, rather than a manual heater dial.
  • Cruise control
    Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
  • Parking Sensors
    Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.

Key information

Body type Hatchbacks Body type Hatchbacks
Available fuel types Petrol Available fuel types Petrol
Number of seats 5 Number of seats 5
Boot space, seats up 381 litres (3 suitcases) Best Boot space, seats up 351 litres (2 suitcases)
Boot space, seats down — Boot space, seats down 1,125 litres
External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,284 mm x 1,789 mm x 1,491 mm External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,074 mm x 1,751 mm x 1,461 mm
Towing capacity 1,300 kg Best Towing capacity 800 kg
First year tax rate £455 First year tax rate £455
Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
53.3 mpg
Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
54.3 mpg Best
Drive type Front wheel drive Drive type Front wheel drive
Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
Group 17 · good
Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
Group 3 · low Best
View full specs Hide full specs

Drivetrain & power

Engine name 1.5 TSI Engine name 1.0
Engine size 1.5 L Petrol • 115 BHP Engine size 1.0 L Petrol • 80 BHP
Body type Hatchbacks Body type Hatchbacks
Fuel type Petrol Fuel type Petrol
Transmission Manual Transmission Manual
Drive type Front wheel drive Drive type Front wheel drive
Forward gears 6 Forward gears 5
Acceleration 9.9 s (0-60 mph) Best Acceleration 15.6 s (0-60 mph)

Dimensions & space

Number of seats 5 Number of seats 5
Number of doors 5 Number of doors 5
Boot (seats up) 381 litres Best Boot (seats up) 351 litres
Boot (seats down) — Boot (seats down) 1,125 litres
Length 4,284 mm Length 4,074 mm
Width 1,789 mm Width 1,751 mm
Height 1,491 mm Height 1,461 mm
Wheelbase 2.63 m Wheelbase 2.55 m
Turning circle 11.1 m Turning circle 10.7 m

Full features list

  • 17" Nottingham alloy wheels
  • Air care climatronic 3 Zone automatic climate control with rear air conditioning control panel
  • Ambient lighting with 30 colour including LED light unit in front footwell with selectable light colour
  • Area view including rear view camera with front and rear view camera system and two side cameras
  • Art Velours pack - Soul Black
  • Curtain and side airbags in front and rear, center airbag
  • Driving profile selection and conventional shock absorber
  • Dynamic steering
  • ErgoActive seat right-hand drive vehicle package with Sports comfort seats - Art velors cloth - Soul black
  • Folding trailer hitch with electric release
  • Harman/Kardon sound system including 12 channel digital amplifier, 480 watt output and 9 speakers plus subwoofer
  • Head up Display
  • LED matrix headlights with ambient light V2, advanced high beam, dynamic range contol with cornering, LED rear lamp with indicator, poor weather
  • LED performance headlight with LED plus headlamps, cornering light and poor weather light, Exterior ambient lighting variant 3
  • Maze cloth - Soul black
  • Metallic paint
  • Park assist with park distance control
  • Premium metallic paint
  • Premium pearlescent paint
  • Rear tinted glass 65% light absorbing from B pillar backwards
  • Rear view camera
  • Space and weight saving spare wheel incl tool kit and jack
  • Special solid paint
  • Sports suspension - Shock absorption in front, Front stabilizer bar and rear stabilizer bar
  • Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof with 2X front and 2X rear LED reading lights
  • 3 point height adj front seatbelts + pretensioners
  • 3 rear three point seatbelts
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring
  • Child locks on rear doors
  • Curtain and side airbags in front with centre airbag
  • Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation
  • ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
  • Electronic parking brake with auto hold
  • Extended pedestrian protection measures
  • Front disc brakes
  • Rear disc brakes
  • Two tone horn
  • Tyre pressure loss indicator
  • Volkswagen roadside assistance
  • Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seatbelts not fastened
  • 10 colour interior ambient lighting
  • 12V socket in front centre console
  • 12V socket in luggage compartment
  • 2 LED reading lights in front and rear
  • 3 rear head restraints
  • 3 seat bench in 2nd row
  • Air care climatronic air conditioning system
  • Chrome plated radiator grille inserts, air vent surrounds and light switch surrounds
  • Door and side trim panel
  • Front + rear black carpet mats
  • Front centre armrest
  • Front comfort seats
  • Front head restraints
  • Front seat lumbar support adjuster
  • ISOFIX anchors for child seats on outer rear bench seats and on front passanger seat compatible for i-Size
  • Leather gearshift handle
  • Leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel
  • Luggage compartment lighting
  • Manual height adjustable front passenger seat
  • Manually height adjustable driver seat
  • Maze cloth upholstery
  • Rear cupholder and loadthough
  • Single front passenger seat
  • Soul black instrument panel
  • Split folding backrest with centre armrest and unsplit rear seat bench
  • Standard pedal cluster
  • Storm grey roof lining
  • Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
  • Activated carbon canister
  • Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
  • Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor
  • Dynamic road sign display
  • E-Sim card for online connectivity
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Lane keeping system Lane Assist
  • Multi-color Digital cockpit pro, selection of different info profile possible
  • Multifunction front facing camera for distance control
  • Navigation system
  • Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support
  • Power assisted speed sensitive steering
  • Speed limiter
  • Speedo, rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display, exterior temperature and fuel gauge
  • Voice enhancer and voice control
  • We connect plus preparation
  • We connect preparation
  • Wireless app connect
  • eCall emergency call system
  • 3rd brake light
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • Automatic headlamp activation with Coming home and Leaving home feature
  • Body colour door handles
  • Body colour door mirrors
  • Dynamic headlight range control
  • Exterior ambient lighting with illuminated door handles
  • Exterior mirrors convex on the left and aspherical on the right
  • Front and rear electric windows
  • Heat insulating glass in side and rear windows
  • Heat insulating windshield made of laminated glass
  • LED Headlights
  • LED rear combination lights
  • LED separate daytime running light
  • Rain sensor
  • Rear exhaust tailpipe
  • Rear fog light on one side and reversing lights on both sides
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Rear windscreen washer and wiper with interval delay
  • Remote electrically foldable door mirrors, puddle lights and reverse activated passenger's door mirror
  • Solid paint
  • Standard bumpers
  • Welcome light with surround lighting
  • Petrol Particulate Filter
  • Start-stop system with battery regeneration (recuperation - energy recovery during braking)
  • XDS electronic differential lock for improved traction and handling
  • Alarm with interior protection
  • Anti theft wheel bolts
  • Keyless start with SAFE lock
  • Preparation for alcohol interlock
  • 2 USB C ports in front, 2 USB charging sockets on the centre console in the rear charging capacity upto 45W
  • 6 Speakers - 4 in front and 2 in rear with central speaker
  • Digital radio reception (DAB)
  • Diversity antenna for FM reception
  • Gaming platform via car app
  • Infotainment system with 12.9" display
  • Mobile phone interface with inductive charging feature
  • Nature cross brushed decorative inserts for dashboard and front door panels
  • 16" Norfolk alloy wheels
  • Tool kit for tyre mobility set
  • Tyre mobility kit Includes 12V compressor and tyre sealant
  • 16" Torsby alloy wheels
  • Air care climatronic air conditoning system with active combination filter and 2-zone temperature control
  • Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25" Display
  • Discover Navigation including Streaming and Internet with 8" colour touch screen
  • Electric panoramic sunroof with glass sliding and tilting
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Front fog lights with static cornering function
  • Full size spare wheel and tool kit
  • Hartley/Thomas cloth - Titan black
  • Heated front seats
  • Keyless locking and starting system keyless access with safelock
  • Lumbar adjustment for front seats
  • Metallic paint
  • Pearlescent paint
  • Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards approx 65% tinted
  • Rear view camera
  • Removable/lockable towbar
  • Space and weight saving spare wheel including tool kit
  • Special metallic paint
  • Special solid paint
  • Volkswagen Sound system
  • 3 point height adj front seatbelts + pretensioners
  • 3 point seat belt for centre rear seat
  • 3 point seatbelts, outer rear with ECE lable
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation
  • Drivers and front passengers safety optimised head restraints
  • ESC (Electronic stability control) + EDL (Electronic Differntial lock) and ASR (Traction control)
  • Extended and predictive pedestrian/ cyclist protection
  • Front assist with autonomous emergency braking (for Adaptive Cruise Control ACC up to 130 mph)
  • Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag
  • Front disc brakes
  • Hill start assist
  • Manual child lock in rear doors
  • Rear drum brakes
  • Single tone horn
  • Tyre pressure loss indicator
  • Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seatbelts not fastened
  • Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror
  • Automatic headlight control with LED separate daytime running lights with coming/leaving home function
  • Body colour bumpers with chrome inserts
  • Body colour door handles
  • Body colour door mirrors
  • Electric front windows
  • Engine badge deletion
  • Headlight range adjustment
  • Heat insulating and laminated safety glass windshield
  • Heat insulating darkened glass in side and rear windows
  • LED 3rd brake light
  • LED Headlights
  • LED rear combination lamps
  • Power folding adjustable/heated exterior mirrors and front passenger exterior mirror lowering function
  • Rain sensor
  • Rear electric windows
  • Rear fog light
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Rear windscreen washer and wiper with interval delay
  • Solid paint
  • 12V power socket in centre console
  • 2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the center console in the rear
  • 2 front and 2 rear reading lights with switch off delay and dimmer
  • 3 rear head restraints
  • 60/40 split folding rear seat and rear seat bench not split
  • Carpet mats, front and rear
  • Ceramique roof lining
  • Chrome plated radiator grille inserts, air vent surrounds and light switch surrounds
  • Door and side trim panel
  • Driver and front passenger seat height adjustment
  • Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
  • Front centre armrest
  • Front seat backrest storage pockets
  • Front standard seats
  • Handbrake lever handle in leather
  • Hartley/Thomas cloth upholstery
  • Headliner in recycled material
  • Isofix child seat preparation easy-fit (for two outer rear seats, and front passenger seat) compatible with I-size
  • Leather trimmed gear knob
  • Luggage compartment lighting
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Removable luggage compartment cover
  • Removable luggage compartment floor
  • Single front passenger seat
  • Standard climatic zones
  • Standard pedal cluster
  • Three spoke leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel
  • 8" Digital cockpit basic display
  • Bluetooth mobile phone interface
  • Driver attention monitor driver alert system
  • Dynamic road sign display
  • Emergency call service
  • Mobile phone preparation with inductive charging function
  • Multifunction front facing camera for distance control
  • Park distance control
  • Power assisted speed sensitive steering
  • Predictive adaptive cruise control
  • Preparation for We connect and We connect plus
  • Preparation for navigation system with media and internet package
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display and exterior temperature gauge
  • Standard rear axle
  • Travel Assist - Lane keeping system and traffic jam assist
  • Travel assist including emergency assist
  • Trip computer
  • Washer fluid level indicator
  • Wireless app connect
  • Alarm with interior protection
  • Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection
  • Anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Central locking system with SAFELOCK, radio remote control + 2 remote control folding keys
  • Electronic engine immobiliser
  • DAB Digital radio
  • Diversity antenna for FM reception
  • Front and rear 6 speakers
  • 15" Essex black diamond turned alloy wheels
  • Low rolling resistance tyres
  • Tyre mobility kit including compressor and sealing foam. In lieu of spare wheel
  • Front wheel drive
  • Rear shock absorpion
  • Start-stop system with battery regeneration (recuperation - energy recovery during braking)
  • Lava stone black gloss/matt decorative inserts in dash and front door panels

'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.

'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.

*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.