Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Polo

Founded in 1937, Volkswagen is a major German automobile manufacturer which produces some of the world’s best-selling cars. The company was set up to mass-produce an affordable “people’s car” and has now become one of the biggest automakers worldwide. Over the years, Volkswagen has developed a strong focus on quality, design and advanced technology. Its iconic logo, featuring a "V" over a "W," is instantly recognisable and the brand offers a diverse portfolio of vehicles ranging from compact cars to luxury saloons and SUVs. 

One of Volkswagen’s best-selling models in history was the Beetle. However, by the 70s the popularity of the Beetle started to fade, and a new selection of Volkswagen models were launched which included the VW Golf and VW Polo. These two models continue to be extremely popular VW cars today. But what makes them so desirable?  In this comparison, we will explore the key differences and similarities between the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Polo, shedding light on their design, performance, features, and overall driving experience. Whether you seek the sophistication of the Golf or the agility of the Polo, this exploration will help you understand which Volkswagen car aligns with your personal needs. 

Volkswagen Golf

In the late 1960s, Volkswagen began developing a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Beetle, which was becoming outdated. First launched in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf has become VW’s flagship model. The first generation of the Golf, known as the Golf Mk1, was known for its practicality and reliability, and it quickly became a desirable car among European car buyers. By October 1976, a million units were sold, and the new GTI edition was introduced. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf has a long and storied history, with each generation building upon the successes of the previous. Fast-forwarding to 2002, the seventh-generation Golf was launched and it brought further enhancements in design, technology, and efficiency. Now in its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Golf features advanced technology and connectivity like never before! In terms of design, the new Golf 8 is truly beautiful and modern, with narrow LED headlights and integrated fog lights as standard. As for the interior, we love the high-quality features, focusing on useful in-car technology and controls. The Volkswagen Golf remains a popular car as it’s an affordable and practical hatchback, with a wide range of trim levels to choose from.

Volkswagen Polo

Introduced in 1975, The first Volkswagen Polo actually came as a twin sibling to the Audi 50. This was the smallest VW model until 1998 when the Lupo model was released (discontinued in 2005). By 1983, the millionth VW Polo had been sold and demand continued to increase. In 2002, the fourth-generation Polo was launched. This generation introduced more efficient and environmentally friendly engines. Today, the Volkswagen Polo is highly rated in the supermini class for its low running costs and high-quality interior. The latest VW Polo features a sharper and more contemporary design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the VW Golf. This is a great option for drivers looking for a small, fun car combined with typical VW quality. That said, some people would say that the VW Polo gets overlooked due to its popular sibling, the Volkswagen Golf. However, the latest VW Polo offers a spacious interior and better drive than previous generations. So, considering this, let's explore the Polo vs Golf and see how they compare. 

Comparison

Firstly, in terms of size, the Volkswagen Golf is bigger overall, although the Volkswagen Polo is slightly taller. This explains why the VW Golf feels more spacious than its sibling. As for boot space, both of these Volkswagen cars offer generous boot capacity compared to other rivals like the Ford Fiesta. Although, the 380-litre boot in the VW Golf is around 29 litres bigger than the VW Polo's boot. By folding down the back seats, the Golf has 1,237 litres of boot space compared to the Polo’s 1,125 litres. Another difference between the two VW models is their design. The Golf has a more mature and sophisticated exterior design, while the Polo has a more youthful and sportier look. The Golf typically features a sleek and aerodynamic design, with well-defined creases and a sculpted profile. It boasts a refined front grille and distinctive headlights that give it a modern, premium look. The Polo features crisp lines and a more playful aesthetic, often appealing to younger and trend-conscious drivers.

As for the interior, the VW Golf is known for providing a more spacious interior relative to its compact car category. Also, the Golf typically features high-quality materials throughout the cabin. Likewise, the Polo's interior quality is generally good, with durable materials that maintain a quality feel. The overall design, however, leans toward simplicity rather than luxury. The VW Polo also offers comfortable seating for passengers, especially in the front. The rear seats are designed for shorter journeys and may have slightly less legroom compared to the Golf.

As a brand, Volkswagen are known for producing both reliable and safe vehicles. All new Volkswagen cars come with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, with unlimited mileage for the first two years. Although this warranty isn’t as long as other manufacturers such as Toyota, it’s in line with the majority. In the recent Driver Power 2022 new car survey, the VW Polo received an overall score of 86.71% while the VW Golf scored 83.54%. For this survey, these cars were judged in part on their reliability and build quality. Although both of these Volkswagen cars ranked in the top 75 best cars to own 2022, other family hatchbacks such as the SEAT Leon and Kia Rio ranked higher overall. Plus, both the VW Golf and VW Polo offer plenty of modern safety features to ensure you have a safe journey. During independent crash-testing, both models achieved a Euro NCAP Safety Rating of 5 stars and scored particularly well in the adult occupancy NCAP assessment.

As for engine options, both of these VW models have a great selection of efficient engines to choose from. However, a lack of pure electric versions for both of these models is slightly disappointing considering the growing demand for electric cars. The VW Golf used to be available to order as a pure electric, known as the Volkswagen e-Golf, but this electric car has now been replaced by the VW ID.3. Furthermore, for a sportier feel, both of these Volkswagen models are available in GTI versions. Enjoy a fun drive with added performance in both of these options. Both the Golf and the Polo are available with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. The VW Golf offers a smooth and refined ride, while the VW Polo is known for its agile handling. 

Another point to consider is the cost of ownership. Firstly, it’s worth noting that the price of these two Volkswagen models varies significantly based on the version you choose. However, the starting price for a new entry-level VW Polo is around £6,000 cheaper than the equivalent VW Golf. For those looking for a higher spec, the popular VW Polo GTI starts from £28,065, while the VW Golf GTI equivalent starts at £38,165. Also, it’s worth considering how your insurance premiums would compare for these cars. Overall, the Volkswagen Polo offers lower insurance groupings, which will generally help to make your insurance cheaper. Therefore, the VW Polo is likely to be the preferred option for new or young drivers looking to get their insurance premium as cheap as possible.

Our Verdict

Whether you choose the VW Golf or VW Polo, you’re sure to be impressed with your new hatchback. Both models are great examples of Volkswagen’s production at its finest. We particularly like the stylish design and spacious interiors of these cars. However, of the two models, we think the Volkswagen Golf slightly has the edge. Overall, the VW Golf provides greater power, as well as being more practical than the smaller VW Polo. Also, both models offer a range of modern features and technology, but the Golf usually comes with more advanced options and higher-end materials due to its position as a more premium model within the Volkswagen lineup. That said, ultimately, the model and spec you choose will depend largely on how much money you want to spend. Either way, both of these VW cars are great all-rounders and get the green light from GB Vehicle Leasing!

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