VW Polo vs Audi A1 2020 comparison review
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- Is the Volkswagen Polo a better buy than an entry-level Audi A1? Is the higher price of the "luxury" Audi justified at this end of the range? We're going to get out our magnifying glasses and find out. In this review, comparing a nicely specified Volkswagen Polo R-Line manual to the base model Audi A1 30 TFSI auto, we work out whether you should save or spend the extra money. Sit back and enjoy our comparison review of the Audi A1 vs VW Polo where Tom looks into the practicality, dynamics and value for money of each vehicle.
Watch some of our other car comparisons:
CX-30 vs Q3 vs X1: • BMW X1 vs Mazda CX-30 ...
Golf vs Mazda 3 vs Focus: • VW Golf vs Mazda 3 vs ...
Which city car do you think is best? Would you go for a cheaper but sporty Polo? Or is a luxury badge worth it in your opinion? Or should you skip both and grab a Mazda 3 or Hyundai i30?
Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments.
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Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the Audi A1 2020 / Volkswagen Polo 2020.
READ our detailed Australian coverage of the 2020 Volkswagen range here: chasingcars.com.au - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I have had 3 A1’s. The latest is a 40 TFSI. Stupidly expensive small car, but I love it. It’s well made, looks great (in my eyes) and, whilst shallow, makes me feel good. Yes, I could have bought a Polo. Had a new model as a hire car in the UK and it was cracking fun to drive, drank almost no fuel and was as good as I’d imagined it would be. But I still love the A1. I found the interior of the polo to be good, but not as nice to touch, but that’s purely subjective and everyone assigns different values to different bits. For me, if I wanted performance from the Polo, that means the GTi, but have you see the interior? If you don’t want the garish red inlays, you need to spec them out (and that’s only a recent option I think). I’ve spec’d a GTi to the same as my 40 TFSI and it’s definitely cheaper, but not by as much as you’d think. Still, they’re both great cars.
cejay67 I think driving a Polo provided you with fun tells enough.
Thanks for the interesting and useful comments. I'm looking at getting an A1 but no test drive yet. How do you find the auto box in slow traffic? I tried a Merc A35 2 litre and the auto box was very jerky from stop start in slow traffic, but an Audi A3 I tried was smooth, but was only a 1.5 engine. So I am intrigued how the A1 40 tfsi feels as if it's jerky from take off I will dismiss it.
The Kwaze I’m used to them as having had the 1.4 and 1.8 before. I don’t find them jerky at all, but it’s possible I’ve adjusted my driving style. I love the DSG gearboxes, so fast and smooth to change gears. The A35 has some serious power, so that won’t have helped your impression of them. Honestly this is the best small car I’ve driven. Value for money is subjective. The Polo is the same car, but I’ve driven the Polo and it’s nowhere near as nice to look at or sit inside (still a great car). Get a test drive and make it more than 20mins and you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
@@cejay67 Thanks for the fast response and I will be testing the 40 once this plague thing subsides. Originally I was pretty set on getting a Merc., but upon test driving one, the gearbox was so bad at slow speed and it was quite noisy overall. Then the cirque du soleil lights inside the car just about clinched it not being for me. Why an A1 I hear you ask, rather than an A3?. Originally I was looking at Merc A350/Golf Gti or Audi A3....then my wife spotted that the A1 has a proper hand brake...she won't drive any car with an electric handbrake, so hence the A1. I will let you know how I get on with the A1 test.
When I bought my polo GTI in 2019, an equivalent Audi A1 40 was 10.000€ more expensive. 10k more for the same damn car! Just a few € more were enough to get a Golf GTI. Audi prices has been, are, and forever will be absolutely outrageous
Have to agree with you Tom.
The VW Polo to me is a more sensible choice, though the Audi A1 does present well both exterior and interior, it just doesn’t justify the huge difference in price.
Having said that, I think the rear of the Polo looks more attractive with its fake twin exhausts!
Thanks, Michael!
I’m Tom Bakaaa, this is chasing caaars....
Love that intro - keep up the great reviews Tom!
Thanks Nikos!
I wish I could have that car
Finally! A review I have been wanting someone to do. They are so similar except for the styling but the interior is very close too, one has the air vents under the screen and the other has them in between. But that boot did it for me: the VW had a structured boot; the other a flap. It's like AUDI didn't want to even offer an A1, but they were told by the board. Thanks for the video and the update about the R-Line and the packages as well as the Style model.
Thorough review Tom, and it's not just the buying cost. VW comes with 5 year warranty vs Audi's 3, servicing cost is almost half and it has a better resell value at the end.
Very good point. Not sure how much longer Audi will be able to stick to 3 years though given Benz and Volvo have gone to 5 now. Hopefully Audi and BMW follow ASAP
That was a really (& rare) in-depth review of these tiny tots, thanks Tom.
I've liked the Polo since the 2010 model. 6 sp manual is a must for me, although I haven't been brave enough to play russian roulette with VAG.
My favourite Polo is the Urban+ with climate air and shapely alcantara trimmed seats, Mmm.
Thanks, Ben! Agreed on the manual front, and also that the last of the previous gen in Urban+ form was really great.
It's 2023 and 1. In the UK the A1 is now on a par with the Polo price and 2. you have to wait for 1 year for a Polo versus 3 weeks for an A1 😵💫
I love how there honest and say is the badge worth it because that’s really the only reason to buy a a1 over a polo
Thanks mate. Great review. 👍
I really enjoyed this comparison. Thanks. I think the interior of this Polo looks even better than the new Golf 8 (the infotainment screen fits really nicely into the dash). I do like the look of the Audi, but for the price difference It'd be the Polo every time for me.
Thanks Pete. We put plenty of work into it. Agreed that the Polo has a well thought-out, cohesive interior. Looking forward to testing the new Golf in due course.
Love these reviews, Tom. Im an Audi boy myself, but I'd honestly chose either over most of the competition. Stay safe, greetings from the UK!
Thanks, Oliver!
I could have had an A1 S Line Competion 40 (2 litre version) but found myself going for the 115PS Polo R-Line. I suppose only time will tell if I've made the right choice!
kieranhendy I did go with the exact same car you mentioned, the S-line 40TFSI. Luckily in my country they are a LOT cheaper brand new, cost me under £20K. I have no regrets, it’s such a good car
@@BascarooMuffins wow my polo would have cost more than that with no options brand new. You must have got a great deal on it
kieranhendy Yup, due to covid I did get a good deal, about £2K off, it had 21km on it and fully equipped. But even then, retail in my country for an S-Line 40TFSI is £21K.
How comparable is this for a UK buyer? I’m deciding between a Polo and an A1 second hand (with the intention of driving frequently on the motorway) and I’m leaning towards the Audi aesthetically but also considering how much depreciation to expect should I choose to sell later on. Can anyone give me an unbiased verdict as the rational voice in my head is saying don’t get sucked into the label but surely Audi’s reputation is worthwhile?
I have 2018 Polo MK6 Manual as my daily. Great car.
Glad you’re enjoying it.
I own a 2018 Rline in the same spec but with the 7 speed DSG. Love the car to bits, threw some lowering springs in it and it eats up the great ocean road like no tomrrow.
It’s a lovely spec. I think the white looks a bit meh on the normal Polo grades, but combined with the lowered suspension, darker lights and the spoiler, it looks good on the R-Line. Glad you are enjoying the car.
@@chasingcars I should mention mines in the black which has an awesome blue fleck through it
Black also suits the car well! Someone near me has picked up a GTI in the black. Very cool looking little hot hatch. R-Line also a good looker.
2018 polo with a 7 speed dsg? Do you mean the old polo? because in the current one theres only the DQ250 available and its a wet clutch 6 speed. So, yeah.
@@TK-mh8dn No, you're wrong. It's available with double clutch 7 speed. So, no
Hey Tom!!!
I just wanted to know where you got your family’s Polo! I am eyeing one, however no one is budging on their price. You mentioned how you were able to get yours for $23k.
I have the new Audi A1 and happy with it . It’s a shame the cup holders in the A1 is small and cannot fit a larger drink bottle .
Wow I didnt think the A1 would be so expensive in Australia. I bought a 40TFSI one shortly before quarantine started, full spec, for around $27K USD
Another great review Tom! Is John coming back? Still wouldn’t buy any of this. Will stick to Toyota especially with the new gen Yaris coming. The new tnga platform has really impressed everyone. Can’t wait for the new Yaris review! Keep up the good work boys!
Thanks, Logan! Yes, John will be back! Agreed, the new-gen Yaris should really be something special given how good the new Corolla is.
Great Comparison! Can't wait till that passat video touches the internet. I have an old passat and need to buy as a company car. Im torn between so many things like the accord and camry.
Thanks! That Passat is coming through the garage in a couple of weeks so will push that video out ASAP.
Chasing Cars awesome! Please directly compare with all competitors in the 50k ish price Rande in regards to comfort on Sydney roads and interior quality!
Great review :), could you do a comparison also with GTI vs 40TFSI? Also what do you think of the new Audi A3? The interior looks very nice.
Will think about it though my gut says the Polo GTI would bring it home again. Good value for the money, that car! I’m looking forward to driving the new A3 but a bit worried about quality from watching the first international reviews. The outgoing car was beautifully made and almost perfect in every way. Since then Audi have had to spend billions on dieselgate fines and fixes, and there has been a hit to quality in some cars. Let’s wait and see until I get my hands on one in person.
I didn’t get the option of blind spot on my Audi A1 and I got the top spec . I am in the UK 🇬🇧 . It does take some time to go from traffic lights with the stop/start thing .
I would love to get your advice. I am looking for a golf 7 from 2013 till 2018 or the new polo 6. I am driving a lot of highway to work. I am looking for enough space to travel around the world with one other passenger. The golf 7 sounds interesting, but I am not sure wich golf 7 to buy in terms of engines and which year the golf 7 is the best.
In the other way the polo 6 also sounds very actractive, but I am not sure if the polo is fast enough to drive compared to the bigger engines of the golf 7. Besides that, how does space compare from the polo 6 to the golf 7?
Would love to hear your advice.
Sorry for English if it isn't good, I am from the Netherlands!
Thanks for the reviews! Very interesting!!
Sorry for the late reply, you shouldn't worry for the power : Polo has the GTI, which is very powerful. And it is lighter than the Golf so you don't need so many horsepowers in the first place. In fact the 95 hp with DSG-7 is enough.
Very good review !
Thanks a lot!
I'm looking at upgrading my 09 Polo to a 2016/17 Audi A1 or a Polo. I've seen quite a few used ones for similar prices, so if price isn't an issue, which is the better option?
I'd go the A1 from 2016/17 all other things being equal
Great review Tom I’d love the A1 in manual but both great city cars and the extra A1 spend would buy a nice list of options on the Polo or actually maybe I’d just buy a Polo GTI :)
Thanks, Malcolm! A manual A1 would do the trick nicely, but given how complete and how good the new Polo is … it would be very difficult to justify. Both this 85 TSI R-Line and the GTI are such good cars.
Bought the R-Line Polo and I love it.
Glad to hear!
Very nice review 🙂
Thanks a lot!
Tom, another great review. What's your daily?
Thanks! I’m between dailies at the moment, though I run our long term Hyundai Venue manual effectively like a daily. Cheap and cheerful.
(A previous version of this comment reply accidentally eliminated the name of our long termer - the Hyundai Venue).
Chasing Cars m
both look great
Does info active display connect to your phone for maps?
Well my daughter wants an A1 but guess what? She is getting a polo but in auto, I don’t want the expense of replacing the clutch every 6 months... Great review.
Another great review and completely agree with the verdict. I really wanted to like the A1 but so disappointed in the value for money. It should start at 28k drive away for the entry model, especially with the poor quality finishes and omissions like the centre armrest. Keen to see a comparison with Mini 5 door which is the A1s natural rival.
Thanks a lot. Agreed that the price of entry should be much, much lower with this sort of specification. At that price, it would be much more appealing. Agreed that the Mini is really what A1 buyers would be considering as a rival, but doesn't hurt to do a "down to earth" style comparo like this one every now and then, I reckon.
Absolutely, I too enjoy cross segment reviews. If in the market I would definitely be cross shopping these two cars. Keep them coming! The new Clio and 208 have both gone upmarket, keen to see how they compare to the Polo and A1.
I hired the seat version. 1.0tsi dsg on holiday. Despite some cheapish plastics it felt solid and nice to drive. The engines quite sweet. Looking at the interiors they aren't that different. Not a problem with the polo which should be a bit better than it is (used to be a big spec up over an Ibiza) but the A1s plastics are not premium. The old version had a higher quality interior. Having hard plastic on the doors for a premium car is a bit much. A1 looks better but I'd probably go polo. A1 needs to have premium plastics all round
Agree that the step between the Polo and A1 used to be a lot bigger, which shifts the odds in favour of the Polo now.
Great comparison Tom. I own a 2017 Volkswagen Polo Comfortline manual, ex demo for $18,990 and couldn’t be happier with it.
I fully agree with you with the comparison, like why pay around $40,000 for an Audi A1, when you can get the VW Polo for around $20,000 and similar in most ways, unless you want the Audi badge with luxury looking interior. Excellent video ✌🏻
Thanks, Gordon. I think the Audi advantage is a lot clearer in the more expensive cars (even an A3 is more than just a tarted-up Golf, to me - it has a beautiful cabin). In the A1 size, though, the differences are so much more minimal.
Demo 👎👎👎😱
Paid 21k for a low mileage a1
@@henkka3931 what year is your A1?
The boot space on the standard Polo ( Without the subwoofer) is larger with 351L of space.
Very true, thanks Grant. That said, the Beats system is worth it!
Does the Audi A1 have automatic headlights as standard ?
I know its not on the MQB platform, but you could have added the Skoda Fabia 81TSI wagon with Premium Sport pack and Vision pack to give these two a run for their money as a value pack
Agreed, that would have been a good third inclusion. At the end of the day the logistics of it meant we could only host two in this video but I will consider that for the future.
Audi A1 for me
Definitely the Polo. I haven’t heard how much the maintenance costs are for the Audi, the Polo is reasonably inexpensive. I have had My 2013 6R Polo for 6 years now and my partner just picked up a brand new 2019 AW Polo in November. If I purchase another petrol vehicle I would go Polo again for value and comfort.
Glad to hear you've had two good Polo experiences now, Adam.
Nice comparo review
Thanks a lot.
I have a trend line manual my19, cost 17k and I love it. Wouldn’t waste the money on the A1
You got a good deal!
What about polo vs t Cross? Is the slightly higher price justified for a higher ride of essentially the same car
A very important comparison we look forward to completing when the T-Cross arrives next month.
@@chasingcars looking forward
Great review Tom. The cheap flappy mat in the Audi is nothing short of a disgrace. My guess is price will have to be "adjusted" if Audi Australia want to actually sell a few cars.
Thanks, Derek. Yes, not sure what happened there. I was thinking, surely this isn't the right boot floor fitted?
One great price for the Polo,the Audi still a nice car,a friend of mine bought a Audi 35 a couple of months ago but it cost $ 47,000 and still missing much safety gear,I didn't like the reversing camera quality also no 360.
Oof, $47k!
The TFSI 30, here in the EU has 116 Horses. Is that different in AU ??
About the same, give or take. 85kW = ~114hp
Definitely have the Polo. The A1 is only a bit more premium for quite a bit more price 🤷🏻♂️ same as the Polo GTI vs S1 (S1 has a bit more hp & 4WD) and the S1 is about 6k more 🤦🏻♂️
Well summed up. Hopefully Audi does another S1 in this generation.
Do another comparaison with polo 2021
You drive on the left, like us within the UK.
I lease a new manual car every three years and, to date, I cannot find a car to beat the Polo.
I have cruise control and a photo view in reverse. I always use drive control which cuts the engine off when at traffic lights or in a traffic jam.
My daughter lives in Windsor and on route to her home, I hit a corkscrew hill road. Although I terrify my passengers, I know that, if I put the car into third gear, I can corner the corkscrew, at 30pmh without applying the brake. Unless, of course, I come up behind some pussy, driving at ten mph and applying their brakes at every bend! So yep, it corners extremely well!
Looks like another Polo for me.
Thank you, great video.
“Remain Safe”
I have Australian Fabia + Advanced Tech Pack + Glass roof + Manual. D/A about 20k. Seems much better than polo option. Admit road noise is a tad worse.
Another good car. That said, Fabia isn’t on the new platform yet. Looking forward to the new Octavia!
@@chasingcars both Octavia Gen IV , with the corrected headlights, and Octavia iV (PHEV) if I comes to AUS are high on my radar for the wife's "family car”.
German guy here, I'd never ever buy such a car with an automatic, guess we just have less city traffic. We get the A1 with a manual, but the Polo is just way cheaper so I'd go for that.
Would be good if Audi offered the A1 manual here - would bring the price of entry down by at least a couple of thousand bucks. Sadly, not enough people want the manual gearbox anymore.
Thanks Tom, VW all the way👏👍👋
Thanks Dennis.
you can lower the boot floor of the polo to make it a lower boot
Thanks, Dane.
I got the audi A1 , and I have all of the things you say that the Audi doesnt have.. I have manual, I have a spare wheel , I have a good carpet..
We dont get polos in USA we get the golf though, i wish we had the polo too.
I have to say the polo was a dream until I saw this video.the Audi is much prettier 😬
Why does vw not get some good old compact sedan like vw Vento ?
There is the Passat tho?
Here in Germany, it is not possible to get the A1 with Blind-Spot-Monitoring at this time...
Hopefully it will come soon :-)
Thanks, Stefan - doesn't appear that BSM/RCTA is offered in Australia, either. Slip of the tongue for me. Strange when the Polo offers it as an option.
@@chasingcars Yeah, I wonder my self too. I mean it is basically the same unberpinning. Even the Seat Ibiza (also MQB A0) offers it. And the Skoda Fabia (not! MQB A0/ stands on an older Plattform) can also deliver BSM...
For an Audi, it should be a must have.. Maybe it will come soon to the A1 🤷♂️
Those slow mo-s are unnecessary. :)
Thanks for the comparison.
Fair enough, but I reckon they look cool!
Hey Tom, is that DSG in the Audi the DQ200?
From what I've been able to determine from my research, yes, the 1.0 TSI (EA211) uses the DQ200 gearbox. Tried and tested by this point…
New Audis have a really cheap feel/look to a lot of the interior materials. Whats going on
Some would suggest it's the effect of the big dieselgate fines Audi has had to pay. The money has to come from somewhere.
The Polo offers more boot space when not specced with the subwoofer. 350litres
Indeed, thanks James.
Personally if I could I buy either, but we Don't get either in the states☹️
It is a shame that you guys miss out.
Does the camera trick me, or is the paintjob on the Audi just a really bad one...? I've noticed it on the close-ups.
Hmm. What time code?
@@chasingcars ex. 0:42
@@SteenHolm134 cheap paintjob
$280 option for those seat option that's a rip off it should come standard
Yeah.... bit of a question of value there
Yea I think
Price not a concern: Audi
Realistically at the same price: VW
my polo has rear usb's and auto AC!
in the UK they're both the same price, £19500 for base
You can get a used R-line from Arnold Clark for that price.
God these cars must have gone up $5k to $10k in value since you reviewed them 😅
Polo Gti with beats option. Noice.
The GTI's a great package and the Beats audio is remarkably good.
i have audi a1 2020 and i love it!... i prefer audi than vw... its another level... its like samsung-huawei vs apple... or tim hortons vs starbucks... hahahaha... great video bro!!!!
It seems like you didn't listen to the video: basically the Audi A-1, you pay for the badge. Because both cars are pretty much equals
Audi should stick to large premium executive cars. This is just taking the piss.
40k $ for an entry level audi a1? What the hell??
Australian dollars (~$25k USD in April 2020)
Wait 5 years you can get one for way less lol
Both cars in the uk are over priced like all new cars 5-10 k over priced. Both the polo and A1 could have been much better but like all new VAG cars you pay more for lower quality. My money will go else where next time.
True. I just looked and the Polo R Line 110 BHP is listed at £20605. Insane. You can get so much more from other manufacturers which certainly match VW for quality.
You buy the A1 for the interior.
Polo 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Air vents down on the Polo... Huge mistake. In hot weather the higher placed vents while make a huge difference in a moderate climate like in my country, I imagine in a much hotter Australian climate
If you equip this polo with a DSG, it's all you need
I prefer the manual, actually!
@@chasingcars Yes but trust me, it's your very personal choice: most people love the VW DSG-7, it's so pleasant to drive with.
I think you would only buy the Audie if those 4 rings made a difference brand snobbery.
In the A1 size, yep, I agree. That said, I think there are definite advantages to some of the larger Audis over their cheaper VW cousins.
has AUD depriciated or is it just insane? 40k for A1 is a robbery to be prosecuted.
Yes, the AUD has been in a sustained depreciation pattern for years
Honestly you can buy a fossil watch or a Rolex both will give you same outcome it’s just goes according to your own personality
The Audi looks way better
You're literally just paying for the badge with the Audi... all that hard plastic, no armrest, cheap flappy boot floor, and I dunno if it's just the difference in colour, but that paint job has more orange peel than an orchard. There's no reason for that car to be over 10K more than the VW
Agreed, it doesn't justify the extra spend in this case.
Is it just badge snobbery that the Suzuki swift sport is never mentioned when these type of cars are compared. Fully kitted out for a comparable price , much better performance and about the same amount of space. I know which I would prefer after a few years of ownership. Bring on the hard touch critics but look at the condition of the interiors after a few years have passed.
It's true, the Swift Sport is a great buy - but I think it attracts a different customer. Partially that is badge snobbery, though I'm not sure a Volkswagen is a snobby car or badge these days.
Volkswagen polo all the way
Why do you compare a high spec VW with an entry level Audi? 🤦🏼♂️
Logical thing to do in my mind because they’re the closest in price. Lots of people might wonder whether it’s worth spending that bit more on the luxury brand. Makes perfect sense to me.
@@chasingcars I agree. Makes perfect sense.
@@fale892 Stupid comparison. Audi A1 is a supermini, Mazda3 is a big compact car. You are definitely too stupid to see the obvious class difference.
Vw depreciation is terrible.
German cars are not what they used to be, witness the VW emissions scandal costing the company billions in compensation and fines. If the Chinese can up their game, who knows, they could give the Germans a run for their money in a few years time, with an Audi like quality and specs car for half the price! 🤣
People buy an Audi for their neighbours...😂
Not really. All statistics in Germany show that the A1 is far more reliable than the Polo and you can’t get the 150 hp for the Polo. The Fabia would be a good choice because it is around 3000€ cheaper than the A1, but then again… reliability.
lmao only newbs buy cars. lease them, churn them over every couple of years and you can actually use equity for the premium cars like Audis which in turn is cheaper than just buying out a polo. facts.
I mean you can always just sell the car and get most of your money back while actually owning it not leasing.
Tom Baker? Dr Who?
But no scarf
@@chasingcars And the Polo might have grown a bit, but it ain't no TARDIS. lol
Chose the audi because polos are everywhere and look boring
The polo from the outside just looks like a car for people who don’t like life anymore. If you’re into boring things, then the polo is your car.
this 2 cars have the same mirrors, so i think probably go to the polo
Yep, the mirrors are a shared part.
By a Seat Ibiza
If Seat was sold in Australia, that would be a consideration.
@@chasingcars Ooops, didn't know... Greetings from The Netherlands.
You can only get a 1.5 litre 35tfsi in the A1
Where?
Audi’s are starting to look like the freaks from The Hills have eyes movie.
The Audi is not a good value for money.
First!
Quick! 👏🏼
Do you want a medal?
@@felix_five Nah I just get a kick out of comments like yours haha
For God's sake man. Why do you keep changing gear all the time. Its so annoying the way reviewers seem to think they have to change gear every time the camera cuts to them but you've taken it to a new level - 3 shifts in one 5 second clip.
Probably shifting down for a corner? Or perhaps it was just the B-roll clip demonstrating the throw? Either way, doesn’t seem like a big deal to me...
You’d have to be mad to buy the Audi
I do think that in a more up-spec version - with the available retro houndstooth cloth seats (!) - the A1 can be very cool, but it is not what you would consider a value buy.