Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo: which is better?

Take a look at our Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo comparison review to get the details on both cars

The mid-1970s was a big time for hatchbacks because it was when Ford first launched the Fiesta and when Volkswagen came out with the Polo.

Granted, they’ve come on a long way since then, but they’ve been battling it out for close to 60 years.

You can find plenty of used Ford and used VW models on the market, depending on what takes your fancy.

Which is a better choice for you?

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo

Our guide will answer:

Which has the better styling?
Is the Ford Fiesta or VW Polo better to drive?
Does the Ford Fiesta or VW Polo have better tech?
Is the Ford Fiesta or VW Polo more reliable?
What are the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo dimensions?

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo: styling

on the left is a Ford Fiesta and on the right is a Volkswagen Polo, both facing away from the camera

You probably go about your day seeing countless Ford Fiestas and Volkswagen Polos every hundred yards yet never bat an eyelid.

Not because they’re boring, but because they’re just so common. But when you take a second to look at one closely, you’ll notice some great little design features.

Ford's Fiesta has a classic design – one that’s been around for years – but like the Porsche 911, has been slowly tweaked and improved.

Its sharp and sporty look makes it very popular among younger drivers because you feel as though you’re driving a car you couldn’t dream of being able to insure.

Volkswagen’s Polo, on the other hand, is much like a baby Golf, especially when you pay attention to its headlight design, front grille and taillights.

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo: what are they like to drive?

on the left is a Ford Fiesta and on the right is a Volkswagen Polo, both driving on a road

The Ford Fiesta has been famed for its driving for years. Its driving style can be likened to an excitable puppy or baby rabbit – it just wants to bounce around and have a good time.

Therefore, it’s one of the most popular hatchbacks for new and young drivers wanting to impress their mates and improve their driving.

The Polo, however, is slightly more sophisticated but isn’t afraid to have fun if you ask it to. It’s comfortable, smooth and splendid on longer drives – especially with VW’s DSG automatic gearbox.

Engine options for the Fiesta include a 1.0-litre, 1.1-litre and 1.5-litre, all of which are based on three-cylinder units.

The Polo keeps it a little simpler, with the standard Polo having a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and the Polo GTI getting a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit.

The best driving experience will come from the top-spec Fiesta ST and Polo GTI, which are highly regarded as being some of the best lukewarm hatches money can buy. If you want the hot stuff, then look towards the Golf GTI and Focus RS.

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo: interior and technology

on the left is a Ford Fiesta interior and on the right is a Volkswagen Polo interior

Step inside, and this is where it gets interesting. The Fiesta is not exactly a Range Rover when it comes to the cabin, but it is still a pleasant place to be.

What we like about the Fiesta’s interior is that it’s functional and packed full of tech such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a built-in sat-nav system, parking cameras and a large touchscreen infotainment screen.

An area where the Polo really shines is inside, which isn’t too dissimilar to the interior of a Golf in that it’s clean, simplistic, comfortable and spacious.

Both cars have everything you could want from a hatchback, plus the Polo GTI comes with swanky paddle shifters on the steering wheel for that performance car-feel.

The best car tech

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo: boot space and practicality

on the left is a Ford Fiesta's boot and on the right is a Volkswagen Polo's front seats

Being small hatchbacks, there isn’t as much boot space as you may find in a Skoda Octavia Estate, for example, but you still get plenty of room for many bags and/or shopping.

The Fiesta has a 292-litre boot, while the Polo gets a slightly larger 351-litre boot, making it the clear winner if you need that little bit more storage space.

As you move down from the boot, you’ll find that both cars offer excellent cabin space for all passengers, including rear-seat passengers.

If you’re taller, you may struggle a bit more on longer journeys, but for most people, these two cars are superb for overall practicality.

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo: safety and reliability

on the left is a Ford Fiesta's engine bay and on the right is a Volkswagen Polo's engine bay

Being modern cars made by two of the greatest car brands in the world, reliability shouldn’t be a concern.

If the car has been well-maintained and regularly serviced, we can’t see why you’d have any issues or concerns.

As for safety, both cars scored a full five stars following their most recent Euro NCAP crash testing thanks to some great standard safety features such as airbags and automatic emergency braking systems.

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo: size and dimensions

Ford Fiesta

Length: 4,040mm

Width: 1,735mm

Height: 1,476mm

Bootspace: 292 litres

Volkswagen Polo

Length: 4,074mm

Width: 1,751mm

Height: 1,435mm

Bootspace: 351 litres

Ford Fiesta vs. VW Polo compared

Fiesta highlights:

Fun to drive
Suitable for so many drivers
Plenty of tech and trims on offer

Fiesta things to consider:

Entry-level trims can feel basic
Smaller boot than the Polo
A best-selling car, so you won't stand out on the roads

Polo highlights:

Solid manufacturing with a five-star Euro NCAP rating
Spacious boot
Quirky and sleek VW styling

Polo things to consider:

Can be pricier than the Fiesta
Not as many engines to choose from
You'll need to go for the more expensive Polo GTI for the best drive

Verdict: Ford Fiesta vs. Volkswagen Polo: which should you buy?

If you’ve read our full comparison article and haven’t yet made up your mind, then perhaps our short verdict will help guide you in the right direction.

We’d recommend the Ford Fiesta if you’re a younger driver who has just passed their test or someone who needs a great little car to get them around.

Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, says: "The virtues of good value, practicality and being great to drive have cemented the Ford Fiesta as one of Britain’s best-selling cars".

On the other hand, the Volkswagen Polo is ideal for those who need a boot with more space and who like the finer interiors in life.

Sam says: "It’s not surprising you see so many on the roads used by pretty much everyone -from new drivers who love the badge, to retired couples looking for something reliable and a little fun".

But either way, you’re getting a great-looking, high-quality motor that’s reliable, economical and affordable.