Audi A7 vs Volkswagen Polo
What's the difference?

Audi A7

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2019 price

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Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2019 Audi A7

2026 Volkswagen Polo

By Matt Campbell

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Glorious to behold
Surprising value
Great safety kit

The fact it still exists – thank you, VW
Solid, quality German engineering
Safe and dynamic driving experience

Dislikes

Launching with top-spec petrol only
Still some options to pick
Some tech quibbles on launch

Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
Some turbo/DCT lag
Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads

2019 Audi A7 Summary

Audi is known as a design-led brand, and arguably no model in the line-up embodies that ethos more than the Audi A7 Sportback.

This all-new version of Audi's largest swoopy five-door hatchback takes the concept of the original first-generation version and, rather than reinventing the idea, reimagines it with a more modern and even more style-focused look, inside and out.

And it's a very convincing execution, indeed.

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2026 Volkswagen Polo Summary

The Volkswagen Polo is about to turn 30 in Australia but, by 1996, it was already 21-years and three generations old in Europe.

As the least-expensive jumping-on point for the brand here today (RIP VW Up!), the Polo has deftly juggled affordability with the premium pricing that its German engineering demands.

But, at nine-years old, and in an era of newer, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) and often cheaper alternatives from China and elsewhere, is the ageing Polo as convincing?

We test the mid-spec CityLife to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Audi A7 2026 Volkswagen Polo

Verdict

The Audi A7 is a really likeable car, one that is heavily focused on style but also emanates substance. The 55 TFSI model will appeal to many, but my initial impression is that the best buy in the range could well be the entry-level 45 TFSI. I can't wait to sample it sometime in 2019.

Verdict

The VW Polo may be getting old, but it still shines on a number of fronts, including design, interior packaging and presentation, driving sophistication, efficiency and quality.

But, the ride can be too firm and the turbo/DCT lag frustrating, it is also expensive and not fully equipped enough in CityLife grade as tested, undermining the German’s value-for-money equation somewhat.

Haggle hard, though, and you’ll end up with a fine and mature urban hatch.

Audi A7 vs Volkswagen Polo What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A7 vs Volkswagen Polo
What's the difference?