Audi RS3 vs Volkswagen Polo
What's the difference?

Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mercedes-AMG E63

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Summary

2026 Audi RS3

2026 Volkswagen Polo

By Jack Quick

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Dynamic and engaging to drive
Iconic five-cylinder soundtrack
Luxuriously equipped

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

Dislikes

Options dollars add up quickly
Tight rear headroom in sedan
Engine note could be louder

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

2026 Audi RS3 Summary

Five-cylinder fury is still kicking!

Audi has just launched the mid-life updated version of its RS3 hatch and sedan in Australia.

With new looks inside and out, the German carmaker has also made a number of subtle tweaks under the skin via software updates. Thankfully, however, the five-cylinder beast lurking under the bonnet remains untouched.

As the viability of pure internal combustion engines in the hot hatch segment dwindles in the age of ever-tightening emissions regulations, will this be the last hurrah for the five-banger RS3?

Read along to see how this latest version stacks up.

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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

2026 Audi RS3 2026 Volkswagen Polo

Verdict

The Audi RS3 is a special hot hatch and sedan I’m so glad I experienced before its five-cylinder engine is inevitably retired due to emissions regulations. Full of character and charisma, this car is far from a rational purchase, pitched at boy racers who don’t want to grow up just yet.

From a value perspective, too, while the asking price has crossed the six-figure threshold and the option prices add thousands, it’s still much cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Make of that what you will.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

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 RS3 vs Volkswagen Polo What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS3 vs Volkswagen Polo
What's the difference?