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VW Polo 66TDI vs Toyota Prius C

Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Prius go head-to-head.

VW Polo 66TDI and Toyota Prius C go head-to-head in this comparative review.

value

VW Polo 66TDI

from $23,990

The utterly functional Polo comes to Australia from South Africa, priced to match many Asian cars. It relies on build quality and engineering rather than pretty seats and lots of speakers. The drivetrain is well sorted and, if serviced and fuelled properly, reliable. There are six-speaker audio, Bluetooth, cruise and alloy wheels. Save $2500 with the manual.

Toyota Prius C

from $23,950

The cheapest hybrid on the road is well equipped and its features are strong buyer inducements. The hard plastic door insets look cheap but the same material on the dash actually works well. The starting price is strengthened by $130 capped price servicing. Kit includes reversing camera, voice-control audio, Bluetooth, touchscreen and six speakers.

design

VW Polo 66TDI

The Polo is almost timeless but conservative against the overt Prius. It's a space-efficient box, seats four adults and the boot can take far more luggage than the Prius - 280L with rear seats up and 952L seats down. Dash design is drab but functional. Controls are simple and quality is excellent.

Toyota Prius C

Front looks great, rear is awkward and huge, chromeedged tail-light bezels look daft. Based on the Yaris but longer, it has decent passenger room. The dash is excellent with centrally mounted digital readouts, a big touchscreen and lots of storage spaces.

technology

VW Polo 66TDI

Nothing to write home about. The 66kW/230Nm 1.6-litre turbo oiler is very simple. VW claims 4.6L/100 overall and 5.5L in the city. My test average was 4.8. The seven-speed DSG gearbox is as hi-tech as this car gets. Steering is electro-hydraulic and suspension is orthodox struts and torsion beam. Four-wheel disc brakes beats Prius with its rear drums.

Toyota Prius C

The drivetrain, based on that of the bigger Prius, has been shrunk and lightened. The 1.5-litre engine combines with the electric motor to put 74kW/169Nm on tap, good for 3.9L/100km average and 3.8L in the city. I averaged 4.7L. Auxiliaries are electrically powered, so no accessory belts. The car can run for up to 2km on battery power.

safety

VW Polo 66TDI

Five stars, six airbags and the usual electronic chassis and brake aids. The spare wheel is almost full-size, so why not fit a proper spare? It misses parking sensors (optional) and reversing camera.

Toyota Prius C

Not yet crash tested. It gets seven airbags and the electronically controlled brake system (with the usual acronyms) blends regenerative and friction braking. The spare wheel is full-size.

driving

VW Polo 66TDI

As with larger sibling Golf, the Polo always feels capable, safe and confident. It can be taken out in the country and driven hard (though you have to ride the engine's torque band) and is very rewarding. But it's also city friendly, though firmer than the Prius. At idle it's a question of enduring diesel rattle versus the Prius's silence.

Toyota Prius C

If you live out of town or in the hills, this car can frustrate you. It's not powerful and the fun factor is low. But it is perfect for city and suburbs, with neat handling, light steering and a comfortable ride. There are great features, ample room for four, a decent boot and a bright and airy cabin that is tops for visibility.

Verdict

VW Polo 66TDI

Toyota Prius C

It's not just about the fuel consumption. Prius fits easily into city life but doesn't make much sense in the open road, while Polo excels there. On price, features, space and tech, the Prius wins.