Volkswagen Polo vs Audi A4

What's the difference?

VS
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

Audi A4
Audi A4

$31,888 - $49,969

2021 price

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo
2021 Audi A4
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.0L

Diesel Turbo, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
5.4L/100km (combined)

5.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
  • Some turbo/DCT lag
  • Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads

  • Space-saver tyre
  • Short warranty
  • Paying extra for driver-assist tech
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.

View full pricing & specs
2021 Audi A4 Summary

The Audi A4 allroad is the off-roader of the A4 line-up. I’m using the term ‘off-roader’ loosely here because this wagon is obviously best suited to daily duties in a city and suburbs, with perhaps an occasional foray into very light off-roading, i.e. driving on a well-maintained gravel or dirt road with few, if any, corrugations, and in dry weather only. 

But that’s not a negative factor because the great thing about adventures is that they can be scaled to suit you, your lifestyle and your vehicle of choice.

However, is this allroad your best option for a comfortable, nice-driving all-rounder? Read on.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2021 Audi A4

Change vehicle