Volkswagen Polo vs Audi A5
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

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Audi A5

$79,900 - $92,900

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo

2026 Audi A5

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Stacked with techy features
Edition One value is hard to deny
Still a delight to drive

Dislikes

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

Loses some interior simplicity
Edition One not a permanent fixture
Having to wait for more variants

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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2026 Audi A5 Summary

The Audi A5 has done something naughty. It’s replaced the Audi A4.

Or at least that’s the case for now after the Ingolstadt brand made a bit of a mess of its naming strategy.

Essentially, the Audi A5 is now available as a sedan or a wagon, and the next A4 coming soon will be electric. The previous A5 was a swoopier two-door coupe or four-door gran coupe style model. So the A5 is now effectively Audi’s main BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class and CLA rival.

Plus, the Audi S5 is also here to cater to performance car fans.

Can a new platform, a sleek, fresh look and a techy interior do the job?

We’ve been pedalling around the Victorian countryside in the hopes of finding out.

Stick with me, and I reckon we’ll get to the bottom of it. The question about the car, that is, not the bottom of Victoria.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2026 Audi A5

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.

Verdict

The Audi A5 remains a convincing option in the premium mid-size sedan category, even with the near-$10K price increase over its equivalent grade A4 predecessor.

Even in its base spec, it’s a lovely thing to drive and adds enough new kit to be a reasonable option when it comes to value. In terms of tech usability, it stands out from rivals. Practicality is still king for Audi.

But for the heart-over-head types, the S5 is fast and fun while remaining a comfortable cruiser and the price is decent. On a personal note, a six-cylinder wagon? That's a big yes from me.

For the time it’s available, it’s hard to go past the value on offer in the S5 Edition One. Getting an AWD V6 with that kind of capability for under $100K is something that's sure to tempt buyers. If it doesn’t, we need to take a good look at ourselves.

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

Volkswagen Polo vs Audi A5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Polo vs Audi A5
What's the difference?