Volkswagen Polo vs Audi RS7
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

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Audi RS7

—

2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo

2020 Audi RS7

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

11.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

A V8 with 800Nm? Yes please
Hatchback practicality
Standard air suspension

Dislikes

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

Limited rear headroom
Rear legroom could be better
Cabin storage isn't great

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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2020 Audi RS7 Summary

If you’re looking for a sedan version of the RS 6 Avant, then you’ve come to the right place – sort of. See there is no RS 6 Sedan, but the RS 7 Sportback is the next best thing – you may even find it an even better thing because not only does it share RS 6 Avant’s outrageous engine and high-performance hardware, it’s also a sedan …but with a hatchback.

And if that kind of thing makes you happy, sit down – because the new generation RS 7 Sportback has just landed.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2020 Audi RS7

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 new-generation RS 7 Sportback heralds the further evolution of this large majestic beast, with more features, a beautifully finished cabin and with more grunt with the looks to match. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of power, dynamics and comfort in the Audi range – apart from in the RS 6 Avant of course.

Volkswagen Polo vs Audi RS7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Polo vs Audi RS7
What's the difference?