Volkswagen Polo vs Audi S3
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

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Audi S3

$66,880 - $99,990

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo

2025 Audi S3

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Athletic and sporty in all the right places
Improved engine outputs
Gorgeous cabin space

Dislikes

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

Tiny back seat
Missing some premium features
Lots of road noise

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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2025 Audi S3 Summary

In a world where car upgrades often feel like saying, “Can I upsize that?”, it’s refreshing to hop into the updated Audi S3 Sportback.

The flagship RS 3 may still be the holy grail of hot hatch dreams, but with boosted engine outputs and upgraded tech, the S3 is stepping up.

Is the S3 Sportback the smarter pick over pricier rivals? It delivers serious performance and polish without stretching into RS 3 territory. With fierce competition in the segment, let’s see what this contender brings to the table.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2025 Audi S3

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 updated Audi S3 Sportback is a fun-sized dynamo with impressive outputs and athletic road manners. It’s missing a few premium features, but its compact size paired with a gutsy engine makes it a compelling option for drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance (just space).

Volkswagen Polo vs Audi S3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Polo vs Audi S3
What's the difference?