Volkswagen Polo vs Hyundai Inster

What's the difference?

VS
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

Hyundai Inster
Hyundai Inster

$27,990 - $48,694

2025 price

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo
2025 Hyundai Inster
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.0L
Electric motor type
Permanent Magnet
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol
Vehicle type
Battery Electric
Fuel Efficiency
5.4L/100km (combined)
Electric range
327 km
Energy consumption

14.3 kWh/100km
Battery capacity

42.00 kWh
Seating
5

4
Dislikes
  • Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
  • Some turbo/DCT lag
  • Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads

  • Too expensive
  • Roof box storage eats into driving range
  • Width is tight with two on board
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 Hyundai Inster Summary

There are really only four things you need to know about the all-new Hyundai Inster. It's small outside, yet surprisingly big inside. It's all electric. It's cute as a button. And it's as practical as a Swiss army knife.

Actually, there's one more thing. It's cheap for an EV. But it's still not that cheap, given the wave of cut-price Chinese product now on our shores.

So, can the Hyundai Inster carve itself a slice of the entry-level EV market?

 

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2025 Hyundai Inster

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