Ford Fiesta vs Volkswagen Polo: Used Car Comparison
14th Mar 2025
Supermini cars were designed to facilitate navigation in crowded cities. Among some of the main practicalities offered by superminis is their compact size on the outside without compromising on comfort inside. It’s safe to say that both the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta tick both of those boxes.
Even though both vehicles are placed within the same segment and can be considered comfortable, they’re equipped with different features that make each more suitable to
certain lifestyles than the other and vice-versa.
This article will explore the main differences between the Polo and Fiesta to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next used car.
Content
- Introduction and Design
- Versions and Performance
- Interior and Technology
- Practicality
- Value and Final Thoughts
Introduction and Design
The Volkswagen Polo was first launched in 1975. It debuted as a supermini designed to be a smaller, more affordable option than the VW Golf, and has since become one of the most successful and iconic models in the Volkswagen lineup. Over the years, the Polo gained notoriety for being a reliable vehicle that delivers practicality and efficiency.
Featuring a modern exterior style that combines design elements that bring out a youthful and sporty touch, the version of Polo featured in this article is fitted with sharp headlines, a wide front grille and a sporty front bumper that elevates the vehicle’s look.
Not long after the VW Polo was introduced to the market, Ford debuted the Fiesta in 1976. The Fiesta was introduced as a supermini car, aimed at being a compact and affordable option for everyday drivers. The Fiesta quickly became one of Ford’s most popular models due to its driving excitement, affordability, practicality, and style.
Showcasing a sporty aesthetic that combined with bold and modern design elements provides the Fiesta with an urban appeal, the model featured here displays a signature Ford front grille, bold fenders, and sharp and angular tail lights.
Versions and Performance
This version is VW Polo is available with petrol and diesel engines. There are four options of petrol engines, and the entry-level 1.0-litre engine produces 80bhp, which results in an acceleration of 0 to 62mph in 14.9 seconds. The fuel economy is reasonable at 51.4mpg. The 2.0-litre GTI engine produces 207bhp and an acceleration to 62mph from resting in 6.5 seconds. Fuel efficiency is lower than the entry-level, due to high performance, and this range-topping engine is capable of 41.5mpg.
There’s only one option of diesel engine available, that's a 1.6-litre. This engine produces 95bhp and accelerates to 62mph from resting in 11.2 seconds. Looking at fuel economy, this is definitely the most efficient, being capable of 74.3mpg.
The Ford Fiesta also offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine is available with either 94bhp, 123bhp or 153bhp and is capable of a maximum of 55mpg. Acceleration-wise, the models are capable of reaching 62mph in 13.5 seconds from resting.
Looking at the top of the range, the turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 197bhp, goes from 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and is capable of 64.2mpg.
The 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine produces 93bhp, accelerates to 62mph from resting in 13.5 seconds, and is capable of 66mpg.
Interior and Technology
Volkswagen Polo was built with high-quality materials and technology which distinguishes it from other vehicles in the same segment. Looking at Polo’s interior, we find a cabin made with premium materials including soft-touch plastics, and high-grade fabrics. The clean and minimalistic design is coherent with the intuitive control setup with easy-to-use buttons and knobs for climate control and media, making it very driver-friendly.
A user-friendly infotainment system can be found in the central area of the dashboard. The size of the touchscreen varies from 6.5 inches to 8 inches according to the model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come pre-installed to facilitate connectivity with smartphones.
With a score of 96 percent in the Euro NCAP safety rating, the safety features included in the Polo makes it a safe vehicle for driver and passengers in the front and back. Among some of the safety features are:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Tyre pressure loss indicator
- Hill hold control
The combination of soft-touch materials, durable plastics, and stylish accents give the Ford Fiesta a modern and clean design. Created to be driver-centred, the design of the controls is intuitive, with clear physical buttons and dials for the air conditioning, media, and volume.
Looking at the infotainment system, the touchscreen varies between 6.5 inches and 8 inches depending on the trim. The system is responsive, easy to navigate, and comes with Bluetooth for hands-free calls and media streaming is available across most trims. The system also features USB ports and an auxiliary input for connecting devices.
Fiesta scored a five-star EURO NCAP safety rating, which means that it was equipped with safety features that provide high level of protection for the driver and passengers. The standard package includes, but is not limited to the features below:
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Traffic sign recognition
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Cross traffic alert
Practicality
Even though supermini cars were designed to be compact, don’t let this definition fool you into thinking the interior of these vehicles is small, uncomfortable and offers near to zero storage space.
With young families in mind, the VW Polo has a spacious cabin, with plenty of leg and headroom, ISOFIX anchors in the back seats to fit a child's seat, and the rear doors a wide opening to facilitate access to kids and luggage. The boot has a capacity of 351 litres which can be expanded to 1,125 litres with the back seats folded down.
Fiesta’s cabin is also considered spacious for models in the supermini segment. There are plenty of adjustments for the driver, and the latest model offers extra legroom in the back seats. You can choose between three-door and five-door models, with the latter providing easier access to the rear. With a capacity of 311 litres, the boot can be extended to hold up to 1,093 litres with the rear seats down.
Value and Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Volkswagen Polo and the Ford Fiesta ultimately depends on your preferences, needs, and priorities. Both are excellent choices in the supermini segment, but they offer different strengths.
The Polo offers a wider variety of engine sizes compared to Ford Fiesta, even though both vehicles offer only one option for diesel-powered engines. When it comes to performance, the Polo and Fiesta offer similar acceleration time and fuel efficiency.
The main difference between the vehicles is down to the onboard technology and storage space. Whilst the Polo offers the largest boot and a more modern infotainment system, the Fiesta offers a more compact body, which is easier to navigate in crowded cities. The Fiesta also offers the option of 3and 5-door models, which could be a bonus so you can choose the option that best suits your lifestyle.
Find your perfect used car at Evans Halshaw
Even though superminis were designed to provide maximum practicality when navigating overcrowded spaces, they can also be comfortable and capable of holding all your daily necessities. If neither model meets all your requirements and needs, you can explore our range of used cars.
Alternatively, you can read more car comparison articles that are constantly updated with new information at our Evans Halshaw Blog.
