VS
At a Glance
Power
136kW@6200
85 kW
Torque
250Nm@2000
200 Nm
Fuel
5.9
5.4 l/100km
Towing
1200
—
0-100 km/h
6.9
9.7 s
Engine
1390
999 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A1 and the Volkswagen Polo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A1 delivers 136kW@6200 while the Volkswagen Polo produces 85 kW. On fuel, the A1 returns 5.9 while the Polo uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R321 500 for the A1 and R499 100 for the Polo. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
136kW@6200
85 kW
Torque
250Nm@2000
200 Nm
0-100 kph
6.9
9.7 s
Top Speed
227
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1390
999 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.5
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.1
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
40 l
CO2 Emissions
139
123 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3954
4074 mm
Width
1740-1906
1751-1964 mm
Height
1416
1451 mm
Wheelbase
2469
2552 mm
Ground Clearance
—
106 mm
Kerb Weight
1125
1100 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
351 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200
—
Load Capacity
920
580 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
3
Warranty Distance
—
120000 Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3
Service Plan Distance
—
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo
Fuel Economy
Polo
Value
A1
Practicality
A1
Pros & Cons
AUDI A1
Lower starting price (R321 500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (5.9)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Polo
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A1 or Polo?
The A1 uses 5.9 and the Polo uses 5.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Polo is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A1 or Polo?
The A1 produces 136kW@6200 and 250Nm@2000 of torque while the Polo delivers 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A1 and Polo?
The A1 starts from R321 500 and the Polo from R499 100. The A1 is cheaper by R177 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A1 or Polo?
The A1 has a braked towing capacity of 1200 and the Polo can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A1 or the Polo?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.