Volkswagen Polo – Top alternatives

The Volkswagen Polo is the most affordable model currently sold by the German carmaker in Malaysia. The outgoing Polo arrived on our shores back in 2014, and ever since, has been doing pretty well for itself. The Polo is built on Volkswagen’s PQ25 platform and is one of the marque’s most well-known and also one of their best-selling cars in the region. In fact, Volkswagen seems to have had a great run last year -- shifting over 7,000 vehicles across their limited yet impressive line-up. At present, the Volkswagen Polo specs sheet tells that it is available in two trim levels: the RM 74,990 Comfortline and the RM 75,488 Comfortline Vienna. The premium B-segment hatchback measures in at 3,970 mm in length, 1,682 mm in width and 1,453 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,470 mm and with the backbench in place, boasts a boot capacity of 280 litres.

Under the bonnet of the Volkswagen Polo sits a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with multi-point fuel injection. This mill churns out 103 hp at 5,250 rpm and a peak torque of 153 Nm at 3,800 rpm. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 6-speed automatic slush ‘box, with the drive being sent to the front wheels. The Polo’s top speed is an impressive 184 kmph, but it’s also quite a fun drive, and it boasts great build quality.

Fully kitted-out, the VW Polo comes with niceties like 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, automatic climate control, Vienna leather seats, tilt & telescopic multifunction steering wheel, and a 6.5-inch touch-infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, AUX, USB and Bluetooth. There are also dual airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), and an Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS). So, how do the Volkswagen Polo’s alternatives compare? Well, let’s find out.

Alternative 1 – Honda Jazz

Just like its German competitor, the Honda Jazz is a premium B-segment hatchback, and this third-generation model was launched in Malaysia in 2017. The Honda Jazz is priced from RM 70,242 for the base variant and RM 87,707 for the range-topping Hybrid variant. The exterior styling of the Jazz isn’t too flamboyant, though it has its own charm -- as Honda has sketched it in a way to make it look mature without making it seem dull. On the inside, the Jazz actually offers more room than any car on this list, while the build quality is pretty good, too. Some of its most highlighted features include a smart entry with push-button engine start, power-retractable door mirrors, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, paddle shifters, 6-speaker audio system with AUX, USB and HDMI connectivity, and a 6.8-inch infotainment display.

The Jazz specs sheet is also equipped with six airbags, Multi-Angle Reverse Camera, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). The Jazz measures 3,989 mm in length, 1,694 mm in width and 1,524 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,530mm long, and it also has a 363-litre boot. The 1.5-litre four-popper motor produces 118 hp with 145 Nm of torque and comes mated to a CVT gearbox. The Jazz can hit 180 kmph, while the run to 100 kmph takes over 10 seconds.

Alternative 2 – Mazda 2 Hatchback

Costing between RM 75,866 to RM 94,670, the Mazda 2 hatch isn’t exactly light on the wallet. However, it redeems itself with its trendy KODO design language, excellent build quality, and interesting driving experience among other qualities. The 2 Hatchback has a 220-litre boot, measures 4,060mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. Mazda 2 hatch specs sheet features a 1.5-litre four-banger under the hood, which makes 114 hp and 148Nm of torque - all going through a 6-speed automatic. The Mazda 2 is quick -- hustling from 0-100 kmph in approximately 9 seconds and hitting almost 190 kmph.

The Mazda 2 can be had with 16-inch alloys, LED headlights & front fog lights, engine push-button start, leather upholstery, head-up display, drive mode switch, shift paddles, automatic climate control, 6-speaker sound system, automatic engine stop/start, and a 7-inch touchscreen with voice command, AUX, USB, CD and Bluetooth support. Meanwhile, safety tech in the most-affordable Mazda comes in the form of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Launch Assist (HLA), along with reversing camera with guidelines, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and dual front airbags.

Alternative 3 – Toyota Yaris

Priced at between RM 70,888 to RM 83,888, the all-new Toyota Yaris is one of the most popular cars in this segment of the market, and it’s a car that doesn’t require any formal introductions as such. Unlike the subdued and conservative styling of the VW Polo, the overall design of the new Yaris looks visually exciting and young, albeit a touch polarising. The cabin of this Toyota is fairly modern and up-to-date with equipment, while general build quality is good and feels like it will last a lifetime. The Yaris stands 4,145mm long, 1,730mm wide, and has a wheelbase of 2,550mm. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-popper that develops 105hp with 140 Nm and is paired to CVT with seven pseudo ratios. The Yaris can get from nought to 100 kmph in 11 seconds, with a top speed of 175 kmph.

The new Toyota Yaris specs sheet sports 16-inch wheels, projector headlights, auto-folding wing mirrors, keyless entry with push-button ignition, Sport & Eco-drive modes, automatic AC, parking sensors with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), and a 6.8-inch touch-multimedia system. There are also 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), speed-sensing door locks, Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).