The Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo are too frighteningly similar cars. They’re both built on the same platform, using the same engines and occupying the same segment of the marketplace. While we know the DNA of the VAG-group hatches is shared - today we’re looking at which vehicle you should choose based on key criteria; price, practicality, efficiency and offers.
Price
The Skoda naturally starts from a more pleasing price point than the Polo, at just £14,605 for the entry-level S model, whereas the Polo starts from £17,125. Corners have been cut with the bottom-tier Skoda as it comes with 15” steel wheels whereas the Polo starts with 15” alloys. The Fabia is still reasonably well equipped though, with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, heated door mirrors and LED daytime running lights as standard.
The Polo ‘Match’ has these features too but with an 8” touch screen pulling the strings in the middle of the centre console. If you’re not too fussed about the creature comforts in your small hatchback then the Skoda is the clear winner here, but if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel and you’d like the finer details then the Polo is a better-rounded product at entry-level.
Practicality
Now both vehicles are built on the same platform so the cabin spaces are frighteningly similar. The Skoda boasts 330 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place whereas the Volkswagen Polo has an additional 21 litres. However, there is a Fabia Estate available which has a 530-litre boot - but no such Polo estate exists in the UK.
Fold the seats of the hatchback models down and the Fabia hatch has a healthy 1,150 litres to use whereas the Polo only has 1,125 litres. The margins are very thin here, in all honesty. It’s very difficult to split the two in terms of practicality.
Efficiency
There is very little to split the two models in terms of efficiency, too. Both models are available with a 95 PS 1.0-litre TSI engine which will return up to 53.3 mpg when tested to WLTP standards. When you compare the engine and gearbox combinations you’ll find that both cars perform near-enough identically when compared like-for-like, and as of yet, there are no hybrid models available for either the Fabia or the Polo.
Don’t let that put you off though, there is not a single engine in the range of either the Fabia or Polo that isn’t able to return more than 45 mpg when driven sensibly, so most buyers will be pleasantly surprised with running costs in both motors.
Offers
Right now you can get the Fabia with 0% APR on a PCP deal and Skoda will contribute £750 towards your finance deposit when purchased using their Solutions PCP offeringl. Skoda also provides 3-year unlimited mileage access to roadside assistance - so you won’t be left stranded just in case something does go wrong. The representative example advertised by Skoda shows that a brand new Fabia can be had for as little as £209 per month with a £1,804.70 deposit - that’s extremely accessible.
Volkswagen isn’t quite able to match Skoda’s 0% APR offer, however, you can get a contribution of up to £1,500 to the deposit when purchasing a brand new Polo on PCP. With APR starting from 4.9% (which is still competitive) and a larger deposit of £3,370.42 - Volkswagen is offering PCP deals starting from just £175 per month.
So, which takes your fancy?
Realistically the performance between the two is negligible at best. The Polo is traditionally considered the more desirable option between the two but that’s entirely subjective. Both are excellent hatchbacks and the Fabia is just that little bit more accessible for most buyers.
If you’re interested in either model, why not launch an enquiry today and get your local showroom staff to talk you through each model in greater detail?