So which one to choose? The Audi is considerably more expensive than the Polo GTI though so which one is the better value for money? Which one is fastest and which one of the two is the most fun to drive?
I tested the two cars back-to-back and the similarities are obvious: The Polo GTI is now powered by the same 1.8 litre engine the Audi has under its stubby hood with identical output of 141kW and 250 Nm. Both are linked to a 7-speed S-tronic transmission.
The gap in top speed has also narrowed with the Polo's top speed of 236km/h now only 14 km/h slower than the Audi while only 1 second separates them over the zero to 100km/h sprint.
Of the two the Audi is clearly the classiest and is also by far the leader in the eye-candy stakes. It is more padded in the living quarters and the cabin feels bigger, better insulated and airier and it also dishes out the more refined ride.
Both cars are quick off the mark with the Polo producing a cheekier, more appealing exhaust growl. Both cars behave with confidence when being hustled along although the Audi is more confident and solid in the corners. The Polo is a bit more fun, though.... A bit like comparing the Golf GTI and the Ford STI - the Golf sticks better to the tar but the STI makes you smile more.
In a way it is a bit unfair to compare the Audi with the Polo because the Audi will set you back R390,000 while the Polo comes in at only R326,400. The Golf GTI, at R427,800, is a better match for the Audi.
The Polo's direct competitors are really the Ford Focus ST and the Renault Clio RS. Performance figures of these three are fractionally different although the anoraks will point out that the Polo's top speed of 236km/h is the best in this company while the practically minded will say the Polo has the smallest luggage space of the three. Given the choice between the Fiesta, Polo or Renault, the recently upgraded Ford ST will do for me.
If it comes to choosing between the Polo GTI and the Audi Sport, the four-ringer gets the nod for its more sophisticated finish, better ride and appealingly cheeky looks although the Polo does put up a strong argument by dangling a price tag of R65 600 less than the Audi.
Move up a level to the champion of the hatch hatches, the Golf GTI, and the story swings the other way because at nearly R50 000 less expensive than the Audi the hot Golf still occupies the throne although it now has to look over its shoulder as its baby brother Polo GTI muscles deeper into its territory, particularly now with new car prices destined to rise because of the recently announced interest rate hikes.
The Audi Sport's tag includes a five-year maintenance plan while the Polo GT offers a three-year/45 000km maintenance/service plan.
