Volkswagen Polo vs Fiat 500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Polo starts from $30,790 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500 opens at $28,900. That makes the Fiat 500 the more affordable entry point by $1,890.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $33,869 and $31,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Polo holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500. Adult occupant protection scored 94% for the Volkswagen Polo and 78% for the Fiat 500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Fiat 500 packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Volkswagen Polo.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Volkswagen Polo and 7 in the Fiat 500.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Polo features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Fiat 500 gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Polo stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Fiat 500. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Polo gets cloth upholstery while the Fiat 500 offers fabric.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Polo uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.4 seconds.
The Fiat 500 responds with a MultiAir Petrol making 51kW and 102Nm, paired to a 5-speed dualogic automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Polo has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 51kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Polo is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Polo measures 4,080mm long on a 2,564mm wheelbase, 509mm longer than the Fiat 500 at 3,571mm (2,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Polo generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 351L in the Volkswagen Polo and 185L in the Fiat 500, giving the Volkswagen Polo a 166L advantage. The Volkswagen Polo seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Volkswagen Polo and $1,368/year for the Fiat 500. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Volkswagen Polo) vs $1,368 (Fiat 500). The Fiat 500 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Polo) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500). The Volkswagen Polo has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Polo if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Fiat 500 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Polo takes 6 of 8 key spec categories. The Fiat 500 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Polo has a clear edge. The Volkswagen Polo adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Polo and Fiat 500?
The Fiat 500 is the cheapest at $28,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Polo by $1,890.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Fiat 500 uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Volkswagen Polo has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Polo has the largest boot at 351L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volkswagen Polo has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Polo makes the most power at 85kW. The Volkswagen Polo is quickest to 100km/h in 10.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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